Nursing Jobs in Chicago, IL

Major Responsibilities:

• Provides quality patient care duties within the scope defined by hospital policy and that are specific to the patient population served and as directed by the registered nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech language pathologist.
• Reviews dietary order to ensure patient is receiving proper diet, assists patient in menu selection, initiates reordering as needed under the direction of the registered nurse, passes water, provides proper tray set-up and patient positioning for meals with consideration to special needs, assists patient with meals including feeding, and monitors intake/output and provides accurate information for calorie amount.
• Documents data in the electronic medical record as appropriate to scope of care provided.

• Sets up patient room, opens bed, obtains admission kit, bedpan and urinal if indicated.

• Orients patient/family to room, including physical layout of room, call light, bed functions, TV usage and telephone. Maintains patient environment that is safe based on age and developmental status; practices appropriate use of restraint policy, when necessary, under the supervision of the registered nurse. Assures special patient supplies and appliances are provided and maintained such as TED hose, sequential compression devices, K-pads, etc.

• Assures patient identification band placement.

• Takes and clearly records vital signs, weight, height, intake and output (I/O), as directed and notifies RN with abnormal results. Collects and prepares specimens including stool, urine, and performs unit-based tests as patient needs indicate. Reports areas of pressure, redness, or abrasions on patient skin. Provides care of simple wounds, application of supplied dressing under the supervision of the registered nurse.

• Removes simple IVs and saline locks as directed, provides site care and proper disposal of IV and tubing. Demonstrates ability to respond to emergency situations.

• Assists in rehab gym under immediate supervision of an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech language pathologist which may include but is not limited to mobility, self care activities, activities of daily living, feeding/swallowing, group therapy, home exercise programs, management of durable medical equipment, maintaining the overall cleanliness and order in the gym, assisting with transporting patients to/from rehab gym, etc.

• Personal hygiene care including bathing, grooming, oral/denture care and skin care.

• Assist patient with ordered activities such as walking.

• Assists with toileting needs of the patient including care of the incontinent patient, proper diaper usage, and identification of patients with high risk of skin breakdown.
• Practices within the policies and procedures of infection control by demonstrating knowledge in sterile and aseptic procedures, proper disposal of contaminated materials and utilizing proper attire when in direct contact with the patient in isolation.

• Participates in the admission, transfer, and discharge process of all patients under the supervision of the registered nurse or designee.

• Assists with patient transfer or discharge as assigned, ensuring that the patient belongings are accounted for. Provides post-mortem care and transfers to morgue, as needed. Provides all customers with appropriate services to meet their needs to assist the team in achieving success in their customer satisfaction strategies

• Resolves customer issues/concerns that fall within scope of practice and competency in a timely manner
• Maintains patient’s privacy and confidentiality
• Addresses patient by name.
• Participates in implementation of customer satisfaction strategies such as hourly rounding
• Responds to call lights and communicates in a timely manner to the registered nurse all patient requests
• Communicates with patients, families, and other health professionals in a positive and respectful manner
• Supports patient/family teaching by working with all members of the health care team and seeks out the registered nurse when clinical information is requested
• Acts as a patient/family advocate by providing comfort, assistance and information on safeguarding valuables

Contributes to the practice, department and hospital innovation efforts to maximize excellence and build respect for services
- Submits improvement ideas for IMMC, its services, and participates in the implementation process as appropriate
- Participates in unit innovations and strategies
- Utilizes creative measures to optimize customer satisfaction

Participates in implementation improvements to practice team productivity
- Provides input into strategies that enhance one’s skill level and increases the productivity of the unit.

• Participates in collecting and analyzing productivity data.
• Suggests productivity improvement ideas
• Demonstrates flexibility in meeting the staffing requirements of the unit
• Demonstrates patient information on appropriate forms, including admission sheet, flow sheet and graphics
• Enters orders or messages in computer to facilitate timely response to the patient needs.

Responsible for self development and development of practice team skills.
- Assesses own learning needs, seeks appropriate training and for the development of new technical skills
- Maintains and supports regulatory requirements (Accrediting Organization) in regards to competencies (i.e., CPR certification, safety and infection control).

• Participates in the Performance Pathway evaluation process
• Orients and trains new Associates to unit function and responsibilities
• Participates in hospital committees, as assigned.

Participates in an environment within the health team that supports the management philosophy, ANSHN Hospital strategic plans and Advocate Healthcare strategies.
- Fosters an environment where Advocate values can flourish:
- Compassion - Care of the whole person
- Equality - Everyone is respected
- Excellence - Empowered to improve
- Partnership - Pooling of Stewardship - Sensible use of resources
- Participates with other Associates to create a cooperative team environment
- Participates in unit meetings activities. Provides positive suggestions for improvement of the practice team
- Communicates and collaborates effectively with physicians, nurses, directors and other healthcare members to assure delivery of quality care in a high stress environment.

• Participates in implementing planned changes and activities to improve nursing services, working environment and patient care as directed by the practice team.
• Holds self accountable for learning clinical updates
• Participates in recognition efforts of team.

Contributes to cost containment and business growth initiatives of the organization
- Assists leader and manager with unit staffing requirements
- Utilizes all resources (supplies) within scope of job accountabilities efficiently.
- Manages inventory needs/adjustments and communicates such to manager or practice leader
- Participates in cost containment team strategies such as assisting in evaluation of new products

Education/Experience Required:
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Evidence of CPR course completion

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
- Good communication skills
- Knowledge of basic computer keyboard functions.
- Courteous and professional interpersonal skills
- Basic math calculation skills

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Ability to demonstrate a commitment to patient-focused care
- Ability to work in a fast paced environment with established time constraints and in difficult situations
- May be exposed to hazardous substance and life-threatening and/or communicable diseases
- Ability to work designated shifts, including weekends and holidays
- Ability to transport objects from one location to another
- This position needs to recognize needs and behaviors of specific age groups of patients treated

If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available.

Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.