Staff Nurse I - Sleep Science Center (posted 5/6/2022)

Department:

Sleep Science Center

Category:

Nursing

Location:

UI Health

Shift:

Days

Duties:

Staff Nurse I is accountable for the delivery of patient care utilizing the Nursing Process and Relationship-Based Care model as the framework. The Staff Nurse I provides direct patient care and takes initiative to improve patient outcomes by integrating Shared Leadership, Evidence Based Practice, Relationship Based Care and standards of nursing excellence into clinical practice. Through therapeutic relationships with patients, families, self and colleagues, the Staff Nurse I functions as an interdisciplinary team member who provides quality patient care and fulfills unit and organizational goals.

Clinical

* Completes required orientation program and unit-specific competencies.
* Delivers test results to sleep study patients.
* Manages chart reviews for patients that are directly referred for sleep testing.
* Assists with prior-authorizations for sleep center services and prescriptions.
* Assists with coordinating durable medical equipment prescriptions with outside contractors and vendors associated with the operations and of the Sleep Center.
* Responds to patient inquires, from a largely Spanish speaking population (both in person and by telephone) and relays information to the appropriate clinical staff based on the nature of the inquiry.
* Develops, implements and updates the patient's plan of care based on on-going assessment of the patient and input from the patient's family.
* Shares information and collaborates with other members of the health care team to promote effective patient care.
* Verifies and implements orders from physician, physician assistant and/or advance practice nurse by performing interventions as prescribed by the provider and documenting accurately in the electronic medical record.
* Engages and obtains information from patient and/or family to develop an appropriate patient educational plan
* Recognizes symptoms, establishes priorities and responds to patient's changing needs.
* Assists Clinical Director with implementation of policy and procedures in the Sleep Center.
* Assists Clinical Director with efforts to assure appropriate equipment, space and other resources to meet operational needs of the section in conjunction with the Section Administrator.
* Coordinate efforts relating to Jesse Brown Veterans Administration, Union Health Services and other affiliated institutions concerning clinical patient referral appointments
* Assists Clinical Director with efforts to monitor the center's compliance under the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (MSM) accreditation and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) accreditations.
* Demonstrates a commitment to UI Health's values through teamwork and effective communication in an effort to achieve quality outcomes, patient safety, customer satisfaction and a clean, safe and therapeutic environment.
* Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Professional

* Advocates for patients, families, and their significant others, the community, and the nursing profession.
* Integrates theoretical knowledge, evidence-based research, current standards of practice and clinical experience to provide "quality" patient care as measured by established nursing quality standards and other governing/accrediting health care bodies.
* Utilizes the hospital approved acuity tool and the electronic scheduling tool, to facilitate optimal staffing, scheduling and patient assignments.
* Recognizes and supports Shared Leadership as the selected method of nursing governance
* Participates in organizational, departmental and shared leadership activities; supports department and unit goals in daily behavior.
* Demonstrates accountability for job performance by: (1) seeking opportunities to enhance job skills and knowledge; (2) maintaining conditions of employment (RN licensure, BLS and other required unit-specific certifications).
* Assumes role of Charge Nurse when assigned, utilizing appropriate resources and tools.
* Receives and provides feedback to members of the health care team regarding performance/practice.

Organizational

* Adheres to UI Health's Code of Conduct.
* Treats patients/families, staff, students and visitors with respect and dignity.
* Adheres to Nursing's time, overtime and attendance policies.
* Completes electronic learning modules and related programs as assigned by UI Health by established date
* Complies with University Health Services TB, flu compliance and fit-testing requirements
* Utilizes established communication channels/chain of command to escalate or resolve patient care problems.
* Identifies recurring clinical practice and/or related unit problems and participates in problem solving and resolution.

Education/Research

* Collaborates with other nurses to identify, promote and provide positive learning experiences for staff and students
* Serves as preceptor and/or resource to other nursing staff and students.
* Accesses UI Health intranet/Outlook for relevant communication and to review and interpret changes in policy, procedure and other information pertinent to practice
* Supports nursing and multidisciplinary research efforts conducted on the unit and UI Health.
* Takes responsibility for continued professional growth/development by identification of learning needs and initiates strategies to meet such needs.

Reporting Structure

* This person works independently within the scope of nursing practice. The Director/CNCII, acting as coach and mentor, provides direction, guidance, and feedback regarding practice and performance. The employee's performance is evaluated annually in writing and more frequently if needed. The employee and Director, meet on an as needed basis for coaching and mentoring where support, guidance and direction can be given. The RN provides and receives input from peers regarding practice/performance.

Qualifications:

UI Care: Patient & Employee Values

Our Values and UI CARE (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellence) Standards

Compassion: We will treat our patients and their families with kindness and compassion and strive to better understand and respond to their needs.

Accountability: We will hold ourselves accountable as an organization and as individuals to act ethically and responsibly in everything we do, to be excellent stewards of our natural and financial resources and to be transparent in our actions. We will make every effort to reduce waste in all forms, including waste that impacts human health.

Respect: We will act with respect, openness and honesty in our relationships with patients, families and coworkers. We will work collaboratively to promote the well-being of the communities we serve and to advance patient care, education and research.

Excellence: We will work as a team to leverage best practices and innovation in providing the

Job Knowledge & Skills, Education, Experience

* Bilingual Spanish speaking required
* Graduate of an accredited nursing program
* Current license as a Professional Registered Nurse from the State of Illinois
* Current AHA BLS/CPR and other required unit-specific certifications
* Effective communication skills (oral and written) that facilitate therapeutic relationships between patients, families and health care providers
* Basic computer skills with the ability to become proficient in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) with on-the-job training

Working Conditions - Physical Requirements & Work Environment

Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods, climb stairs, bend, stretch, lift and have adequate (baseline) sensory functions: sight, smell, hearing and manual dexterity. Work may be performed in varied locations inside/outside of the hospital, such as, but not limited to patient care unit, operating rooms, recovery rooms, clinical and research labs and offices. Duties may include travel by vehicle. Work may involve exposure to contagious diseases, radiation, anesthesia gases, chemicals, caustic materials, sophisticated electronic equipment and hazards associated with its use, physical injury from patients, visitors, mechanical devices and other hospital equipment.