UI Health - Staff Nurse I - PACU (Full Time/Evenings)
UI Health - Staff Nurse I - PACU (Full Time/Evenings)
Hiring Department: PACU
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1037658
FTE : 1
Work Schedule - Rotating Evenings
Shift : Evenings
# of Position: 2
Posting Date: 1/20/2026
Salary: The previously determined range for this position was $36.08/hr to $80.98/hr*. Final rate offered will be determined by the collective bargaining agreement, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a rate at or near the top of the full range for a position.
This position requires Illinois residency within 180 days of the hire date.(RNs only)
About the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health)
The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) provides comprehensive care, education, and research to the people of Illinois and beyond. A part of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), UI Health comprises a clinical enterprise that includes a Joint Commission-accredited tertiary care hospital and outpatient clinics, and the Mile Square Health Center network of federally qualified health centers. It also includes the seven UIC health science colleges: the College of Applied Health Sciences; the College of Dentistry; the School of Public Health; the Jane Addams College of Social Work; and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, including regional campuses in Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. UI Health is dedicated to the pursuit of health equity. Learn more: https://hospital.uillinois.edu/about-ui-health
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary
The PACU Staff Nurse I is a professional registered nurse responsible for delivering comprehensive nursing care to patients of all age groups during all phases of the perioperative process. The Staff Nurse I provides direct patient care & takes initiative to improve patient outcomes by integrating Shared Leadership, Evidence Based Practice, Relationship Based Care, & standards of nursing excellence into clinical practice. This position integrates professional practice model, current standards of practice & clinical experience to provide "quality" patient care as measured by established nursing quality standards & other governing/accrediting health care bodies. The Staff Nurse I engages in & obtains information from patients and/or family to advocate for the patient, develops an appropriate patient educational plan, & responds to patient's changing needs while sharing information & collaborating with other health care team members to promote effective patient care.
Duties & Responsibilities
Essential Responsibilities
Provides safe, high-quality perioperative nursing care which encompasses preoperative intake, support for minor procedures, post-anesthesia recovery Phase I & Phase II, and recovery room boarders for all levels of care to include ICU for a diverse patient population spanning the continuum from pediatrics to geriatrics.
Establishes an in-depth database by assessing the behavioral and physical status of a variety of pre-surgical patient populations, utilizing interview, observation, and physical examination. Interprets overt and subtle data to determine physiologic or psychosocial risk.
Ensures the delivery of quality nursing care for patients undergoing surgical and non-invasive procedures in accordance with age-related and individual needs, physician's orders, hospital policy, standards of care and nursing practice.
Responsible for assessing the needs of patients, planning nursing care to meet those needs, and ensuring that the plan of care is carried out and documented according to the principles defined in the nursing process.
Provides patient with safe, therapeutic, and quality care by utilizing the nursing process and diagnosis in a timely manner, setting appropriate priorities.
Evaluates patient's responses to care based on the effectiveness of nursing interventions in relation to established outcomes and consults with the medical staff, Care Team Lead, and/or Nursing Supervisor.
Demonstrates critical thinking by integrating theoretical knowledge and expertise to pose relevant clinical questions when evidence and practice differ.
Recommends changes to the plan of care based on observed variances.
Integrates nursing interventions into the multidisciplinary plan of care, incorporating appropriate standards of care and practice.
Identifies learning needs with patients and families and teaches by adapting standard information to provide individualized and comprehensive learning.
Incorporates discharge/home care planning into the multidisciplinary plan of care.
Develops a therapeutic relationship by establishing trust and enabling the patient and/or family to verbalize the requirements for care comfortably.
Supports and enhances the patient's responsibility and self-determination in decision making concerning health, treatment, and well-being.
Competent in all areas of PeriAnesthesia - Pre op, Phase 1, and Phase 2 recovery areas, and extended care to boarder post-surgical patients requiring the appropriate level of care including ICU.
Checking and updating patient files, charts, and medical records
Assure that operative/informed consents are accurate and signed per policy
Assess and instruct patient/family prior to surgery
Engages and obtains information from patient and/or family to develop an appropriate patient educational plan
Observing patients for side effects of anesthesia
Monitoring and recording patient vital signs during the perianesthesia phases
Monitoring patient's level of consciousness throughout sedation recovery
Performing post-operative tasks, such as administering medication or changing dressings
Collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, physicians, and other members of the patient's care team
Discern and execute provider orders per hospital policy, guidelines, or protocol
Verifies and implements orders from providers, by performing interventions as prescribed by the provider and documenting accurately in the electronic medical record.
Ability to administer a variety of treatments & medications, including all medications on the crash cart
Collaborating with the medical team on post-operative patient care and facilitating timely specialized interventions.
Treating pain, nausea, and other post-operative symptoms of anesthesia.
Providing comfort and answering questions when patients wake from sedation
Assure intake of patient is accurate through chart review, questioning using safe communication tactics outlined in learning modules
Monitor and accurately document vital signs and assure patient meets discharge criteria
Monitor patients' condition and report and changes to the appropriate physicians
Assure patient comfort, address, and resolve patient and care provider questions. Coordinate holistic care needs with the interprofessional team.
Evaluates effectiveness of teaching interventions and the patient/family's level of understanding.
Educating patients and their families regarding post-surgery care at home
Oversees tasks and delegates to support staff and promotes positive patient experience.
Requires adherence to all policies and procedures, including but not limited to standards for safety, attendance, punctuality, and personal appearance.
Other assigned duties that will assist with safety, quality, and efficiency.
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.
Be proactive in a committee or a process improvement project.
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 Staff RN 1 provides and receives input from peers regarding expected care and documentation.
Engages support personnel by delegating appropriate tasks per the Illinois State Nurse Practice Act and provides support and feedback.
Demonstrates a commitment to UI Health's values through teamwork and effective communication to achieve quality outcomes, patient safety, customer satisfaction and a clean, safe, and therapeutic environment.
Minimum Qualifications
- Eligibility for licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation.
Required Qualifications Include:
- Current AHA BLS/CPR, PALS, and other required unit specific certifications.
- Excellent attendance, interpersonal skills and work history required.
- Pediatric experience is required.
- Four plus years of recent ICU and PACU experience (Phase I, Phase II and Pediatric Recovery) required.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications Include:
- Minimum BSN preferred of an accredited nursing program
- CPAN, CAPA or Nationally certified through ANCC approved certifier
- Effective communication skills (oral and written) that facilitate therapeutic relationships between patients, family, and health care providers.
- Basic computer skills with the ability to become proficient in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) with on-the-job training
To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.
Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
To apply, visit https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/18872?c=uic
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University of Illinois Chicago
life insurance, paid time off, retirement plan
Jan 21, 2026