LICENSE PENDING REGISTERED NURSE- RMC 3RD IMCU (FT)

Riverside Healthcare is seeking a skilled and dedicated License Pending Registered Nurse (RN) to join our Ortho Neuro Unit in Kankakee, Illinois. The license pending RN will provide high-quality, compassionate care to patients undergoing various medical and surgical treatments with emphasis in ortho/neuro diagnoses under the supervision a license registered nurse. This role involves assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical and interpersonal skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a commitment to excellence in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Essential Duties

Under the supervision of the License Registered Nurse: 

• Patient Assessment and Care Planning: Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients physical, emotional, and psychological needs. Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with patients, families, and the healthcare team in relation to patient goals of care. 
• Treatment Administration: Administer medications, treatments, and procedures as ordered by provider. Monitor patient responses to treatments and update care plans as necessary to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Patient Monitoring: Continuously monitor patients' vital signs, physical condition, and response to interventions. Document observations and changes in patient status accurately and promptly.
• Coordination of Care: Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and manage treatment plans effectively. Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contributes to discharge planning.
• Patient Education: Takes in consideration culture and age when educating patients and their families about their medical conditions, treatments, medication options, and post-discharge care. Provide support and resources to help patients manage their health and recovery.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes. Ensure compliance with all regulatory and hospital documentation standards. 
• Patient Experience: Engage with patients and their families in a manner that promotes comfort, trust, and understanding. Address patient concerns with empathy and professionalism, striving to create a positive and supportive environment that fosters a sense of security and well-being.
• Employee Experience: Contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment. Offer constructive feedback and assistance to peers, and engage in open communication to promote a culture of mutual respect and teamwork.
• Emergency Response: Respond to medical emergencies with quick and effective intervention, including performing life-saving procedures and stabilizing patients as needed.
• Infection Control: Adhere to infection control protocols and ensure a clean and safe environment for patients and staff. Implement standard precautions and safety measures to prevent the spread of infections.
• Team member will maintain annual education requirements for hospital-based certifications (e.g. DNV CARF and or others)

Non-essential Duties

• Participate in ongoing professional development and training to stay current with best practices and advancements nursing practice.
• Completes all required education
• Actively participates in quality improvement initiatives, Evidence Based Practice, and research when applicable. 

Preferred Experience

• Acute care clinical nursing experiences or rotations preferred.

Required Licensure/Education

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Official written notification of completion and pass of the NCLEX-RN exam.
• Proof of submission of the required licensure fee.  
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• *Add New Graduate RNs starting on or after 1/1/25 must earn Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) within 3 years of start date.
• The privilege to practice as a license-pending registered nurse will be aligned with the Illinois Nurse Practice Act and shall be terminated with the occurrence of any of the following:

1. Three months have passed since the official date of passing the licensure exam as inscribed on the formal written notification indicating passage of the exam. The 3-month license pending period may be extended if more time is needed by the Department to process the licensure application. 
2. Receipt of the registered professional nurse license from the Department. 
3. Notification from the Department that the application for licensure has been refused. 
4. A request by the Department that the individual terminate practicing as a license-pending registered nurse until an official decision is made by the Department to grant or deny a registered professional nurse license.

Preferred Education

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree preferred*
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification preferred.

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure:

• Chemicals: Refer to MSDS sheets
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: Diagnostic composite of patients, frequent contact with intravenous devices, and high potential for contact with contaminated body fluids (blood, stool, vomitus) and administration of blood does create a high risk. use of needleless IV system, universal precautions and protective equipment minimize risk.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Patient diagnostic presentations do pose high risk; however, usage of protective wear, appropriate size TB mask from fit test and universal precautions reduces risk.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Required to communicate with patient/families/staff/doctors, coworkers, ancillary personnel and other department heads. Ability to ask for help. 
• Vision: Required to observe patients and their physical assessment, ability to read reports, ability to read machines.
• Smell: Helpful to note presence of incontinence, vomitus, blood; electrical/fire safety. 
• Hearing: Necessary to hear alarms, calls for help and to hear patient verbalizations; ability to listen for lung, bowel, heart sounds.
• Touch: Necessary to assess patients, need to distinguish between hot and cold.

Activity/Lifting Requirements:

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 10%
• Twist: 4%
• Stand: 40%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 25%
• Kneel: 1%
• Lift: 10%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 1%
• Climb: 1%
• Bend: 30%
• Reach above shoulders: 3%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 35 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 60 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements:

• Lifting of patients off their beds that are unable to move independently is done with assistive lifting equipment.
• Horizontal movement of patients to and from carts/beds who are unable to move independently is done with assistive lifting equipment.
• Lifting equipment - carry 25'- 150' waist high (IV bags, patient trays).
• Carry charts 25'- 150' waist high. Filled laundry bags are filled half full so as not to weigh over 35 lbs.
• Carry fire extinguishers up or down 3-4 flights of stairs and several yards in an emergency.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 30
• Twist: 15
• Stand: 60
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 10
• Kneel: 0
• Lift: 5
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 2
• Climb: 1
• Bend: 15
• Reach above shoulders: 2

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp 10 lbs. Normal weight <5#.
• Pushing & pulling - 50-200 lbs: Occasionally
• Fine Manipulation: Typing in computer, medical/supply dispensing cabinet, using pens to chart, drawing up meds in syringe and administration, starting IV's.

Leg Strength: 

• Up to 50 lbs: Occasionally- (repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: utilized in positioning beds during transport; x-ray, surgery or in an emergency situation from floor to floor, locking beds or cardiac chairs.

Environmental Factors and Special Hazards:

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

• Inside hours: 6-40
• Outside hours: 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere: Odors

Special Hazards: 

• Chemical -drugs/work with patients receiving chemotherapy-Explosive-oxygen; Radiation-cesium implants and radioactive iodine therapy direct radiation for radiology equipment; mechanical- use of Hoover lift bed scales, motorized wheelchairs, bathtub lift chair.
• Protective Clothing Required: As required for chemotherapy or in cases of isolation, i.e. gloves, gowns, masks, goggles.

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.

Our Commitment to You:

Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, generous retirement offerings, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so your journey at and away from work is remarkable.  Our Total Rewards package includes:

Compensation

• Base compensation within the position’s pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits and more

• Paid Time Off programs
• Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program