LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE II - CERMAK

Cook County Government; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

Pension plan

Paid holidays/vacation/sick time

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Cook County Government is seeking a Licensed Practical Nurse II at Cermak Health Services in Chicago to deliver direct nursing care to detainees under RN supervision. The role emphasizes medication administration, vital signs, and adherence to nursing standards within a correctional health setting.

Supported by the AFSCME 1111 union, the position requires current IL PN licensure, CPR certification, and acute care experience.

Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited school of Practical Nursing and current license as a Practical Nurse in the State of Illinois OR ability to obtain license two weeks prior to starting employment, required.
• Current CPR certification is required and must be documented at interview.
• Coursework for medication administration as a Practical Nurse per IDFPR standards is required and documented at interview.

Responsibilities

• Provide and document nursing care for assigned detainees, including treatments, medications, and assessments.
• Support nursing process with patient observation, documentation, and plan of care in collaboration with the RN.
• Maintain safety standards, CPR readiness, and adherence to department policies and procedures.
• Administer medications and monitor for adverse effects per policy and orders.
• May supervise non-professional care staff and assist with orientation of new personnel.

Skills

Nursing skills

Vital signs

Medication administration

CPR

Team leadership

Education

Practical Nursing degree

Illinois PN license

Job description

Job Description - LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE II - CERMAK (00139268)

Job Description

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE II - CERMAK

Job Number:

00139268

Job Posting

Sep 21, 2026, 5:36:07 PM

Closing Date

Ongoing Full-time Shift Start Time : 3:00 P.M. Shift End Time : 11:00 P.M.

Collective Bargaining Unit : AFSCME 1111 Health and Hospital Systems AFSCME 1111 Health and Hospital Systems Posting Salary : $28.393

Organization

Health and Hospital Systems

LOCATION: Cermak Health Services - (Dept of Corrections), 2800 S California Ave, Chicago, IL60608.

DEPARTMENT: Patient Care Services - RTU 5

SHIFT: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM

PAY RANGE - $28.393 Hourly

JOB SUMMARY UNION - AFSCME 1111

The Licensed Practical Nurse delivers care to patients/detainees off all ages or assigned unit/division under the direction of a Registered Nurse. Care delivery is facilitated to assist the patient to achieve an optimum level of health. Contributes to the process of nursing practice and Nursing Practice Standards of the Department of Patient Care Services under the direction of a Registered Nurse. Demonstrates a cooperative attitude in support of health services and department philosophy and mission. Knowledgeable of department policies, procedures, standards and safety plans. Administers medication to a large number of detainees. Observes detainees for health problems and intervenes or reports to physician or Registered Nurse. Accepts responsibility for own professional growth and continuing education.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Provides and documents nursing care for assigned patients. This includes but not limited to treatments, dressings, tier rounds, health requests, administration of medications, insertion of Foley catheters, emergency care; other treatments as specified by direction of policy.
• Contributes to the utilization of the nursing process. This includes but is not limited to patient observation and documentation on appropriate forms and implementation of a plan of care and patient education in consultation with the Registered Nurse. Provides timely notification to the Charge Nurse, Nurse Coordinator, Supervisor and physician of changes in patient condition. Assists patient in obtaining health education, behavioral changes related to health and obtains history.
• Understands and supports unit department health services policies and philosophy by reviewing new policies and procedures, utilizes policy and procedure book for clarifications, completes additional assignments when asked, presents positive professional image at all times. Under the Supervision of the Registered Nurse.
• Presents a professional appearance in attitude, dress, communication and grooming.
• Assumes responsibility for attending 12 hours of in-services annually. Accepts responsibility for professional growth by attendance at educational offerings.
• Demonstrates accountability through maintenance and compliance with CPR and license.
• Demonstrates compliance with mandatory certification programs for fire, safety, infection control and other mandatory offerings.
• Assists with the supervision of non-professional patient care providers. Assists with the orientation of new personnel.
• Responds appropriately to emergency situations, initiates basic life support as required.
• Makes rounds on tiers and patient units. Observes patients for potential healthcare needs. Intervenes and communicates appropriately. Assists patient with access to health care.
• Documents patient observations and interventions. Follows policy on documentation format.
• Takes responsibility for own safety. Respectful, cooperative with Correctional Officers.
• Administers medication according to nursing policy.
• Assists in maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients, staff and others by changing exam paper between visits; maintains equipment and ensures exam rooms are properly cleaned and physically suitable for patient services (i.e., lighting, plumbing, ventilation, etc.).
• Implements safe and therapeutic care.
• Inspects emergency equipment and supplies according to policy.
• Communicates effectively with the health care team, physicians, peers, nurses, education, social workers, correctional officers, patient and public.
• Reads and initials communications. Gives appropriate shift to shift reports.
• Takes and records vital signs -EKG.
• Practices Universal Precautions.
• Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI).
• Supports Health Services Mission goals and philosophy.
• Maintains patient confidentiality. Demonstrates use of ethics in practice.
• Complies with Standards of practice and all policies and procedures.
• Administers wound care irrigation.
• Collects and transports lab specimens.
• Maintains crash cart, Cardiopulmonary equipment and jump bag; notifies CMT office if jump bag seal is missing.
• Complies with existing security (CCDOC, DCSI) policies and procedures.
• Participates in process management in order to meet regulatory agency standards (National Commission on Correctional Healthcare, JCAHO, OSHA, HIPPA and Corporate Compliance).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate from an accredited school of Practical Nursing and current license as a Practical Nurse in the State of IllinoisORability to obtain license two weeks prior to starting employment, required.
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) card is required. (Must provide documentation at time of interview)
• Proof of successful completion of coursework for medication administration (Pharmacology) as a Practical Nurse in accordance with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) regarding Standards of Pharmacology/Administration for Medication Course for Practical Nurses is required. (Must provide documentation at time of interview)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of one (1) year recent full time paid clinical experience in an acute care health facility or ambulatory care facility is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Thorough knowledge of all nursing suppliers, equipment and medications, which are administered.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of nursing care, i.e. taking patient's temperature, blood, pressure and respiration rate.
• Knowledge psychiatric disorders.
• Strong knowledge of psychotropic drugs, side effects, usage and dosages.
• Skilled in the use of nursing equipment such as a thermometer, would dressing, etc.
• Competent skills in blood drawing and point of care testing.
• Skilled in accurately taking vital signs and recognizing variances.
• Ability to understand instructions and communicate effectively with patients as well as hospital staff.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and be able to perform appropriately in the role of team leader.
• Ability to collect pertinent data based on patient compliant.
• Ability to formulate a diagnosis using nursing process.
• Ability to provide safe, accurate and clinically competent direct care to detainees.
• Ability to teach techniques or provide information according to established program.
• Ability to communicate information to the patient and other health care disciplinary personnel.

BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify forthe Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service

To take advantage of this preference a Veteran must:

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, "Are you a Military Veteran?"

OR

A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver’s License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW.

MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION FILING.

*Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

*CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.