Staff Nurse - UI Health Care Sleep Clinic 100%25

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Nurse - UI Health Care Sleep Clinic

Company: University of Iowa

Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare Operations / Clinical Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-12

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years implied)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is integral to the patient care operations within the UI Health Care Sleep Clinic, focusing on direct patient assessment and care plan development.

• The position involves critical telephone triage responsibilities, requiring efficient communication and clinical judgment to manage patient inquiries and needs remotely.

• A key aspect of the role includes supporting onsite home sleep apnea testing, contributing to the clinic's diagnostic capabilities and patient management workflows.

• The Staff Nurse will actively participate in coordinating the continuum of care, ensuring seamless patient transitions and integrated healthcare delivery within the academic medical center setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description outlines a clinical nursing role. For the purpose of this enhanced description, we are framing it through the lens of "Operations" by highlighting the process, coordination, and system aspects of patient care delivery within a specialized clinic. This approach allows for the integration of operations-specific keywords and a focus on workflow efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments to identify nursing care needs, utilizing clinical observation and patient history to inform care strategies.

• Develop and implement individualized patient care plans, integrating nursing theory and evidence-based practices to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

• Provide expert telephone triage to assess patient symptoms, provide guidance, and determine appropriate next steps for care, ensuring timely and effective patient management.

• Coordinate patient care across various settings and disciplines, collaborating with physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a holistic approach.

• Assist with onsite home sleep apnea testing procedures, ensuring accurate data collection and patient comfort, contributing to diagnostic efficiency.

• Act as a patient advocate, upholding patient rights, ensuring confidentiality, and facilitating clear communication between patients and the healthcare team.

• Implement nursing interventions in accordance with established department, division, and unit policies, procedures, and protocols to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment.

• Maintain accurate and thorough patient documentation within the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, ensuring data integrity for continuity of care and operational reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities are derived from the "Duties to include but are not limited to" section of the raw description, rephrased to emphasize operational aspects like planning, coordination, and process execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate’s degree in Nursing, Diploma in Nursing, Baccalaureate degree in Nursing, or Master’s degree in Nursing (MNHP or MSN) is required. Experience:

• A minimum of 2-5 years of nursing experience is implied by the mid-level experience categorization.

• Prior experience in an ambulatory clinic setting is desirable, indicating a need for familiarity with outpatient workflows and patient flow.

• Experience with Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, specifically EPIC, is highly preferred, highlighting the importance of system proficiency in clinical operations.

• Previous telephone triage experience is desirable, underscoring the need for strong assessment and communication skills in managing patient inquiries.

• Experience within the Department of Neurology is a plus, suggesting a preference for candidates familiar with neurological conditions and patient populations. Required Skills:

• Current license to practice nursing in Iowa by date of hire.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, crucial for effective patient interaction, interdisciplinary collaboration, and documentation.

• Strong patient assessment skills, enabling accurate evaluation of health status and care needs.

• Proficiency in developing and executing patient care plans, demonstrating clinical reasoning and planning capabilities.

• Ability to perform telephone triage effectively, managing patient concerns and directing care appropriately.

• Competence in nursing interventions and the application of established protocols for patient safety and care quality. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with EPIC EHR system for patient charting, order entry, and information retrieval.

• Demonstrated ability to manage home sleep apnea testing procedures.

• Background in ambulatory care settings and understanding of outpatient clinic operations.

• Experience in neurology nursing, with knowledge of relevant conditions and treatments.

• Proven ability to coordinate care across different healthcare settings and disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Qualifications" and "Desirable Qualifications" from the source have been expanded and categorized. The experience level is inferred from typical nursing career progression and the nature of the role within an academic medical center. Emphasis is placed on EHR proficiency and triage skills as key operational competencies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented examples of patient care plans developed and their impact on patient outcomes, showcasing care planning and clinical reasoning processes.

• Case studies illustrating successful telephone triage scenarios, highlighting critical thinking, patient management, and resolution strategies.

• Examples of collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate patient care, demonstrating workflow integration and communication effectiveness.

• Evidence of proficiency with EHR systems, particularly EPIC, through descriptions of system usage for charting, documentation, and information retrieval in patient care.

• Documentation of involvement in diagnostic procedures, such as assisting with home sleep apnea testing, showcasing technical skills and process adherence. Process Documentation:

• Showcase understanding of patient flow within an ambulatory clinic setting, detailing how patient appointments, consultations, and follow-ups are managed efficiently.

• Detail experience with triage protocols, including assessment tools, decision-making algorithms, and escalation procedures for urgent patient needs.

• Illustrate experience with patient education processes, particularly concerning sleep disorders, testing procedures, and treatment adherence.

• Provide examples of how you have contributed to process improvement initiatives within a clinical setting, focusing on efficiency, patient safety, or enhanced patient experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section assumes that a strong candidate would be prepared to demonstrate their operational capabilities through a portfolio. The requirements are tailored to the specific duties of a clinic-based nurse, emphasizing process, system utilization, and patient management within a healthcare operations context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the "Pay Grade: 52" and the provided link to University of Iowa's pay plans, a specific salary range can be estimated. For a Staff Nurse with 2-5 years of experience in Iowa City, IA, typical ranges for a Registered Nurse in a specialized clinic setting at a large academic medical center often fall between $60,000 - $80,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Iowa City and the competitive landscape for healthcare professionals in an academic institution. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for employees and dependents.

• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions (e.g., IPERS for state employees, or a comparable 403(b) plan).

• Paid Time Off (PTO) including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, designed to support work-life balance.

• Professional development and continuing education opportunities, including tuition assistance and support for certifications.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Access to employee wellness programs and resources.

• Potential for employee discounts on campus services and local businesses. Working Hours:

• 40 hours per week.

• Standard business hours: 0800 - 1700, with a one-hour lunch break.

• No evenings or weekends required, offering a predictable and stable work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimate based on typical nursing roles at similar institutions in the specified region. The University of Iowa's pay grade system and the provided link would offer precise details. Benefits are standard for a large university healthcare system.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center)

Company Size: Large (University of Iowa Health Care employs over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers), indicating a robust organizational structure and extensive resources. This size provides stability and opportunities for diverse career paths.

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, with its health care system evolving significantly over time to become a comprehensive academic medical center. This long history suggests a deep-rooted commitment to patient care, research, and education.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within the UI Health Care Sleep Clinic, a specialized unit likely composed of physicians, nurses, sleep technologists, and administrative staff.

• Reporting Structure: The Staff Nurse will report to a Nurse Manager or Clinical Supervisor within the Sleep Clinic or a broader nursing leadership hierarchy.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This position requires extensive collaboration with internal clinic staff, other departments within UI Health Care (e.g., Neurology, Pulmonology), and potentially external referring physicians and healthcare providers. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Care: Patient care plans and interventions are informed by clinical data, patient assessments, and evidence-based research, aligning with academic medical center standards.

• Workflow Optimization: The clinic likely employs standardized processes for patient intake, scheduling, testing, and follow-up to ensure efficiency and quality of care.

• Patient-Centered Approach: Emphasis is placed on understanding and addressing patient needs, preferences, and expectations throughout their care journey.

Company Website: https://uihealthcare.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the provided description and general knowledge of large academic medical centers. The "WE CARE" values are integrated to reflect the company's operational ethos.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level clinical operations position within a specialized healthcare setting. It requires established nursing skills and the ability to manage patient care processes independently, including triage and procedural support.

Reporting Structure: The Staff Nurse reports to a direct supervisor within the Sleep Clinic, with potential oversight from broader nursing management at UI Health Care. This structure allows for mentorship and guidance while providing autonomy in daily patient care tasks.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts patient outcomes by ensuring timely and accurate assessments, effective care planning, and efficient coordination of diagnostic and treatment services. By managing patient flow and communication, the nurse contributes to the overall operational efficiency and patient satisfaction of the Sleep Clinic.

Growth Opportunities:

• Clinical Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in sleep medicine, potentially leading to advanced certifications or roles within sleep diagnostics or patient management.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into charge nurse roles, preceptor positions for new nurses, or clinical team lead roles within the clinic or other departments.

• Interdisciplinary Training: Access to ongoing education and training programs offered by UI Health Care, including opportunities to learn about related specialties and advanced clinical practices.

• System Proficiency: Enhanced skills in using EPIC and other healthcare IT systems, which are transferable across many healthcare organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are framed within the context of a healthcare system, focusing on clinical advancement, leadership potential, and system-wide learning opportunities relevant to operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based within the UI Health Care Sleep Clinic, located at Heartland Drive, Coralville. This is an outpatient clinical setting, distinct from an inpatient hospital environment.

Office Location(s): Heartland Drive, Coralville, Iowa. This location is part of the broader UI Health Care network, suggesting access to comprehensive medical facilities and resources.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace fosters close collaboration with physicians, sleep technologists, and other clinic staff to manage patient care pathways efficiently.

• Tools and Technology: Access to a modern clinical environment equipped with necessary medical equipment for sleep studies, patient assessment tools, and a robust Electronic Health Record (EHR) system (EPIC).

• Patient Interaction: The environment is highly patient-focused, with significant direct patient contact during assessments, consultations, and procedural support.

Work Schedule:

• A consistent, predictable schedule of 40 hours per week from 0800 to 1700, Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch.

• The absence of evening or weekend shifts provides a strong work-life balance, which is a significant operational benefit for staff well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described based on the clinic setting and the explicit mention of no evenings or weekends, highlighting a key operational benefit for potential applicants.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or the hiring manager (Shaye-Short) will review submitted resumes and applications for minimum qualifications. Applicants must clearly address required and desired qualifications.

• Phone/Video Interview: A preliminary conversation to discuss experience, qualifications, and assess initial fit for the role and the clinic's operational needs.

• On-site Interview: This stage likely involves meeting with the hiring manager and key members of the Sleep Clinic team. It may include a tour of the facility and discussions about patient care scenarios.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study (Potential): While not explicitly stated, candidates may be asked to discuss how they would handle specific triage situations, patient education scenarios, or assist with a home sleep apnea test, demonstrating practical application of skills.

• Final Interview/Offer: Discussion of terms, benefits, and an official job offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Resume Focus: Ensure your resume clearly highlights specific experience in patient assessment, care planning, telephone triage, and any experience with sleep disorders or neurology, as well as EHR proficiency (especially EPIC).

Use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible.

• Case Study Preparation: Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you have:

  • Effectively managed a complex patient triage call.
  • Developed and implemented a successful patient care plan.
  • Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to improve patient outcomes.
  • Utilized EPIC to improve patient care or clinic efficiency.

• Demonstrate Understanding of Sleep Medicine: Show awareness of common sleep disorders, diagnostic processes (like HSAT), and the importance of nurse's role in patient education and compliance.

• Cultural Alignment: Be prepared to speak to how your approach aligns with UI Health Care's "WE CARE" values (Welcoming, Excellence, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment).

Challenge Preparation:

• Triage Scenarios: Practice articulating your thought process for handling various patient calls, prioritizing urgency, and determining appropriate next steps.

• Patient Education: Prepare to explain common sleep disorders (e.g., sleep apnea), the purpose of home sleep apnea testing, and general sleep hygiene principles.

• EHR Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with EPIC, focusing on how you leverage it for patient care, documentation, and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is built around standard healthcare interview processes and the specific requirements mentioned in the job description, such as resume content and the "WE CARE" values. The emphasis is on demonstrating operational competence and alignment with the clinic's specific needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) System: EPIC is a highly desirable skill. Proficiency in EPIC for patient charting, order entry, scheduling, and accessing patient history is critical for efficient clinic operations.

• Patient Monitoring Equipment: Standard medical equipment for patient assessment and vital sign monitoring.

• Diagnostic Devices: Equipment used for assisting with home sleep apnea testing (HSAT).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal Reporting Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, nurses contribute to data collection that feeds into clinic performance reports, patient outcome tracking, and operational efficiency metrics within EPIC or other institutional systems.

CRM & Automation:

• EPIC's Patient Communication Features: Utilizing EPIC for secure messaging, appointment reminders, and patient portal functions to streamline communication and patient engagement.

• Clinic Scheduling Software: Integrated within EPIC or a separate system, for managing patient appointments, optimizing provider schedules, and minimizing patient wait times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on the EHR system (EPIC) as it's a key desired qualification and central to healthcare operations. Other tools are inferred based on the nature of a specialized clinic.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality patient care and operational efficiency in all aspects of the role, striving for best practices in sleep medicine.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork with physicians, technologists, and administrative staff to ensure seamless patient journeys and integrated care delivery.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of patient care responsibilities, maintaining accurate documentation, and upholding professional standards in a healthcare environment.

• Respect: Fostering a welcoming and respectful environment for patients, colleagues, and trainees, aligning with UI Health Care's core values.

• Empowerment: Encouraging initiative in patient care, contributing to process improvements, and seeking opportunities for professional growth within the clinic.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Teamwork: Active participation in team huddles, case reviews, and collaborative problem-solving to address complex patient needs within the sleep clinic.

• Patient-Centered Communication: Maintaining open and empathetic communication with patients and their families, acting as a liaison between patients and the broader healthcare team.

• Process-Oriented: A collaborative approach that values clear communication of processes, feedback exchange, and a shared commitment to optimizing patient care workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section directly integrates the "WE CARE" values provided in the job description, framing them within the context of operational behavior and team dynamics relevant to a healthcare setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing High Patient Volume: Effectively triaging and managing a high volume of patient inquiries and needs via phone and in person, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Complex Patient Cases: Addressing a range of sleep disorders and co-morbidities, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to diverse patient needs.

• Technology Integration: Staying proficient with evolving EHR functionalities and clinic-specific technologies to maintain operational efficiency.

• Patient Education and Compliance: Ensuring patients understand their conditions, treatment plans, and the importance of adherence, particularly for home sleep apnea testing protocols.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Sleep Medicine Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in sleep disorders, diagnostics, and treatment protocols through internal education or external certifications.

• Advanced Clinical Skills: Development of advanced nursing skills in patient assessment, triage, and procedural support within a specialized clinic setting.

• EHR Proficiency Enhancement: Becoming an expert user of EPIC, potentially leading to roles in EHR training or optimization.

• Leadership Pathways: Potential to take on increased responsibilities, such as precepting new nurses or participating in clinic operational improvement projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the nature of the role (triage, specialized clinic) and common issues in healthcare operations. Growth opportunities are tailored to clinical advancement and system-specific skill development within UI Health Care.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to handle a difficult patient call via telephone triage. What was the situation, your process, and the outcome?" (Assesses triage skills, critical thinking, and communication)

• "How do you approach developing a patient care plan for a new patient in an ambulatory clinic setting?" (Evaluates care planning process, patient assessment, and integration of clinical knowledge)

• "Walk me through your experience with the EPIC EHR system. What are its key benefits for patient care and clinic operations?" (Tests EHR proficiency and understanding of its operational impact)

• "How do you ensure patient confidentiality and uphold patient rights in your daily practice?" (Focuses on ethical conduct and adherence to healthcare regulations) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody the 'WE CARE' values in your daily work as a nurse?" (Assesses cultural fit and alignment with organizational principles)

• "What interests you about working specifically in a Sleep Clinic within an academic medical center like UI Health Care?" (Gauges motivation and understanding of the organization's mission)

• "Describe your experience working collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare professionals. How do you contribute to effective teamwork?" (Evaluates collaboration style and interdisciplinary communication) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Triage Successes: Present a case study of a challenging triage situation and demonstrate your logical progression from symptom assessment to resolution.

• Showcase Care Planning: Detail a patient care plan you developed, emphasizing how it was tailored to the individual's needs and how it contributed to positive outcomes.

• Demonstrate System Fluency: If possible, describe how you've used EPIC to enhance patient care, streamline workflows, or improve data accuracy.

• Emphasize Patient Advocacy: Share an example of how you acted as a patient advocate, ensuring their needs were met and their voice was heard within the healthcare system.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe key operational and clinical competencies relevant to the role, including critical thinking, system usage, collaboration, and alignment with organizational values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Nurse position:

• Submit your application through the provided UIowa Taleo career portal link.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to prominently feature your nursing degree, current Iowa RN license, and specific experience in patient assessment, care planning, and telephone triage. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed an average of X patient calls per day").

• Highlight Desired Qualifications: Explicitly mention any experience with EPIC, ambulatory clinic settings, triage, or neurology in your resume and cover letter.

• Prepare for Interview Scenarios: Anticipate questions about your clinical judgment, patient care coordination, and experience with the specific duties of a sleep clinic nurse. Review the "WE CARE" values and be ready to discuss how you align with them.

• Research UI Health Care: Familiarize yourself with the University of Iowa Health Care mission, services, and the "WE CARE" values to demonstrate your understanding and interest in their operational approach to healthcare.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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