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As part of the UChicago Medicine system, University of Chicago Medical Center has programs designed to inspire nursing success while delivering patient care in an innovative, research-based setting. Whether you’re a recent grad or an experienced registered nurse (RN), this leading Chicago hospital offers a chance to work with renowned physicians, researchers and healthcare leaders. Our in-depth employer spotlight helps you decide if a nursing position at this Magnet-designated healthcare facility fits your career aspirations.
Overview of UChicago Medicine
University of Chicago Medical Center is an academic hospital located on the university’s campus in Hyde Park. In 2022, it had 744 staffed beds, 33,284 admissions and 895,404 outpatient visits, per information from the American Hospital Association.
The medical center serves as a teaching hospital for the Pritzker School of Medicine and is the flagship facility of the broader health system known as UChicago Medicine. Operated by the university, this not-for-profit health system combines patient care, medical education and scientific research with a mission “to provide superior healthcare in a compassionate manner, ever mindful of each patient’s dignity and individuality.”
UChicago Medicine delivers patient care through:
- The Center for Care and Discovery (Hyde Park)
- Comer Children’s Hospital (Hyde Park)
- Bernard A. Mitchell Hospital (Hyde Park)
- Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine (Hyde Park)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross Hospital (New Lenox, Illinois)
- Ingalls Memorial (Harvey, Illinois)
- Outpatient facilities throughout the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana
Accreditations and Honors
Constantly striving to advance medical science and provide the latest in patient care, the University of Chicago Medical Center has earned numerous distinctions, including:
- The first Chicago hospital designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center
- The first Illinois hospital accredited as a comprehensive Pulmonary Hypertension Center
- One of only two National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Illinois
- The first Illinois medical center accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy
- Being awarded Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) Certification for providing quality VAD care as an alternative to transplantation
The medical center also recognition for the following:
- Hospital and patient safety. The hospital is one of only 22 hospitals in the United States to receive 22 consecutive “A” grades for safety from the Leapfrog Group over a 10-year span.
- LGBTQ+ healthcare equality. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation in Washington, D.C., has recognized UChicago Medicine seven consecutive times for its equity and inclusion practices.
- Fair billing practices. Money Magazine recognized UChicago Medicine on its 2022 Best Hospitals for Ethical Billing list.
- Top teaching hospital. Leapfrog Group has named UChicago Medicine a top teaching hospital for 2 consecutive years.
Benefits of Working at UChicago Medicine
University of Chicago Medicine has about 13,000 employees, including 3,000 nurses, systemwide. Employees receive a range of benefits, with options to choose the plans that best fit their needs. Based on information on the UChicago Medicine website on January 15, 2023, employees may be eligible for:
- A choice of medical plans, including the University of Chicago’s health plan or a traditional or high-deductible PPO plan
- A dental co-pay plan or PPO plan
- Comprehensive vision care plans
- Life insurance and disability benefits
- Employee retirement income plan and a supplemental retirement annuity
- Flexible spending accounts for medical care, child and elder care and transportation
- Employee assistance program that extends to spouses and children
Competitive Compensation for Nurses
Nurses at this leading Chicago hospital enjoy flexible scheduling and attractive compensation packages. In addition to a competitive hourly base rate, nurses receive an additional:
- 20% per hour for the 25th through 40th hours worked in a week
- $3.75 per hour for permanent evening shifts
- $5.00 per hour for permanent night shifts
- $2.25 per hour for weekend shifts
- $2.25 per hour for charge pay
New full-time employees receive the following paid time off per year:
- Up to 3 weeks of vacation
- 5 personal holidays
- 10 sick days
Nurses also receive free parking when working a night shift.
Specialty Care at UChicago Medicine
When you accept a nursing job at University of Chicago Medical Center, you practice in an environment with the highest standards of patient care. In 2022-2023, UChicago Medicine ranked as one of the top three Illinois and Chicago hospitals, according to U.S. News & World Report.
UChicago Medicine nurses practice in various specialties. U.S. News & World Report recognized the facility for being high-performing in one adult specialty and 14 procedures and conditions. UChicago also ranked nationally in 10 adult specialties and four pediatric specialties for its outstanding care of extremely ill, medically complex patients.
| Specialty | National Ranking |
| Cancer | 14 |
| Gastroenterology and GI Surgery | 14 |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology | 16 |
| Diabetes and Endocrinology | 17 |
| Pediatric Urology | 31 |
| Urology | 31 |
| Pulmonology and Lung Surgery | 38 |
| Cardiology and Heart Surgery | 44 |
| Pediatric Cancer | 44 |
| Neurology and Neurosurgery | 45 |
| Pediatric Gastroenterology and GI Surgery | 45 |
| Geriatrics | 47 |
| Ear, Nose and Throat | 49 |
| Neonatology | 49 |
Source: U.S. News & World Report
Trauma Center
UChicago Medicine needs trauma nurses to staff its Level 1 Adult Trauma Center and Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center at Comer Children’s Hospital. The emergency rooms treat approximately 75,840 adults and 30,800 pediatric patients in a year, according to 2021 information on the hospital’s website.
The facility can quickly fly critically ill and injured patients from emergency locations to the medical center at Hyde Park via UChicago Medicine’s Aeromedical Network. The rapid helicopter transport service flies about 650 patients a year within a 200-mile radius of Chicago. A specialized team staffs each flight, which includes two trained flight nurses.
Burn and Complex Wound Center
The hospital’s Burn and Complex Wound Center has eight intensive care unit (ICU) beds for adult and pediatric patients. The center’s multidisciplinary team includes nurses trained in critical care and burn care, with expertise in evaluating and treating burn wounds. Many nurses are involved in American Burn Association activities.
Comer Children’s Hospital
Neonatal and pediatric nurses can work in the 172-bed children’s hospital at UChicago Medical Center. U.S. News ranked Comer Children’s Hospital as the second-best pediatric hospital in Illinois in 2022-2023. Specialists at this facility care for about 5,000 patients a year from Chicago, the Midwest and other parts of the world. The hospital has a Level III Neonatal ICU and Level II Transitional Care Unit for premature and critically ill newborns and a 30-bed Pediatric ICU that cares for children requiring complex treatment, surgery or transplants.
Programs to Support Nurses at UChicago Medicine
UChicago Medicine received Magnet designation for nursing excellence in 2018 and earned renewal in 2022. Less than 10% of U.S. hospitals earn this credential. It reflects UChicago Medicine’s ongoing efforts to create a collaborative nursing environment, providing nurses with increased autonomy and a voice in decision-making at all levels. Many of the hospital’s nursing units exceeded benchmarks for nursing engagement, professional development, staffing and resources.
Nurse Residency Program
The hospital’s commitment to nursing excellence begins with its newest RNs. Recent graduates are welcome to apply to any open nursing position at UChicago Medicine. If you’re hired and have less than 6 months of experience, the hospital automatically enrolls you in its Vizient/AACN nurse residency program. This 12-month program helps smooth the transition from nursing school to clinical practice, with support from peers and nurse leaders.
Tuition Reimbursement
Once you’re part of UChicago Medicine’s nursing staff, the hospital continues investing in your professional growth. According to the hospital’s website on January 13, 2023, nurses are eligible for the following financial support to further their education:
- 100% tuition reimbursement for full-time nurses completing a BSN, MSN or MSN/MBA or ECMO nurses scheduled to work 48 hours per 2-week pay period
- 75% tuition reimbursement for nurses completing a doctoral degree in nursing
- 50% tuition reimbursement for part-time nurses completing a BSN, MSN or MSN/MBA
- 50% tuition remission for full-time employees pursuing studies at the University of Chicago, excluding programs such as law and medicine
- Reimbursement for textbooks and lab fees for LPNs
- Reimbursement for nurses attending conferences, seminars, webinars and certification review courses
Travel Nursing at the University of Chicago Medical Center
If you don’t live in the area but are interested in working as a nurse in Illinois, consider a travel RN job in Chicago at one of UChicago’s healthcare facilities. Travel contracts typically last 13 weeks. If you accept a travel contract at this innovative academic hospital, you have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a nationally ranked specialty. You also benefit from insight into best practices, work alongside leaders in the field and establish a valuable network of contacts. While working as a healthcare professional in Chicago, you can explore Navy Pier, window-shop on the Magnificent Mile and catch a game at Wrigley Field.
Getting to UChicago Medicine
The UChicago campus in Hyde Park is about 8 miles from Chicago’s downtown core. It’s easily accessible for medical staff through several transportation options. They can ride the university’s free shuttle around the greater campus area, including parts of Hyde Park, North Woodlawn and South Kenwood communities. Several public transit routes serve the campus for those living further away.
Employees who drive themselves must purchase a parking permit for a monthly fee. For those looking for a healthier commute, Chicago’s bike share system, Divvy, offers UChicago employees a discount and has docking stations across campus.
Nearby Amenities
The Hyde Park neighborhood has a vibrant, college-town atmosphere with a wide selection of eateries and shops, but you can also eat right on campus. Each hospital in the medical complex offers healthy options for refueling during a shift, including:
- At the Center for Care and Discovery, head to Sky Cafe for omelets, salads, sandwiches and burgers. You can also grab a bite at Qdoba Mexican Grill or Starbucks.
- At Bernard A. Mitchell Hospital, the Kitchen at Billings serves made-to-order breakfast and lunches. You’ll also find Panera Bread and a healthy self-service kiosk.
- At Comer Children’s Hospital, you can eat in or take out at Panera Bread. Order online in advance and pick up your food to save time.
- At the Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine, Café Central features menu items from various local restaurants each week.
Contact Information
University of Chicago Medicine
5841 South Maryland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
(773) 702-1000
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