Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
Freeport, Illinois
Mercyhealth FHN Hospital

Registered Nurse (Med-Surg) - Travel Assignment

Location: Freeport, Illinois
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

• Med-Surg unit with 3 interconnected units (3 East - 24 beds, 3 North - 17 beds, 2 North - 15 beds)
• Patient ratios: 1:4-5 on days, 1:5-6 on nights
• Common patient diagnoses include post-operative care (general, orthopedic, podiatry), general medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, CHF, COPD, cellulitis, CBI, BiPAP, peritoneal dialysis (training provided), surgical drains, and wound vacs
• Patients may be on telemetry; monitoring is done centrally by monitor techs, RNs do not interpret telemetry but validate it
• Floating required to ICU or Tele units for Med-Surg overflow within RN scope of practice

Schedule & Work Hours

• 12-hour shifts (07:00-19:30 or 19:00-07:30)
• Rotating day and night shifts
• Weekend requirement: every other weekend
• Holiday rotation required
• No call or standby requirement for agency staff

Orientation & Training

• Department-specific orientation: 2 shifts (two 12-hour shifts)

  • First shift includes HR, educator, housewide orientation, and preceptor introduction
  • Second shift is a full 12-hour shift with preceptor
  • Third shift works independently

Required Qualifications

• Illinois RN license required to submit
• BLS certification required
• Minimum 2 years recent experience in post-operative recovery or Med-Surg nursing
• First-time travelers are accepted
• No requirement for RNs to titrate drips

Additional Information

• Nurse aides support the unit with assignments based on acuity; some are cross-trained in phlebotomy and 12-lead EKGs (bonus if tele tech experience)
• Respiratory therapy equipment includes BiPAP, High Flow, Vapotherm (managed by RTs)
• Scrub color: any professional color allowed
• Charge nurse has patient assignments; house supervisors do not have patients and are available 24/7
• Disclosure required if previously employed at any related facility for background check purposes

Work Environment

• Patient care involves a mix of general medical and surgical post-op patients
• Telemetry monitoring is present but RNs do not interpret telemetry strips
• Floating to ICU or Tele units may be required for overflow patients within RN scope

This position is suitable for Med-Surg RNs with solid post-op experience seeking a 13-week travel assignment with rotating shifts and weekend/holiday requirements.