Progressive Care Unit RN – Cardiac
Chicago, Illinois
Rush University Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - Intermediate Care Unit

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit Description

• Intermediate Care Unit (PCU) caring for cardiac patients, including new transplant surgical patients transitioned from ICU.
• Experience working in intermediate care, progressive care, and/or step-down units is required.
• Experience with cardiology patients is preferred.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Illinois.
• Minimum 3 years of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience, including experience within the last year.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

Certifications & Training Requirements

• IL Mandatory Reporting Training for all clinical patient-facing/in-person positions.
• Medication/Pharmacology Competency Exam with a minimum passing score of 80%.
• Background check within 30 days prior to start, including SSN trace, criminal database, terrorist search, sex offender registry, alias search, and other required screenings.
• Physical exam within 1 year of start, confirming fitness to work without restrictions.
• Immunizations and titers as required:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (valid within 10 years; declination allowed with prior vaccination record and signed declination form).
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray per facility protocol.
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination or positive IgG titers.
  • Varicella vaccination or positive IgG titer.
  • Hepatitis B surface antibody titer or signed declination form.
• Drug testing: 9-panel drug screen within 90 days of start (excluding marijuana).
• Flu vaccination documentation or approved medical/religious exemption for the 2025-2026 flu season.
• Fingerprinting and Illinois Department of Public Health Healthcare Worker Registry enrollment if applicable.

Additional Requirements

• Must complete facility-specific forms including contractor data form, TB screening questionnaire (if applicable), and vaccine declination forms if applicable.
• References: 2 professional references within the last 3 years (for direct hire).
• Employment history covering the last 7 years with explanations for gaps over 30 days.
• Must comply with all facility and state-specific documentation and credentialing processes.

Start Date

• Early April 2026, ideally April 6, 2026.

Notes

• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required for this position.
• This role requires working in a fast-paced, specialized intermediate care environment focused on cardiac and post-transplant patients.
• Candidates must be prepared to meet all compliance, credentialing, and health screening requirements prior to start.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a specialized cardiac intermediate care setting with a reputable healthcare system in Chicago.