Clinical Documentation Specialist
Chicago, Illinois
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Job Opportunity: Clinical Documentation Specialist (Registered Nurse)

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 12 weeks
Shift: Day shift, 5 days a week, 8 hours per day (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM)
Hours per Week: 40

Job Description

• Role focuses on Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) with bedside nursing care experience.
• Participation in clinical quality, patient safety, or related initiatives is required.
• Evidence of effective change management skills is necessary.
• No weekend or on-call requirements.
• Meal break length: 30 minutes.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Illinois.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Clinical Document Improvement Specialist.
• Clinical Document Improvement Specialist experience within the last year.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in nursing.
• CCDS (Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist) certification.
• 5 years of experience in medical/surgical, critical care, intensive care, or emergency care preferred.

Required Certifications & Verifications

• State RN license primary source verification within 30 days of start.
• NURSYS verification for RN license within 30 days of start.
• Background checks including 7-year criminal background, SSN trace, federal and national criminal searches, sex offender registry, OIG/SAM/FACIS.
• Education verification of highest degree.
• Drug screening (10-panel) within 30 days of start.
• Physical exam within 1 year of start confirming good health and no physical limitations.
• Fit mask test (3M Aura 1870+) within 12 months of start and annually.
• Immunizations and titers:

  • Tdap vaccine within last 10 years.
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray as applicable.
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunity or vaccination.
  • Varicella immunity or vaccination.
  • Hepatitis B vaccine series or positive titer (declinations accepted).
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption during flu season.
  • COVID-19 vaccination series or declination.
• OSHA Respiratory Safety clearance if fit test failed.
• Competency exam with passing score required.
• Color blindness test (if applicable).

Compliance & Facility Requirements

• Completion of facility-specific training modules prior to or shortly after start.
• Review and acknowledgment of privacy policy, confidentiality agreement, information security agreement, cannabis acknowledgment, sexual harassment training, and policy acknowledgments.
• Completion of accommodation request forms if requesting vaccine or fit test exemptions.
• Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry fingerprinting and eligibility verification required prior to start (must be done in Illinois).
• Employment history covering 7 years with explanations for gaps over 30 days.
• Skills checklist updated annually.

Additional Notes

• Candidates must provide proof of name change if legal name differs from compliance documents.
• All documentation must be current and valid as per facility timelines.
• Candidates must be prepared to complete all required documentation and training promptly to avoid delays in start date.

This position is ideal for experienced Registered Nurses with a strong background in clinical documentation and quality initiatives, seeking a travel contract role in a major urban healthcare setting.