Pediatric Stepdown RN
Chicago, Illinois
La Rabida Children's Hospital

Job Opportunity: Pediatric Stepdown Registered Nurse (RN) - Travel/Contract

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Specialty: Registered Nurse (Pediatric Stepdown, PICU experience preferred)
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Work on a unique inpatient pediatric stepdown unit with 39 beds, caring for patients aged 2 weeks to 18 years.
• Patient population includes multiple specialties; 50-60% have technology dependence (e.g., ventilators, tracheostomies, G tubes).
• Acute care unit for children with chronic illnesses; no drips or surgical patients.
• Ratios: 1 nurse to 3-4 patients.
• Weekend shifts required every other weekend.
• Floating within scope of practice to meet facility needs.
• Block scheduling accommodations available.
• Locals accepted at the same rate as travelers.
• Guaranteed hours vary by shift length (36-48 hours/week).

Requirements

Licensure & Certifications

• Active Illinois RN license required at time of submission (compact licenses not accepted).
• BCLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA required.
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) - AHA required.
• Flu vaccine required (medical and religious exemptions accepted).
• COVID vaccination required (exemptions not accepted; booster preferred).
• Preferred but not required: ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Procedure).

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of RN experience required.
• Ventilator, tracheostomy, and G tube experience required.
• Experience with 1:4 patient ratios required.
• Meditech charting experience required.
• Prior travel experience not required.
• First-time travelers not accepted.

Work Schedule

• Weekend shifts every other weekend.
• Floating within scope as needed.
• Open to block scheduling.

Facility Highlights

• Children's hospital with 62 staffed beds.
• Meditech electronic charting system.
• Free parking available.
• Scrub color: any neat and clean color; pediatric-themed encouraged.

Health & Compliance Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year of start.
• Immunizations/vaccinations required or proof of immunity:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within past 10 years)
  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella (two vaccinations or positive titer)
  • Hepatitis B vaccination series or positive titer
  • Varicella (positive titer or proof of 2 vaccines)
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year.
• Drug screen within 30 days prior to start (comprehensive panel including amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, ecstasy, opiates, oxycodone, PCP).
• Seasonal flu vaccination required during flu season (September-April); declinations not accepted.
• COVID vaccination required; exemptions not accepted.

Background & Screening

• 7-year background check including:

  • SS trace and verification
  • County, statewide, and nationwide searches
  • Sex offender registry checks (Illinois-specific required)
  • Education verification
  • Illinois Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking system (CANT) screening (authorization form required; results can be pending at start)
• Annual EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks.
• Illinois Nurses Aide Registry check required.

Additional Notes

• This is a highly specialized pediatric stepdown unit with a complex patient population requiring advanced skills.
• Candidates must have an active Illinois RN license at submission due to licensing processing times.
• The unit cares for technology-dependent children with chronic illnesses, requiring specific clinical competencies.
• Weekend work and floating are mandatory parts of the role.

This position is ideal for experienced pediatric stepdown RNs with ventilator and trach care skills who are ready for a challenging and rewarding travel contract in a unique pediatric acute care setting.