Clinical Documentation Specialist RN
Chicago, Illinois
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Job Opportunity: Clinical Documentation Specialist - Registered Nurse

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 12 weeks

Job Description

• This is a bedside nursing role with involvement in clinical quality, patient safety, and related initiatives.
• Participation in effective change management is expected.
• On-call availability is not required.
• No weekend requirement.
• Meal break length: 30 minutes.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Illinois.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Minimum 2 years of bedside nursing care experience.
• At least 1 year of clinical experience within the last year.
• Minimum 2 years of experience participating in clinical quality, patient safety, or related initiatives with demonstrated effective change management skills.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Bystander Intervention Training Certificate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Nursing.
• 5 years of experience in medical/surgical, critical care, intensive care, or emergency care preferred.
• Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) certification preferred.
• AMC Clinical Documentation specialty experience preferred.

Certifications Required

• BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted (required for all RNs).
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted (required for certain RN specialties; verify if applicable).
• Other certifications may be required depending on specific clinical areas.

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• Complete and maintain all required documentation including I9, Driver’s License/State ID, and proof of any legal name changes.
• Background checks including 7-year criminal background, education verification, and federal/state screenings required within 30 days of start.
• Physical exam within 1 year of start confirming good health and ability to perform job duties.
• Fit mask testing within 12 months of start and updated annually.
• Immunizations and health screenings required:

  • Tdap vaccine within 10 years.
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray as applicable.
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunity or vaccination.
  • Hepatitis B vaccine series or declination.
  • Varicella immunity or vaccination.
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption.
  • COVID-19 vaccination or declination.
• Drug screening (10-panel) within 30 days of start.
• OSHA Respiratory Safety clearance if fit test is failed.
• Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry fingerprinting and eligibility verification required prior to start.

Additional Requirements

• Must pass competency exams as applicable.
• Must complete facility-specific training modules and policy acknowledgements prior to start.
• Sexual harassment training required annually.
• Confidentiality and information security agreements must be signed.
• Accommodation request forms for vaccinations or fit testing must be submitted promptly if applicable.

Notes

• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required for this position.
• Candidates must be prepared to complete fingerprinting in Illinois (out-of-state fingerprints are not accepted).
• This role involves direct patient care and requires compliance with all clinical and health documentation standards.

This position is ideal for experienced Registered Nurses with a strong background in bedside care and clinical documentation, seeking a travel contract opportunity in Illinois.