Emergency Department RN
Freeport, Illinois
FHN Memorial Hospital

Job Opportunity: ER Registered Nurse (RN)

Location: Freeport, Illinois
Contract Length: 13 weeks (approximately 3 months)
Shift: 12-hour shifts (various start times including 7a-7p, 10a-10p, 11a-11p, 12p-midnight, 7p-7a)
Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend or as needed
Holiday Requirement: Rotates with core staff; likely working some holidays but not all

Job Description

• Provide emergency care in a 24-bed Emergency Department (ED) that is Stemi/Stroke ready with cath lab availability depending on schedule.
• Care for a wide range of patients from neonates to geriatrics, including behavioral health patients in 4 safe rooms.
• Typical patient volume: 60-80 patients per 24 hours.
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:4-5, adjusted based on acuity and staffing.
• No separate fast track; triage area exists but travelers typically do not work triage.
• Moderate sedation and lumbar puncture experience beneficial.
• Common diagnoses include respiratory viruses, trauma (stubbed toe to MI, MVA), and care for homeless patients.
• Nurses may assist with breathing treatments; respiratory therapists available as needed.
• Nurses responsible for reading and interpreting patient monitors.
• Blood draws performed by techs and nurses.
• Imaging (X-ray, CT) accessible through ER; nurses may transport patients occasionally.
• Potential to float to Medical-Surgical, Telemetry, or ICU units depending on experience.

Required Qualifications

• Illinois RN license required.
• Minimum 3 years of ER nursing experience (higher value from description overrides lower).
• Certifications required: BLS, ACLS, PALS or ENPC, TNCC or TNS, NIHSS.
• Flexibility to work rotating start times and all shifts.
• Moderate sedation experience preferred.
• First-time travelers are welcome (prior travel experience NOT required).

Additional Information

• Orientation: 2 shifts (12 hours each) in the department plus HR onboarding.
• Security is in-house 24/7, located near the ER.
• Charge nurse available on day shift; house supervisor available 24/7.
• Support staff includes ED techs (CNA/EMT/Paramedic) who assist with EKGs, blood draws, wound care, transport, and room maintenance.
• Scrub color: Solid professional colors.
• No call or standby requirements.

This position is ideal for experienced ER nurses seeking a travel contract with a community hospital setting that offers a diverse patient population and a supportive team environment.