ER Registered Nurse
Freeport, Illinois
Mercyhealth FHN Hospital

Registered Nurse (ER) - Illinois

Job Details

• Location: Freeport, Illinois
• Department: Emergency Room (ER)
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Shift Length: 12-hour shifts
• Shift Times: Various (7a-7p, 10a-10p, 11a-11p, 12p-12a, 7p-7a)
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend or as needed
• Holiday Requirement: Rotates with core staff; likely to work some holidays but not all
• Orientation: 2 shifts (12 hours each) plus HR onboarding

Patient Care Environment

• ER Beds: 24 total, including 4 behavioral health safe rooms
• Patient Volume: 60-80 patients per 24 hours
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: Typically 1:4-5, adjusted based on acuity and staffing
• Patient Population: Neonates to geriatrics; diagnoses range from minor injuries to MI, MVA, respiratory viruses, and behavioral health
• Trauma Level: Emergency care provided, non-trauma center; STEMI/Stroke ready; cath lab available depending on day/hours
• Triage: Separate triage area within ER; travelers typically do not staff triage
• Holding Area: Intermixed with ER patients
• Security: In-house 24/7, located near ER

Responsibilities & Duties

• Provide emergency nursing care including moderate sedation and lumbar puncture
• Manage critical care drips
• Assist with breathing treatments; respiratory therapist available for equipment and assistance
• Draw blood and assist with wound care (phlebotomy experience required)
• Collaborate with ED techs who perform EKGs, blood draws, transport, vitals, and room stocking/cleaning
• May float to Medical-Surgical, Telemetry, or ICU units as needed; full patient load possible if experienced
• Read and interpret patient monitors (no dedicated monitor techs)
• Transport patients for imaging (X-ray/CT) as needed

Required Qualifications

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

Additional Information

• No call or standby requirements
• Professional solid-color scrubs required
• House supervisor available 24/7; charge nurse on day shift assists with patient care and triage
• ED providers include physicians and mid-levels with coverage varying by shift and patient load
• ED techs may have CNA, EMT, paramedic, or CMA background but only function in tech roles
• Disclosure required if previously employed at any related facility for background check purposes