ER Registered Nurse
Freeport, Illinois
Mercyhealth FHN Hospital

Registered Nurse (ER) - Travel Assignment

Location: Freeport, Illinois
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Nights
Hours: 12-hour shifts (typically 7p-7a)
Weekly Hours: Approximately 36 hours

Job Overview

• Provide emergency nursing care in a 24-bed Emergency Department (ED) with mixed patient populations including behavioral health.
• Patient volume averages 60-80 patients per 24 hours.
• Nurse-to-patient ratio typically 1:4-5, adjusted based on acuity and staffing.
• Care for a wide range of patients from neonates to geriatrics with diverse diagnoses (e.g., respiratory viruses, MI, trauma, moderate sedation cases).
• Moderate sedation and critical care drip experience required.
• No separate fast track; triage area present but travelers typically do not work triage.
• Behavioral health safe rooms (4) are part of the ED and cared for by ED nurses.
• Security is available in-house 24/7, often present in the ED.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in Illinois
• Minimum 3 years of Emergency Department (ED) nursing experience, including experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Certifications required: BLS, ACLS, NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), PALS or ENPC, TNS or TNCC
• Moderate sedation experience
• Flexibility to work rotating start times and all shifts as needed
• First-time travelers are welcome

Clinical Environment & Support

• ED physician and mid-level provider coverage varies by shift; always at least one physician on staff.
• Charge nurse on day shift; house supervisor available 24/7.
• Support staff includes ED techs (CNA/EMT/Paramedic) who assist with EKGs, phlebotomy (phlebotomy experience required), wound care, transport, and room stocking.
• Respiratory therapists available on call; nurses may perform breathing treatments.
• Imaging (X-ray, CT) located adjacent to ED; transport usually by techs but nurses may assist.
• Blood draws performed by techs and nurses.
• Monitor techs staff the ED; nurses are responsible for reading and interpreting monitors.

Scheduling & Work Requirements

• Shifts include 7p-7a primarily for this role; other shifts available (7a-7p, 10-10, 11-11p, 12-midnight).
• Weekend work required every other weekend or as needed.
• Holiday shifts rotate with core staff; not all holidays will be required.
• No call or standby requirements.
• Potential to float to Medical-Surgical, Telemetry, or ICU units depending on experience.
• Department orientation consists of two 12-hour shifts plus HR onboarding.

Additional Information

• Professional solid-color scrubs required.
• This is a community hospital setting with a broad scope of emergency care.
• Travelers with prior employment at any related facilities must disclose this for credentialing checks.