Correctional Med/Surg RN
Chicago, Illinois
Cermak Health Services of Cook County

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (Correctional)

Location: Chicago, Illinois
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Details

• Specialty: Medical-Surgical (Med/Surg) with Correctional experience preferred
• Shift: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (11:00 AM - 11:30 PM)
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend (2 weekends per month)
• Guaranteed Hours: 36 hours per week
• Floating: Mandatory float within scope to meet facility needs
• Time Off (RTO): Maximum 5 days off, no more than 2 consecutive; no time off before/after holidays or on weekends
• Local Candidates: Accepted and preferred; must live within 75 miles of the facility

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 2 years of recent acute care experience in Med/Surg (Correctional experience preferred)
• Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) required
• Licensure: Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license for Illinois (pending licenses not accepted)

Facility & Work Environment

• Correctional healthcare setting
• Charting system: Cerner
• Scrub color: Navy Blue
• Free parking available (first come, first served)

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License/State ID or US Passport)
• Social Security Card
• Background Check within 12 months covering all locations lived/worked/schooled in past 7 years, including aliases and nationwide checks
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks within 30 days of start
• Physical exam within 12 months, signed by PA, NP, DO, or MD
• Fit mask test (N95 or equivalent) within 1 year, updated annually; medical/religious exemptions require documentation
• Immunizations and health screenings:

  • Tdap vaccine within 10 years or signed declination
  • Negative TB test (QGold or TSPOT) within 12 months, updated annually
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination or positive titer with boosters if needed
  • Hepatitis B series, titer, or signed declination
  • Varicella vaccination or positive titer with booster if needed
• Drug screening: Negative 9-panel drug screen within 90 days of start, updated annually
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season (Oct 1 - Apr 1)
• Competency exams and training as required (medication/pharmacology, color blindness, dysrhythmia/EKG preferred for ER RNs)
• Facility-specific forms and rules of behavior must be completed prior to start
• References and employment application per agency standards (2 references within 2 years preferred)

Additional Notes

• No call requirements
• No block scheduling accommodations
• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required for this position

This role is ideal for experienced Med/Surg RNs interested in correctional healthcare and able to commit to a 13-week travel contract in the Chicago area.