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)
Hours per Week: 36 hours

Job Overview

• Provide emergency nursing care in a 24-bed Emergency Department (ED) with a patient volume of 60-80 patients per 24 hours.
• Care for a wide range of patients from neonates to geriatrics with diverse diagnoses including respiratory viruses, trauma (stubbed toe to MI and MVA), behavioral health, and moderate sedation cases.
• Work in a non-trauma center that is STEMI and stroke ready; cath lab availability varies by day and hours.
• No separate fast track; triage area exists but travelers typically do not staff triage.
• Behavioral health patients are cared for within the ED, which includes 4 behavioral health safe rooms.
• Nurse-to-patient ratios generally range from 1:4 to 1:5, adjusted based on acuity and staffing.

Required Qualifications

• Illinois RN license.
• Minimum 3 years of Emergency Room nursing experience.
• Certifications required: BLS, ACLS, PALS or ENPC, TNCC or TNS, NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS).
• Experience with moderate sedation and critical care drips.
• Flexibility to work rotating start times and all shifts as needed.
• First-time travelers are welcome.

Department & Team

• ED Physician coverage: 1 provider 7a-6p, MD 10a-8p, midlevel 12p-12a, night 6p-6a.
• Charge nurse on day shift; house supervisor available 24/7.
• Support staff includes ED techs (CNA/EMT/Paramedic) who assist with EKGs, blood draws (phlebotomy experience required), wound care, transport, and room maintenance.
• Respiratory therapists available on call; nurses may perform breathing treatments.
• Imaging (X-ray, CT) is accessible adjacent to the ED; transport usually by techs but nurses may assist.
• Monitor techs staff the ED; RNs are responsible for reading and interpreting monitors.

Work Environment & Scheduling

• 12-hour shifts with staggered start times (7p-7a for nights).
• Weekend work every other weekend or as needed.
• Holiday shifts rotate with core staff; not required to work all holidays.
• No call or standby requirements.
• Potential floating to Medical-Surgical, Telemetry, or ICU units depending on experience.
• Department orientation includes two 12-hour shifts plus HR onboarding.
• Professional solid-color scrubs required.
• In-house security available 24/7 near the ED.

Additional Notes

• Nurses care for all patients in the ED, including those in holding and behavioral health areas.
• Patient acuity and staffing may require flexibility in assignments.
• Prior travel experience is not required.