ER Registered Nurse
Freeport, Illinois
Mercyhealth FHN Hospital

Job Opportunity: ER Registered Nurse (RN)

Location: Freeport, Illinois
Contract Length: 13 weeks (approximately 3 months)
Shift Length: 12-hour shifts

Job Description

Seeking experienced Emergency Room Registered Nurses for a travel contract. The ER department has 24 beds and treats approximately 60-80 patients per day, ranging from neonates to geriatrics with a wide variety of conditions including respiratory viruses, trauma, MI, MVA, and behavioral health patients.

Nurses will provide emergency care in a non-trauma center that is STEMI and stroke ready, with cath lab availability depending on the day. The ER includes a triage area and behavioral health safe rooms.

Work Environment & Staffing

• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:4-5, adjusted based on staffing and patient acuity
• 24/7 in-house security close to the ER
• Provider coverage includes physicians and mid-levels with varying shifts to cover patient load
• Support staff includes ED techs (CNA/EMT/Paramedic), who assist with EKGs, blood draws (phlebotomy experience required), wound care, transport, and vitals
• Respiratory therapists available as needed; nurses may perform breathing treatments
• Imaging (X-Ray, CT) accessible through ER; nurses may assist with patient transport
• Monitor techs staff monitors in the ED; RNs are required to read and interpret telemetry

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 (Basic Life Support)
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) or ENPC (Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course)
  • TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) or TNS (Trauma Nurse Specialist)
  • NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale)
• Moderate sedation experience

Experience & Skills

• Ability to manage a wide range of patient acuities and diagnoses
• Flexibility to work rotating start times and all shifts (day, mid, night)
• Weekend and holiday rotation required (typically every other weekend; holiday coverage rotates with core staff)
• No call or standby requirements
• Potential to float to Medical-Surgical, Telemetry, or ICU units depending on experience

Orientation & Other Details

• Department-specific orientation: 2 shifts (12 hours each)
• Professional solid-color scrubs required
• Fast track area: none (patients intermixed in the department)
• Behavioral health safe rooms included within ER beds
• Phlebotomy performed by techs and nurses
• No separate holding area; patients intermixed in ER
• Nurse aids/techs assist with various clinical and support tasks but do not perform splinting or casting

Notes

• First-time travelers are welcome
• Prior travel experience is not required
• Flexibility and adaptability are key due to patient volume and acuity variations

This position offers a dynamic and challenging environment for experienced ER nurses looking to expand their skills in a community hospital setting.