PCU Registered Nurse
Lake Forest, Illinois
Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - PCU

Location: Lake Forest, Illinois
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 12 weeks

Job Details

• On Call: Yes, may be placed on low census on call
• Weekend Requirement: Yes
• Meal Break Length: 30 minutes
• Specialty: Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
• Required Certifications:

  • NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Certification
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) - AHA or RQI accepted
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) if applicable to specialty
• Required Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Licensure:

  • Current Illinois Registered Professional Nurse license

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Illinois
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience within the last year (minimum 1 year)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• NURSYS verification for RN licensure
• Ability to work weekends and be available for on-call shifts

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• Complete and maintain I9 documentation
• Valid Driver’s License or Government Photo ID recommended
• Proof of name change if applicable (legal documents required)
• 7-year criminal background check within 30 days of start
• Education verification of highest degree completed
• Illinois Healthcare Worker Registry eligibility and fingerprinting (must be completed in Illinois)
• Physical exam within 1 year of start, confirming good health and ability to perform job duties
• Fit mask testing within 12 months of start and annually thereafter
• Required immunizations and health screenings including:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray as applicable
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunity or vaccination
  • Hepatitis B vaccination or declination
  • Varicella immunity or vaccination
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption during flu season
  • COVID-19 vaccination or declination
• Drug screening (10-panel) within 30 days of start
• OSHA Respiratory Safety clearance if fit test is failed
• Completion of facility-specific training modules and policy acknowledgements prior to start
• Annual sexual harassment training and other required facility-specific compliance documents

Additional Notes

• Candidates must provide 7 years of employment history with explanations for gaps over 30 days
• Competency exams and skills checklists required annually
• Facility-specific confidentiality, privacy, and information security agreements must be signed prior to start
• Accommodation request forms for vaccinations or fit testing must be submitted promptly if applicable

Prior Travel Experience

• No explicit prior travel experience requirement stated for this position.

This position is ideal for a Registered Nurse with PCU experience who holds a BSN and Illinois RN license, is NIHSS certified, and is comfortable with weekend and on-call shifts. Compliance with extensive health, background, and facility-specific requirements is mandatory.