Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
Freeport, Illinois
Mercyhealth FHN Hospital

Registered Nurse - Med-Surg

Location: Freeport, Illinois
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Work on Med-Surg units with interchangeable staffing across three units (24 beds, 17 beds, 15 beds).
• Nurse-to-patient ratios:

  • Days: 1:4-5
  • Nights: 1:5-6
• Common patient diagnoses include:

  • Post Operative (General, Orthopedic, Podiatry)
  • General Medical (Diabetes Mellitus, Peripheral Neuropathy, CHF, COPD)
  • Cellulitis, CBI, Bipap, Peritoneal dialysis (training provided), surgical drains, wound vacs.
• RNs do not titrate drips.
• Patients may be on telemetry; monitoring is done by tele/monitor techs, not RNs.
• Charge Nurse has patient assignments; House Supervisor is available 24/7 without patient assignments.
• Nurse Aides assist with patient care, phone/call light response, and 12-lead EKG if experienced. They do not remove IVs or Foley catheters.
• Respiratory Therapy equipment includes BiPAP, High Flow, Vapotherm (managed by RTs).
• Shifts: 12-hour shifts (7:00 AM - 7:30 PM or 7:00 PM - 7:30 AM), scheduled based on unit needs.
• Weekend requirement: Every other weekend.
• Holiday requirement: Holiday rotation.
• No call or standby requirement for agency staff.
• Floating required to ICU or Tele units for Med-Surg overflow patients within RN scope.
• Scrub color: Any professional color.
• Orientation: Two 12-hour shifts (first shift includes HR, educator, housewide orientation, and preceptor; second shift with preceptor; third shift independently).

Required Qualifications

• Illinois RN license required.
• BLS certification required.
• Minimum 2 years recent experience in Post Operative Recovery.
• First-time travelers are welcome.

Additional Information

• Prior travel experience is not required.
• Nurses must disclose any previous employment at the health system during submission for background checks.