Location: Chicago, IL

Contract Type: Travel Contract

Shift Type: Rotating day and night shifts (specific start/end times vary by assignment); per diem availability; every other weekend preferred; rotating shift type (day_night)

About United Health Care Staffing

At United Health Care Staffing (UHC Staffing), we believe healthcare staffing should be more than just finding a job. We are here to connect amazing professionals with opportunities that make their careers exciting, rewarding, and meaningful. With us, you're not just signing up for a contract you are joining a team that's got your back, answers your calls, and maybe even cracks a joke or two to brighten your day. Think of us as the travel buddy who handles the logistics while you focus on what you do best helping people heal.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate post-operative care for open heart and other surgical stepdown patients
• Monitor telemetry continuously and interpret rhythm changes to support timely interventions
• Perform post-op assessments and implement evidence-based nursing plans
• Administer medications and follow ACLS/BLS protocols when indicated
• Collaborate with physicians, respiratory therapy, and interdisciplinary team members in the Cardiac Observation Unit and surgical stepdown areas
• Complete accurate, timely documentation and handoffs to ensure continuity of care
• Participate in required competency exams, skills checklists, and unit-based education to maintain clinical excellence
• Support patient and family education, discharge planning, and smooth transitions of care

Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license with Nursys verification
• BLS and ACLS certification required
• NIHSS and DCI/BVP certifications as listed
• Experience or comfort working in surgical stepdown/post-op telemetry environments (open heart post-op exposure a plus)
• Completion of Prime testing and competency requirements (Basic Pharmacology, Rhythm Interpretation, Specialty and Core Competencies, Skills Checklist)
• Ability to pass required health screenings: drug screen, fit test, TB/PPD, COVID-19 and other immunization requirements
• Weekend availability (every other weekend preferred) and flexibility for day or night shifts

Knowledge & Skills

• Telemetry monitoring and cardiac rhythm recognition
• Post-operative care for surgical and open heart patients
• Care within a Cardiac Observation Unit (COU) and surgical stepdown setting
• Strong critical thinking and rapid assessment skills
• Familiarity with infection control and vaccination compliance
• Proficient clinical documentation and effective interdisciplinary communication

Benefits

• Flexible per diem schedule to help you balance life and work
• Licensure assistance and support with Nursys verification
• Opportunities to sharpen specialty skills in post-op cardiac and surgical stepdown care
• A supportive clinical team that values collaboration and professional growth
• Access to ongoing competency programs and Prime exam preparation
• Paid onboarding supports including required testing and fit testing coordination
• Easy access to continuing education and certification upkeep
• Friendly local staffing coordinators who help make assignment logistics smooth

Travel Perks: Explore Chicago, IL

You’ll be based in northwest Chicago near Norwood Park and not far from O'Hare for quick travel in and out. When you’re off shift, explore Chicago’s famous attractions: take a quick trip downtown to Millennium Park and the Art Institute, stroll the lakefront or Lincoln Park Zoo, enjoy neighborhood dining and coffee shops in Norwood Park and Portage Park, or catch a show and sample local cuisine on the Magnificent Mile. Easy access to public transit and major highways makes weekend escapes and city sightseeing a breeze.

Hashtags

#RNJobs #SurgicalStepdown #TelemetryNurse #ChicagoJobs #PerDiemRN #HealthcareJobs #UHCCareers #TravelNurse #NurseLife