PCU | Registered Nurse

Travel Progressive Care Unit (PCU) Registered Nurse (RN) – Night Shift | Lake Forest, Illinois

Join our healthcare team as a Travel PCU Registered Nurse in Lake Forest, Illinois, and provide high-quality care to adult and geriatric patients in a 24-bed Progressive Care Unit. This 12-week travel nursing contract offers night-shift hours, a collaborative interdisciplinary environment, and convenient access to the greater Chicago area. Lake Forest is a scenic North Shore community known for its tree-lined neighborhoods and welcoming atmosphere.

Travel Nursing Job Details

• Location: Lake Forest, Illinois
• Weekly Estimated Pay: $2,020–$2,130
• Employment Type: Travel nursing contract
• Contract Duration: 12 weeks, from November 16, 2026 through February 8, 2027
• Schedule: Three 12-hour night shifts per week
• Shift: Nights, 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
• Hours: 36 hours per week
• Patient Population: Adult and geriatric patients
• Patient Ratios: Approximately 1:4 on days, nights, and weekends
• Unit: 24-bed Progressive Care Unit with an average daily census of approximately 24
• Orientation: 8 hours
• Weekend Requirement: Weekend coverage is required
• On-Call Availability: May be placed on call until 1:00 a.m. if census decreases

Travel PCU RN Job Requirements

• Current Illinois Registered Professional Nurse license in hand; emergency or pending licenses are not accepted
• At least 2 years of registered nursing experience, including direct Progressive Care Unit, stepdown, intermediate care, or comparable experience
• Previous travel nursing experience required
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association
• Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification through the American Heart Association
• Current NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Electronic medical record experience required; Epic experience required
• Demonstrated ability to manage a 1:4 patient assignment in a PCU, stepdown, intermediate care, or comparable setting
• Strong telemetry monitoring, patient assessment, prioritization, and clinical communication skills

Progressive Care Unit RN Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive nursing care to adult and geriatric patients in a Progressive Care Unit
• Monitor cardiac telemetry and recognize changes in patient condition, escalating concerns promptly
• Manage patients requiring noninvasive airway support, including BiPAP, CPAP, high-flow nasal cannula, and oxygen therapy
• Administer and monitor cardiac drips without titration, heparin protocols, blood products, and other prescribed therapies
• Perform central line, PICC line, peripheral line, port, chest tube, tracheostomy, feeding tube, and wound care
• Care for patients with renal failure, intracranial bleeds, seizure disorders, substance withdrawal, and post-cardiac procedures
• Provide pre- and post-procedure care for cardiac catheterization, cardiac angiography, hemodialysis, and related interventions
• Complete assessments, medication administration, care planning, patient education, and accurate documentation in Epic
• Collaborate with respiratory therapy, pharmacy, IV services, physical therapy, radiology, social services, and rapid response teams
• Respond appropriately to emergencies and participate in rapid response and code team activities
• Maintain infection prevention, isolation, safety, and regulatory standards throughout each shift

Apply now for this Travel PCU Registered Nurse opportunity in Lake Forest, Illinois, near Chicago.

Benefits

401K with Matching, Healthcare, Dental and Vision

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity across our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.