LICENSE PENDING REGISTERED NURSE- 2ND MEDICAL

Riverside Healthcare • Kankakee, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Riverside Healthcare is seeking a skilled and dedicated License Pending Registered Nurse to join its Medical/Pediatric inpatient team in Kankakee, Illinois. The nurse provides compassionate, high-quality care to patients receiving medical and surgical treatment, with an emphasis on orthopedic and neurological diagnoses. The role involves assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care in a fast-paced environment and is performed under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse. The nurse is expected to demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope, duties, and licensure.

The position supports patient-centered care through assessment, treatment administration, monitoring, care coordination, patient and family education, documentation, emergency response, and infection control. The nurse also contributes to a positive team environment and maintains annual education requirements for applicable hospital-based certifications. The role includes required education and professional development, and participation in quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and research when applicable.

This role requires graduation from an accredited nursing program, written confirmation of passing the NCLEX-RN, proof of submission of the required licensure fee, and BLS certification. PALS certification is required within one year of hire for the pediatric unit. New graduate RNs starting on or after January 1, 2025, must earn a BSN within three years. License-pending practice is subject to the Illinois Nurse Practice Act and ends under the circumstances described in the posting, including issuance or refusal of the license or certain Department requests.

The posted pay range is USD $34.52–$45.34 per hour. Riverside Healthcare describes its Total Rewards package as including competitive compensation, premium pay such as shift differential and on-call pay, potential annual performance-based increases, paid time off, health and welfare benefits, retirement plans with employer match, financial wellness programs, and educational assistance. Benefits vary by FTE. The work involves frequent exposure to blood and body fluids and potential exposure to airborne pathogens, chemicals, chemotherapy drugs, oxygen, radiation, and mechanical equipment. Protective clothing is required as appropriate.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Official written notification confirming completion and passing of the NCLEX-RN exam.
• Proof of submission of the required licensure fee.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• For pediatric unit assignment, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification within one year of hire.
• New graduate RNs starting on or after January 1, 2025, must earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) within three years.
• Practice as a license-pending registered nurse must comply with the Illinois Nurse Practice Act and its stated limits and termination conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Acute-care clinical nursing experience or rotations.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients’ physical, emotional, and psychological needs and develop and implement individualized care plans with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
• Administer provider-ordered medications, treatments, and procedures; monitor responses and update care plans as needed.
• Monitor patients’ vital signs, physical condition, and responses to interventions, and document observations and changes promptly.
• Coordinate care with physicians and other healthcare professionals, participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, and contribute to discharge planning.
• Educate patients and families about conditions, treatments, medication options, and post-discharge care, taking culture and age into consideration.
• Maintain accurate documentation of assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory and hospital standards.
• Support patients and families with empathy and professionalism and address their concerns to promote a positive, supportive experience.
• Contribute to a collaborative work environment through open communication, constructive feedback, and assistance to peers.
• Respond effectively to medical emergencies, including performing life-saving procedures and stabilizing patients as needed.
• Follow infection-control protocols and safety measures to help prevent the spread of infection and maintain a clean, safe environment.
• Maintain annual education requirements for applicable hospital-based certifications and complete required education.
• Participate in professional development and training, quality improvement initiatives, evidence-based practice, and research when applicable.
• Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope, duties, and licensure.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off programs for 0.5 to 1.0 FTE; paid leave hours accrued as worked for 0.001 to 0.49 FTE.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits for eligible FTEs.
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible healthcare and dependent-care expenses.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational Assistance Program.
• Premium pay such as shift differential and on-call pay.
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.
• Employee well-being programs and career development programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree