Out-of-State RN seeking new opportunity in Chicago

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I am currently a post-interventional cardiac/telemetry RN in North Carolina. I want to relocate to Chicago to work once I have two full years experience under my belt, probably closer to June of 2016. I have worked on the same unit at a large Level 1 trauma hospital since graduating from school and am nervous to make such a big change. I wanted to get some advice about which hospitals are the best to work for, as well as some good nursing agencies in Chicago to go through for applying for jobs. I want to do a contract and have noticed that travel agencies do not have many available Chicago jobs. Any advice about hospitals, agencies, great neighborhoods/suburbs to relocate to would be greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

This 2011 thread lists top hospitals that members often mention: Best Chicago Area Hospitals Hope others can chime in with advice.

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Hey! I'm a postpartum RN currently on a travel contract in Chicago. My recommendation would be to look into a big company like Cross Country (I'm currently with them) and see if they have anything here. Supplemental Healthcare had a lot of Chicago contracts when I was applying as well. Also, look on Facebook for a group called the premium job board for travel nurses and you can reach out to recruiters through there if you still can't find anything. Don't let anyone tell you that you won't find a travel contract in Chicago because that's what everyone told me, yet I landed my assignment at my top choice hospital (Northwestern), on day shift (yay!!!), and as a first-time traveller. Also I know 3 other travelers in Chicago right now. I will say that the hospital will want you to be very ready to come when you are submitted- like in 3 weeks or less. Good luck!!! It's amazing here!! I'm going to do one more assignment in Seattle and then move back here permanently.

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Oh and I moved to Noble Square (just south of Wicker Park) and I love it. The Chicago Ave. bus is only a few minutes from my apartment and drops me off right at the door at work. The area is safe, affordable, free neighborhood parking (although you truly don't need a car here- I brought mine and have used it only 3 times), lots of restaraunt and shops only a short walk away, and easy access to everywhere in the city via train or bus. You could always stay in an Airbnb for a month or two while you learn the area and find somewhere permanent.

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Thank you for all of this wonderful information! Ive been to Chicago multiple times and just fall in love the more I go. The hospital I currently work at is one of the largest in the state and receives some of the most sick patients in the region, so I want to remain in an environment like that.

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I would look into Northwestern, UIC, U of C, and Rush

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I have worked in Chicago for the last 3.5 years and did a travel assignment at university of Chicago and decided to stay on permanently. Ucmc pays significantly better than nw, prentice and Lurie downtown and is completely changing the way it's l&d interacts with nicu (birthing units are moving to the children's hospital for proximity to nicu). I can't say enough good things about ucmc. I'm in peds and Lurie is great too if you are willing to make significantly less $ (I've been registry there for 3 years) Rush is a fabulous hospital and Illinois Masonic as well (has some issues with benefits at Masonic though)

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I am looking for a BSN prepared nurse in the stress lab at Rush. Have you moved to Chicago yet?

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I am just seeing this post. Wow, what an amazing opportunity that is right up my alley. So sorry I missed it!

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Might have another spot opening up if you're interested.

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