09Mar

Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by Admin

As a per diem nurse, deciding which area is best can be hard when considering extra shifts or a new nursing job. Per diem, RNs have so many flexible options that you might want to choose something other than the first place. It’s essential to research what each area, including Illinois, offers and decide which location best fits.

Here are some of the top places in Illinois that are perfect for per diem nurse jobs. There are many benefits to being a per diem nurse. You’ll be able to expand your nursing skills and knowledge while still working at your current job. You can explore options and work for multiple hospitals without a permanent commitment. Per Diem, nurses perform any nursing function, usually substituting for staff nurses or supplementing short-term increases in staffing needs. RNs generally average $1,056 per week ($4,574 monthly), with the pay varying widely by credentials, experience, specialty, location, surges in healthcare needs, and many other factors. Needs come as needed—an excellent opportunity for some extra cash.

At ESP Personnel, we work with you to balance your employment with your life outside of work so you can deliver high-quality, compassionate care at your best. We create relationships and work opportunities that allow you to have better control over when and where you work. And we work hard to secure top-paying per diem jobs for our nursing personnel.

Why an RN needs to Do Your Research

Per Diem, nursing is a great way to explore a new specialty before committing. You can pick up a few shifts and decide if it’s something you’d want to pursue full-time. Knowing you’ve done your research ensures per diem nursing is the right move for you. With so many flexible options, you might not want to choose the first place that comes along. It’s essential to do some research into what each area has to offer and decide for yourself which one will be the best fit.

If you are looking for a new flexible offer this year, here are some of the top places in Illinois perfect for per diem nurses!

The Top Per Diem Nursing Jobs in Illinois

Illinois is one of the most highly diverse states in the Midwest. Illinois is a vibrant community with excellent facilities in nearby areas offering great per diem opportunities. Here are some of the best places in Illinois for per diem nurses:

Walking along the Peoria, Ohio riverwalk during the summer offers a relaxing weekend during the summer.
Walking along the Peoria, Ohio riverwalk during the summer offers a relaxing weekend during the summer.

Peoria, IL

Located on the Illinois River, Peoria has multiple attractions such as museums, the Peoria Zoo, Luthy Botanical Garden, and more! Perfect for you and your family.

Lincoln’s Home Nation Historic Site. Tour this national treasure while nursing in Illinois.
Abraham Lincoln’s Home National Historic Site. Tour this national treasure in Illinois.

Springfield, IL

Springfield is the capital of Illinois. This city attracts tourists year-round for festivals and events. Springfield is full of history while maintaining a healthy business environment, making it an excellent opportunity for per diem nursing. Make a pit stop and visit Lincoln’s home! Lincoln’s Home Nation Historic Site. Tour this national treasure!

Chicago Observation Deck. Spend your day 1,000ft above Chicago to experience the best views
Chicago Observation Deck. Spend your day 1,000ft above Chicago to experience the best views

Chicago, IL

Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States. Chicago offers a world-class urban experience, with great dining, shopping, art, architecture, sports, theater, music, and more! Don’t forget to visit the iconic urban skyline! If you love beaches and the beachfront, this place might be for you! Chicago Observation Deck. Spend your day 1,000ft above Chicago to experience the best views.

Enjoy some "quiet" time with the small-town feel of Mattoon, IL. A subtle break from your per diem stay in Illinois
Enjoy some "quiet" time with the small-town feel of Mattoon, IL. A subtle break from your per diem stay in Illinois.

Mattoon, IL

Mattoon has plenty to offer, whether you are here every day or just one. This community enjoys recreation, festivities, parks, lakes, restaurants, and many other assets! In addition, positive job growth makes this an excellent city for Per Diem opportunities.

What You Should Know Before Taking a Per Diem Nursing Job

If you’re considering taking a per diem nursing job in Illinois, there are several things you need to know.

The weather in Illinois is cloudy all year round. Usually, the summers are long, warm, and humid. However, the winters are freezing, snowy and windy. Considering the cold winters, having a flexible schedule like per diem nursing is perfect for traveling to neighboring states and escaping the cold.

Secondly, if you consider the cost of living, your lifestyle, and any responsibilities, you will want to make sure you understand your complete compensation package and meet all your needs.

Requirements for Per Diem Nursing in Illinois

The requirements for working as a per diem nurse in Illinois may seem daunting. We’re here to help direct you to what you need to do to get your requirements squared away.

License Requirements

Unrestricted RN, LPN, RT, CNA license

MORE: https://www.nursinglicensure.org/state/nursing-license-illinois/

Certification Requirements

Nursing Experience

Minimum 1-year practical experience highly recommended and sought. Assignments will have different experience requirements depending upon the facility, unit specialty, and other factors.

How Much Experience is Needed?

Many facilities require you to have a minimum of one to two years of recent experience in your nursing specialty whether it’s surgical, neonatal, critical care, pediatrics, trauma, or clinical nursing with many different specialties. Your clinical background will determine the specific openings you’ll qualify for as a travel nurse or per diem nurse.

For per diem nursing, healthcare facilities recommend one to two years of bedside experience in their respected field. The amount of experience required depends on the hiring healthcare facility.

An associate degree in nursing takes around two years to complete. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) takes around 4 years to complete. Once you have a nursing degree and bedside experience, you are ready to become a travel or per diem nurse!

Contact an ESP Personnel Recruiting Professional

Per Diem Nurse Salary – How Much Does a Per Diem RN Make?

If you’ve ever asked yourself if per diem nursing is worth it? Absolutely! The great thing about per diem is the freedom it comes with it. A per diem nurse can make up to $54,000 per year and work in different environments like hospitals, schools, and research labs. Are you a nurse that wants to earn extra income? If you said yes, per diem nursing could be right for you! I

Illinois has had a significant increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations. As a result, per diem nurses are in high demand.

Illinois has had a major increase of COVID-19 hospitalizations. Per diem nurses are in high demand.
Illinois has had a major increase of COVID-19 hospitalizations. Per diem nurses are in high demand.

Per Diem Nurses are in High Demand

Facilities have long relied on per diem nurses to fill gaps in staffing. However, with virtually every part of the country experiencing a wave, the competition for the finite number of available nurses is becoming more intense. To help fill the gap, hospitals offer signing bonuses, incentives, and unique programs for graduating students who face constant changes, a never-ending learning curve, and wide-open eyes.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to pick up extra shifts and enjoy the benefits of per diem nursing, it’s essential to do your research. Our list of the top per diem nursing jobs in Illinois will give you an idea of what is available, where you can go, and what you should know.

Nursing is a rewarding career. Let us help you find the most personally and professionally fulfilling opportunities to expand your experience while enjoying your time in Illinois.