At Favorite Healthcare Staffing, we connect skilled nurses with acute care nurse jobs in Chicago, pairing acute care nurses with hospitals and health systems that suit their experience and goals. As a leading nursing agency, Favorite gives every acute care nurse a dedicated recruiter who manages credentialing, licensing, and placement end to end.

We are currently hiring for multiple types of positions, including travel, contract, per diem, and permanent roles.

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Start your acute care nurse job search today.

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Search all chicago Acute Care Nurse Jobs

Why work with an acute care nurse agency in Chicago?

As a specialist acute care staffing agency, Favorite gives you a recruiter to run the entire search. We will match you to the right Chicago facility as well as coordinating credentialing, licensing, and any relocation logistics. 

Illinois is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means acute care registered nurses must obtain a Illinois nursing license to practice in the state, even if they hold a license from another state. Since licensing and credentialing often shape how soon you can begin, your recruiter keeps that moving and handles the detail on your behalf. 

Find a job that fits your lifestyle and career ambitions

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Local contract

For acute care nurses interested in contract work, these assignments are a way to grow your experience at Chicago facilities. You’ll be employed for defined assignments that can last several months.

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Permanent placement

A permanent acute care role means full-time employment with a Chicago facility. Favorite connects acute care nurses with these lasting positions and helps make relocation and onboarding straightforward.

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Per diem

Per diem acute care nurse jobs put your schedule entirely in your hands. Take acute care shifts in Chicago as they suit you, and earn a premium hourly rate for your flexibility and clinical skill.

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Travel

Travel acute care nurse jobs offer assignments in Chicago, frequently with competitive pay packages that reflect demand. Packages include housing support and day-one benefits.

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Benefits of searching for acute care nurse jobs with Favorite

Favorite provides acute care nurses with exclusive Chicago assignments and a benefits package shaped around their goals.

We offer benefits that go beyond the basics, such as continuing education programs, comprehensive insurance options, referral bonuses, and DailyPay. To make things even easier, our mobile app, Mobilize, lets you apply for jobs, manage your schedule, and track your pay, all from your phone.

Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans

Mobilize, powered by Favorite Healthcare Staffing

401k and Roth retirement plans

Continuing Education Reimbursement Program

Early access to wages with DailyPay

Favorite's referral bonus program

Applying has never been easier

Ready to advance your acute care career? Applying through Favorite Healthcare Staffing is as simple as 1-2-3, and our streamlined process is designed to help you find the right fit. Let’s begin today.

1

Submit your application 

Apply directly to the acute care nurse role you’re interested in. Whether you’re weighing options or set on your next step, we’ll help you move forward.

2

Connect with a recruiter

We’ll match you with one of Favorite’s expert recruiters, who’ll take time to understand what you want to achieve, including any state licensing steps, and guide you through hiring.

3

Step into your next role

Once the right role is found, we’ll help you finalize the details. Our team manages onboarding, answers your questions, and makes sure you’re prepared for your first day in Chicago.

Average acute care nurse salary in Chicago

Pay for acute care nurses reflects placement type, facility, and years of experience. The ranges below outline the main job types Favorite offers in Chicago, though each listing carries the exact pay for that role:

Permanent acute care nurse jobs

$75,000–$120,000 per year, depending on setting and experience.

Travel acute care nurse jobs

Weekly packages generally fall between $1800–$2500, depending on assignment and demand.

Per diem acute care nurse jobs

$45–$65 per hour, depending on facility and shift.

Before you commit to any position, your Favorite recruiter will talk you through the complete pay package.

What other acute care RNs say about us

Nursing-1
"When I worked for them, they were fantastic. Great to communicate with, always had my back, and the pay was better than anywhere around."
"They are one of the best paying travel agencies out there. The recruiters are available in person or via text. Regular travel contracts and crisis too."
"I loved working for Favorite due to supportive staff and a challenge that developed me positively as an RN and as a person. Favorite was wonderful for me because of a very supportive, upbeat management who listened to my needs or concerns, offered advice, got to know me and trust me."
"No problem with plenty of work. Worked at multiple hospitals and received education every place I went."

Acute Care Nurse jobs in Chicago FAQs

Do I need an Illinois license to work as an acute care nurse in Chicago?

Yes, you’ll need the appropriate state licensure to work as an acute care nurse, and requirements can vary. 

Illinois is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, which means acute care registered nurses must obtain a Illinois nursing license to practice in the state, even if they hold a license from another state. Your Favorite recruiter will confirm what applies to you and help you through licensing and credentialing so it doesn’t delay your start.

What are the day-to-day responsibilities of an acute care nurse?

An acute care nurse’s day-to-day responsibilities usually include:

  • Evaluating and monitoring acutely ill patients
  • Giving medications and treatments and tracking how patients respond
  • Spotting changes in a patient’s condition and escalating care when needed
  • Following and updating nursing care plans
  • Working with physicians and the broader care team
  • Preparing patients and families for care and discharge
  • Keeping accurate clinical documentation

How will I get paid with Favorite?

Pay at Favorite is weekly, through direct deposit or paper check. This holds for acute care nurses unless your facility runs a bi-weekly schedule.

How long does the hiring process take?

Although it depends on your situation, you could move from application to an acute care nurse offer in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Because licensing and credentialing timelines vary by state, it’s worth getting that underway early.