GHR Healthcare is seeking a travel nurse RN Cardiac Stepdown for a travel nursing job in Rockford, Illinois.
Job Description & Requirements
- Specialty: Cardiac Stepdown
- Discipline: RN
- Start Date: 10/26/2026
- Duration: 13 weeks
- 36 hours per week
- Shift: 12 hours
- Employment Type: Travel
Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse (RN) Travel Contract in Rockford, Illinois
Apply for a Cardiac Stepdown RN travel nursing job in Rockford, Illinois, caring for complex patients in a high-acuity intermediate-care setting. This on-site travel contract is ideal for an experienced Registered Nurse who is confident caring for cardiac, neurologic, septic, respiratory, and surgical patients in acute care. Join a 23-bed unit with telemetry monitoring, supportive clinical resources, and opportunities to strengthen your progressive-care and critical-care nursing skills.
Located in northern Illinois, Rockford offers a welcoming community, outdoor recreation along the Rock River, and convenient connections to larger Midwest destinations.
Travel Nursing Job Details
- Nursing Specialty: Cardiac Stepdown / Intermediate Care / Progressive Care
- Employment Type: 13-week travel nursing contract
- Location: Rockford, Illinois
- Weekly Estimated Pay: $2,130–$2,250
- Guaranteed Hours: 36 hours per week
- Shift: 12-hour night shifts, typically 7:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m.
- Contract Duration: 13 weeks
- Start Date: October 26, 2026
- Patient Population: Cardiac, stroke, sepsis, respiratory, and surgical patients
- Unit Size: 23 beds with typical nurse-to-patient ratios of 1:3–4
- Scheduling: Weekend rotation and every-other-holiday rotation based on unit needs
- Call Requirement: None
- Documentation: Electronic health record experience preferred
Cardiac Stepdown RN Job Requirements
- Active Illinois Registered Nurse license, or confirmation that the Illinois licensing process has been initiated
- At least 1 year of recent acute-care, progressive-care, stepdown, or intermediate-care nursing experience
- Current BLS and ACLS certifications from the American Heart Association
- Current NIHSS certification meeting assignment requirements
- Demonstrated experience with cardiac monitoring, stroke care, sepsis management, and surgical patients
- Competency with tracheostomy care, BiPAP, CPAP, high-flow oxygen, and IV medication titration
- Ability to interpret cardiac rhythms and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition
- Willingness to float throughout the hospital, excluding emergency and obstetric departments
- Professional scrub attire is required
Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive nursing care to intermediate-care patients with complex cardiac, neurologic, respiratory, septic, and postoperative conditions
- Assess patients, develop and update individualized care plans, and evaluate patient outcomes
- Continuously monitor cardiac rhythms and accurately interpret telemetry findings
- Titrate and safely manage medications such as heparin, nitroglycerin, diltiazem, norepinephrine, nicardipine, and dexmedetomidine according to clinical protocols
- Manage patients receiving BiPAP, CPAP, high-flow oxygen, and other advanced respiratory support while collaborating with respiratory therapy
- Perform tracheostomy care and other assigned procedures within scope of practice
- Recognize changes in patient status and promptly escalate concerns to the provider and care team
- Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, therapists, technicians, and support staff to coordinate safe patient care
- Educate patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatments, medications, and discharge planning
- Maintain accurate clinical documentation and promote a safe, respectful, patient-centered environment
Apply now for this Cardiac Stepdown RN travel contract in Rockford, Illinois, and join a collaborative acute-care nursing team.
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.
GHR Healthcare Job ID #529224. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Cardiac Stepdown
About GHR Healthcare
For over 30 years, GHR Healthcare has been the bridge between healthcare
professionals and the facilities that need them nationwide. We're committed to
uncovering your ideal fit, supported by GHR's dedication to competitive
compensation, transparent communication, and a devoted team that genuinely
cares about your career journey. You can trust us to stand by your side as your
advocate, confidante, and partner in advancing your career. At GHR, care and
consideration are at the heart of everything we do. Visit ghrhealthcare.com to
learn more.