Clinical Nurse Jobs in Illinois
Clinical Nurse jobs in Illinois are concentrated in hospital systems, outpatient clinics, and long-term care facilities, with Chicago functioning as one of the most active markets in the Midwest. Most openings are in Chicago, Springfield, and Rockford, where large employers like Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, and Advocate Health have deep, lasting clinical nurse workforces. Demand is strongest in medical-surgical, critical care, and emergency nursing, with consistent openings at every level from new graduate to senior clinical nurse. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job Description
The Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
The Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator is a registered professional nurse who demonstrates exemplary clinical research knowledge, has strong communication skills and is responsible for serving as a liaison between Northwestern University (NU) clinical research investigator teams (e.g., investigator initiated trials, sponsor trials) and Northwestern Memorial Hospital; a joint collaboration between Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the NU Feinberg School of Medicine.
The Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator (CRNC) works collaboratively with the inter-professional team and peers to ensure appropriate implementation and conduct of clinical research studies in NMH throughout the lifecycle of a protocol. The CRNC adheres to the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice of Professional Nursing and the Code of Ethics. The CRNC utilizes the NIH Clinical Research Nurse Domain of Practice and Model of Care. The CRNC reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
The MICU Clinical RN Coordinator (MCRC) adheres to the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice of Professional Nursing and the Code of Ethics. The MCRC utilizes the NIH Clinical Research Nurse Domain of Practice and Model of Care.
Responsibilities:
- Leads the coordination and support to Principal Investigator(s).
- Reviews research studies in pre-submission phase for feasibility of protocol implementation.
- Guides the review, revision, and maintenance of protocols. Assures established protocols meet compliance and regulatory requirements.
- Provides guidance to clinical research nurses on projects related to new research study submissions, utilization reviews, wording/phrasing of medical orders, protocols and workflows.
- Develops and maintains clinical nursing research policies, standard operating procedures, and guidelines.
- Reviews and trends research-related deviations and workflow events, reports findings to the Manager and Inter-professional Quality Committee, and recommends action to ensure compliance.
- Supports the development of projects created in response to research-related problems and events as identified and reported by staff and research study team members (e.g., events, deviations, corrective and preventative actions).
- Collaborates with Clinical Coordinators, Education Coordinators, and peer CRNCs to orient and train new staff to clinical research.
- Collaborates with Clinical Coordinators, Education Coordinators, and peer CRNCs to identify training needed for clinical research nurses about unfamiliar practices, procedures and medications to ensure patient/subject safety and compliance with protocols and regulatory requirements.
- Escalates research-related concerns to the appropriate leader or committee.
- Serves as a mentor and role model for communication and collaboration with investigator teams and clinical and technical research practices.
- Supports the clinical research nursing staff during adverse events, emergencies, and difficult clinical situations.
- Provides clinical nursing support to both inpatient and/or outpatient teams as needed as a cross trained resource.
Additional Functions:
- Participates in unit/departmental/divisional or hospital committees/task forces as assigned.
- Remains clinically proficient within area of expertise.
Qualifications
Required:
- Current license as a Registered Nurse State of Illinois Professional Nurse.
- Experience in clinical trials
- Certification in area of clinical specialty.
- BSN with a minimum of two years related clinical experience.
- CPR-BLS Certification through the American Heart Association (AHA)
Preferred:
- MSN
- Membership in Professional Nursing Organization
- ACLS Certification in clinical areas where required
- Society of Clinical Research Associates' (SOCRA) or Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) Certification
Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.
See All 150+ Clinical Nurse Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Nurse JobsClinical Nurse Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Nurse Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Northwestern Medicine30

- BJC HealthCare26

- Endeavor Health15

- Advocate Aurora Health13

- Rush University Medical Center7

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services20
- Education5
- Transportation & Logistics1
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical nurse jobs across Illinois.
- Active Registered Nurse license issued or recognized by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited program
- Current BLS certification required before the first patient care shift
- One or more years of direct patient care experience in a clinical setting
- Demonstrated proficiency with electronic health record systems such as Epic or Cerner
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary care teams
Clinical Nurse Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical nurse in Illinois?
To become a clinical nurse in Illinois, you must graduate from an accredited nursing program, pass the NCLEX-RN, and obtain licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The IDFPR issues and renews registered nurse licenses in Illinois. Most clinical nurse roles require at least an Associate Degree in Nursing, though many Illinois hospital systems prefer or require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing for direct patient care positions.
How much do clinical nurses make in Illinois?
Clinical nurses in Illinois earn a median of about $95,990 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,170 for the lowest 10% to over $118,190 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire clinical nurses in Illinois?
Employers hiring clinical nurses in Illinois right now include Northwestern Medicine, BJC HealthCare, and Endeavor Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's large integrated health systems and academic medical centers drive the bulk of consistent clinical nurse hiring across the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most clinical nurse jobs?
Chicago, Belleville, and Shiloh have the most clinical nurse openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates due to its concentration of major academic medical centers and large hospital systems, while Springfield's state government hospitals and Rockford's regional health systems generate steady demand that draws clinical nurses beyond the Chicago metro.
Are there remote clinical nurse jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 25% of clinical nurse openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the hands-on, bedside nature of most clinical nurse work. The portions of the role most likely to allow remote work are utilization review, case management, and telephone triage nursing, where direct patient contact is not required.
How can I get hired as a clinical nurse in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a new graduate residency program, which large Illinois employers like Northwestern Medicine and Advocate Health run specifically to bring nurses without hospital experience into structured clinical environments. Applying to med-surg or general inpatient units is the most accessible starting point, and candidates transitioning from adjacent roles such as medical assistant, patient care technician, or licensed practical nurse often move in with a clear advantage. Completing ACLS certification before applying strengthens an entry-level application at most Illinois hospital systems.
Where can I find and apply to clinical nurse jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to clinical nurse jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings in one place. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your credentials and preferred location, and apply directly to the listings that fit your background.
See All 150+ Clinical Nurse Jobs in Illinois
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