Nurse Practitioners Guide to Locum Tenens Jobs in Illinois

Our recruiters and staffing specialists do not expect you, the provider, to know ins-and-outs of every state in the country. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled information from TripAdvisor, state government pages, and tourist information sources to give you a glimpse into life in Illinois.

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Illinois, known as “The Prairie State,” has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The land was home to Native American tribes, including the Miami and the Illiniwek, before the arrival of European explorers. In 1673, French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet were the first Europeans to reach the area. After various colonial transitions, Illinois became the 21st state of the United States in 1818.

Illinois is home to the historic city of Chicago. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 led to the city’s reconstruction, transforming it into a modern metropolis with the world’s first skyscrapers. The state’s name is derived from the Native American tribe that inhabited the region, and its nickname, “The Prairie State,” reflects its once vast prairie grasslands. Illinois offers a blend of history, nature, and fun activities, making it an exciting place to live and work

• Discover the city of Chicago and enjoy the beautiful skyline, delicious food like deep dish pizza, Chicago style hotdogs, endless entertainment, and stunning location right on Lake Michigan. 
• Explore the Shawnee Hills region in southern Illinois with its higher elevations, rivers, and forests. Observe diverse wildlife such as black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, and the state bird, the northern cardinal.
• Visit the Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum to delve into the history of the iconic Route 66.
• Visit Abraham Lincoln’s home and tomb in Springfield, Illinois, and learn more about the life of the 16th president of the United States.

• Chicago, Illinois to Indianapolis, Indiana: Approximately 185 miles; around 3 to 3.5 hours by car.
• Chicago, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri: Roughly 300 miles; about 4.5 to 5 hours by car.
• Chicago, Illinois to Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Around 90 miles; approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car.
• Chicago, Illinois to Detroit, Michigan: About 280 miles; approximately 4 to 4.5 hours by car.
• Chicago, Illinois to Minneapolis, Minnesota: Approximately 410 miles; around 6 to 7 hours by car.

What is the Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners in Illinois?

In the state of Illinois, the accessibility of nurse practitioner (NP) care is limited due to specific state laws. These laws mandate that both physicians and NPs must enter into a collaborative agreement to oversee one or more aspects of NP practice. This requirement is a legal obligation and is enforced to ensure the standardization and quality of care provided by NPs.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Death Certificates in Illinois?

In the state of Illinois, nurse practitioners (NPs) are not authorized to sign death certificates. This responsibility is exclusively reserved for physicians. This regulation is part of the state’s medical practice laws, which delineate the scope of practice for various healthcare professionals. While NPs play a crucial role in patient care, the task of officially declaring a patient’s death and signing the death certificate is considered outside their jurisdiction in Illinois. 

Does Illinois Recognize Nurse Practitioners as Primary Care Providers? 

In the state of Illinois, state statute and/or Administrative Code does not define whether nurse practitioners can be primary care providers.

Can Nurse Practitioners Independently Prescribe Schedule II Drugs in Illinois?

When it comes to prescribing Schedule II drugs, which are classified as such due to their high potential for abuse and dependence, NPs in Illinois are subject to specific restrictions. They are permitted to prescribe these drugs, but only in a limited quantity that does not exceed a 30-day supply. This limitation is a safeguard to prevent potential misuse and overuse of these potent substances. It underscores the balance that must be struck between ensuring access to necessary medications and mitigating the risk of drug abuse and addiction. 

Do Nurse Practitioners Qualify for Medical Staff Membership in Illinois?

In the state of Illinois, NPs do qualify for medical staff membership.

Can Nurse Practitioners Order Physical Therapy in Illinois?

In the state of Illinois, NPs have the authority to make these referrals, which can be instrumental in a patient’s recovery process or in managing chronic conditions. This ability to refer patients allows NPs to ensure that their patients receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their health.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Handicap Parking Permit Forms in Illinois?

In the state of Illinois, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) can certify individuals for disability parking placards. NPs’ comprehensive training and education equip them to evaluate a patient’s functional abilities and limitations. They consider factors like mobility, cognitive, and respiratory impairments to determine eligibility. NPs assess a patient’s ability to walk, stand, or use public transportation, considering the impact on daily activities and the need for frequent medical appointments. By allowing NPs to certify disability, Illinois ensures individuals with disabilities have access to convenient parking, enhancing their quality of life and promoting community participation.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign POLST/POST/MOLST/MOST/COLST Forms in Illinois? 

In Illinois, NPs are granted the authority to sign the Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form. This is a significant responsibility as the POLST form is a critical document that outlines a patient’s preferences for end-of-life care. The ability of NPs to sign the POLST form underscores their integral role in the healthcare team, particularly in the management of patients with serious illnesses or those nearing the end of life. It allows NPs to facilitate meaningful discussions with patients about their healthcare goals, values, and preferences, and to ensure these are appropriately documented and respected.

Can Nurse Practitioners Sign Do Not Resuscitate Orders in Illinois?

In the state of Illinois, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are not authorized to sign Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders. This is a significant aspect of healthcare regulation in the state, as DNR orders are critical documents that instruct healthcare providers not to resuscitate a patient. This restriction means that the responsibility of signing DNR orders falls solely on physicians. 

What are the Continuing Education Requirements for Nurse Practitioners in Illinois?

In the state of Illinois, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are required to complete 80 Continuing Education (CE) hours every two years. This mandate aims to maintain and enhance NPs’ professional competence, ensure patient safety, support their professional development, and maintain regulatory compliance. The CE mandate helps NPs stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in healthcare, promotes patient safety by ensuring competent care, supports professional development, and ensures regulatory compliance.