Physician 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.

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

In Illinois, physicians are authorized to sign Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms, a legal document used to communicate end-of-life treatment preferences. The POLST Act governs this process, ensuring that individuals’ wishes are respected, even if they cannot communicate them during a medical emergency. Physicians are responsible for discussing the form with patients, ensuring comprehension and proper completion, and filing it in the patient’s medical record. The POLST form serves as a valuable tool for ensuring that a person’s end-of-life wishes are honored.

Can Physicians Sign Do Not Resuscitate Orders in Illinois?

In Illinois, physicians have the legal authority to sign Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders. DNR orders instruct healthcare professionals to refrain from performing CPR or other life-sustaining measures in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. The goal is to respect the patient’s wishes regarding end-of-life care. Factors such as the patient’s capacity to make informed decisions and their right to autonomy are considered before signing a DNR order. Patients with a DNR order continue to receive comfort care measures, such as pain management and symptom management. DNR orders are specific to the patient and the healthcare setting and are not transferable between different facilities or providers. In Illinois, the DNR order is a legal document that protects the patient’s rights and ensures their wishes are honored.

What are the Continuing Education Requirements for Physicians in Illinois?

In Illinois, physicians are required to complete 150 hours of CME every three year licensure cycle. They must complete 3 CME hours of safe opioid prescribing practices training, and one CME hour of sexual harassment prevention training, an hour of recognizing dementia, and an hour of implicit bias training.