Travel Registered Nurse OR Job

Step into the operating room as a Traveling Registered Nurse specializing in the OR in Carbondale, Illinois, beginning February 9, 2026. This opportunity is more than a temporary placement; it’s a chance to influence patient outcomes, refine perioperative expertise, and become a trusted member of high-performing surgical teams. In this role, your meticulous skill, calm leadership, and compassionate bedside presence will guide patients through some of their most pivotal moments. Carbondale itself offers a welcoming blend of small-town warmth and access to the stunning landscapes of southern Illinois—from the dramatic bluffs and wild trails of the Shawnee National Forest to the crystal-clear waters of Rend Lake. You’ll have the chance to savor local music, diverse dining, and a thriving arts scene, while knowing you’re making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. And for those who crave broader horizons, this program supports placements across multiple sites nationwide, letting you experience new communities, hospital cultures, and surgical specialties with each assignment.

Location Benefits:
Carbondale is a vibrant college town that combines outdoor adventure with a rich cultural tapestry. Outdoor enthusiasts will relish hiking, cycling, and kayaking opportunities during downtime, while food lovers can explore a growing culinary scene anchored by local farms and eateries. The cost of living remains accessible, making it easier to enjoy a balanced lifestyle between demanding shifts and restorative downtime. As part of our traveling RN network, you’ll also gain access to a portfolio of placements across the United States, enabling you to broaden clinical perspectives and collaborate with diverse surgical teams. This breadth of experience enhances adaptability, expands professional networks, and opens doors to advanced perioperative opportunities well beyond a single facility or market.

Role Specifics and Benefits:
- Key responsibilities: As an OR RN you will scrub and circulate, assist with sterile technique and instrument handling, and support surgeons across a range of procedures. You’ll contribute to preoperative assessments, document care with precision, monitor anesthesia-related parameters, and ensure patient safety from admission through recovery. You’ll manage equipment and implant inventories, maintain situational awareness in fast-paced environments, and communicate clearly with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses, and support staff. Your role will require critical thinking, meticulous asepsis, and a patient-centered approach that reassures patients and families during perioperative care.
- Professional growth: Expect exposure to multiple surgical specialties, evolving technologies, robotics-assisted procedures, and complex reconstructions. With each assignment comes opportunities to refine scrub tech proficiency, expand pharmacologic knowledge related to anesthesia and analgesia, and strengthen leadership and delegation skills on a fast-moving team. You’ll have access to ongoing clinical coaching, evidence-based practice updates, and structured pathways for career advancement within perioperative services.
- Benefits package: This travel assignment offers a competitive weekly pay range estimated between $1,768 and $1,901, with extension opportunities that allow continued growth and continuity of care. Housing assistance is provided to ease relocation, and there may be sign-on or completion bonuses where applicable. The program supports contract extensions, unit rotations, and elective shifts that align with your preferences and career goals. A comprehensive benefits package typically includes health and dental options, retirement planning, licensure reimbursement, and continuing education support.
- Support and security: You will be backed by 24/7 support while traveling with the company, ensuring you have a responsive help line, onboarding guidance, and clinical leadership available to you at any time. This safety net extends to credentialing support, orientation materials, and access to a dedicated travel concierge who helps with travel logistics, housing details, and site-specific requirements.
- Culture and values: The organization is rooted in empowering its staff, prioritizing patient-centered care, and fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment. You’ll join teams that value accountability, professional development, and a supportive workplace where your clinical voice is heard and your expertise is respected. The mission is to elevate perioperative care while promoting clinician well-being, recognition, and sustainable career growth.

Company Values:
Our partner organization is committed to empowering its nursing staff, investing in career advancement, and cultivating a supportive work culture that recognizes the critical role perioperative nurses play in patient safety and successful outcomes. Expect transparent communication, mentorship opportunities, and a culture that celebrates professional curiosity and continuous improvement. Whether you are new to travel nursing or bringing extensive OR experience, you’ll find a collaborative environment that respects your clinical judgment, honors your preferences, and provides pathways to leadership, specialization, and cross-site learning.

Call to Action:
If you’re an experienced OR RN who thrives in dynamic surgical settings and expects both clinical challenge and professional development, this is your moment. Apply today to begin an exciting chapter in Carbondale, IL, with the chance to extend your impact through placements across the country, enhanced by robust support, competitive pay, and meaningful benefits. Embrace a program that values your skills, respects your time, and invests in your growth as a perioperative nursing professional. Ready to shape the future of surgical care while exploring diverse communities and advancing your career? Join us and start your journey on February 9, 2026, delivering excellence in every procedure you touch.

Please note: The hours and pay rates listed are estimates and may vary. Final compensation packages and guaranteed hours will be confirmed during the hiring process.

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About TLC Nursing
TLC Healthforce is a nationwide travel healthcare staffing agency pairing Nursing and Allied Health professionals with high-quality travel and local contracts across the U.S.

ShiftShield™ – Traveler Protection
ShiftShield™ protects travelers from preventable facility-driven cancellations and ensures fair compensation for schedule disruptions.

Why Travelers Choose TLC

• Competitive weekly pay
• Fast credentialing
• 24/7 recruiter & clinical support
• Nationwide assignments

Referral Bonus
Earn up to $1,000 per referral — no employment required.

EEO Statement
TLC Healthforce is an Equal Opportunity Employer.