Location & Practice Overview

This role places Licensed Practical Nurses in participating healthcare facilities across the Chicago area through ShiftKey’s digital marketplace. Assignments occur at facilities that post open shifts, giving LPNs access to varied clinical environments without a fixed single-site schedule.

Primary Location Chicago, Illinois
Practice Model Technology-enabled workforce marketplace
Facility Types Skilled nursing, long-term care, assisted living, hospitals, rehabilitation, and behavioral health
Care Delivery On-site bedside nursing at participating facilities
Assignment Structure Individual shifts selected by the professional

Responsibilities

  • Provide direct bedside nursing care to patients and residents within the Illinois LPN scope of practice.
  • Measure, record, and monitor vital signs; observe and report changes in patient condition to the supervising RN or appropriate clinician.
  • Administer prescribed medications and authorized treatments according to facility protocols and physician orders.
  • Document nursing care, medication administration, treatments, and clinical observations in the facility’s electronic health record system.
  • Communicate patient status updates and coordinate care activities with RNs, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team.
  • Follow infection prevention, patient safety, and facility-specific policies while maintaining a safe care environment.

All care is delivered under the guidance of a Registered Professional Nurse or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse as required by the Illinois Nurse Practice Act.

Qualifications & Requirements

Candidates must hold an active Illinois LPN license and meet platform credentialing standards before requesting shifts.

Education
High school diploma or GED
License
Valid and current Illinois Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license
Certification
Current CPR/BLS certification completed within the previous two years
Health Screening
Tuberculosis (TB) test within the previous 12 months
Background
Completion of applicable background screening and government-issued photo ID
Experience
No minimum years of LPN experience specified; individual facilities may set additional requirements for certain shifts

Compensation & Benefits

Professionals set preferred rates when requesting shifts. Payment occurs after shift verification, with same-day options available through supported services or weekly direct deposit. As independent contractors, tax withholding differs from traditional employee payroll.

  • Compensation: $32–$42 per hour
  • Professionals may submit preferred rates subject to platform and facility conditions
  • Same-day payment options after shift approval or weekly direct deposit
  • Access to portable benefits marketplace through Stride Health partnership (health, dental, vision, and life insurance options)

Schedule & Work Environment

Work Model Independent contractor selecting individual per-diem and PRN shifts
Flexibility Professionals choose shifts that match personal availability
Shift Details Duration, start times, and conditions set by the posting facility
Environment On-site clinical care in participating healthcare facilities
Coverage Scope Assignments available across multiple facility types in the Chicago area

Patient Population & Clinical Setting

Patient characteristics and clinical complexity vary by the specific facility and shift selected. Assignments may involve residents or patients requiring ongoing practical nursing support in post-acute, long-term, rehabilitation, or acute settings.

Setting Variety Skilled nursing, long-term care, assisted living, hospital, rehabilitation, and behavioral health environments
Clinical Context Bedside care for patients and residents with diverse care needs
Acuity Range Varies by facility and individual assignment
Care Focus Support for health, comfort, and safety under established care plans

Clinical Focus & Key Services

The clinical core of this role centers on practical nursing interventions that support patient monitoring, medication delivery, and treatment implementation within the LPN scope.

Patient Monitoring Vital signs measurement, condition observation, and recognition of changes requiring clinical attention
Medication & Treatments Administration of prescribed medications and authorized nursing treatments
Care Plan Support Implementation of established patient care plans alongside the clinical team
Documentation Accurate clinical record-keeping of observations, medications, and treatments

Role Highlights

This position operates through a digital marketplace that allows LPNs to select individual shifts rather than commit to a fixed facility schedule.

  • Independent contractor model with ability to review and request available shifts based on personal availability
  • Access to assignments across multiple participating facility types in the Chicago area
  • Professionals can set preferred rates when requesting shifts
  • Opportunity to gain experience in different clinical environments without long-term single-site commitment

About ShiftKey, LLC

ShiftKey is a healthcare workforce technology company founded in 2016 and headquartered in Irving, Texas. It operates a digital marketplace that connects independent licensed healthcare professionals directly with facilities needing clinical staffing support, without traditional agency intermediaries.

Organization Type Healthcare technology marketplace platform
Founded 2016
Headquarters Irving, Texas
Platform Reach Connects independent professionals with 10,000+ participating facilities nationwide
Professional Network Supports CNAs, RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and other licensed clinicians

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a traditional full-time employee position or independent contractor work?
ShiftKey classifies participating nursing professionals as independent contractors who select and work individual shifts through the marketplace platform rather than as traditional facility employees.
Do I need to commit to a set number of shifts each week?
No minimum weekly hours are required. Professionals review available assignments and request only those that fit their personal schedules.
Will I work at the same facility every time?
Assignments depend on the shifts posted by participating facilities. LPNs may work at different skilled nursing, long-term care, hospital, rehabilitation, or other settings based on available opportunities.
What credentialing steps are required before I can request shifts?
In addition to an active Illinois LPN license, platform guidance typically requires government-issued photo ID, current CPR/BLS, a recent TB test, background screening, and tax identification information. Some facilities may request additional documentation or orientation.
How does payment work after completing a shift?
Payment is issued after the completed shift is verified and approved. Same-day payment options through supported services and weekly direct deposit are available.
Are benefits available as an independent contractor?
ShiftKey partners with Stride Health to offer access to a portable benefits marketplace that may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance options. These are not employer-sponsored employee benefits.

LPN Career Opportunities in Chicago, Illinois

Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Chicago, IL offer healthcare professionals an opportunity to explore per-diem clinical assignments through ShiftKey's independent workforce marketplace. This arrangement is suited to Illinois-licensed LPNs interested in accessing opportunities across participating healthcare facilities rather than pursuing a permanent position at one location. Chicago-area assignments may vary by facility, specialty, and staffing needs, allowing professionals to consider different practice environments when reviewing available shifts. Candidates exploring LPN careers in Chicago can evaluate individual assignment requirements, workplace settings, and compensation before requesting opportunities that align with their professional qualifications and availability.

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