Travel Nursing Jobs in Illinois
Travel nursing jobs in Illinois can offer a wide variety of experiences. The most populous state in the Midwest is also extremely diverse, ranging from enormous urban areas like Chicago to quiet rural areas and vast expanses of farmland. While major cities like Chicago and Springfield are hubs for arts, culture, shopping, and fine dining, the whole state is known for friendly, welcoming people and hearty, unique cuisine. Check out our available Illinois travel nursing jobs below.
TNAA | TotalMed is the travel nursing agency for you – in Illinois and across the country! We offer competitive travel nursing pay, excellent benefits, and personal service to each of our nurses.
Although most of Illinois is prairie – exceptionally flat prairie in the northeast corner – there is an area of rough-hewn hills in the northwest called the Driftless Region.
The terrain in the Driftless Region can be explained in terms of the Ice Age. Drift is a type of sediment laid down by glaciers, and this area was left untouched by the ice sheet that once covered most of what is now Illinois. As a result, it remains a hilly contrast to the rest of the state.
Illinois offers a mix of bustling cities, scenic outdoor escapes, historic towns, and unique attractions—perfect for travel nurses looking to explore during their days off.
Starved Rock State Park — Famous for waterfalls, canyons, and hiking trails along the Illinois River.
Matthiessen State Park — Scenic trails, cliffs, and peaceful forest landscapes near Starved Rock.
Shawnee National Forest — Stunning rock formations, trails, and the Garden of the Gods scenic area.
Lake Michigan shoreline — Beaches, bike paths, and city parks along the Chicago lakeshore.
Chicago — Millennium Park, Navy Pier, The Art Institute of Chicago, Willis Tower Skydeck, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Springfield — Historic Illinois State Capitol, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and Route 66 landmarks.
Peoria — Riverfront parks, local museums, and the Peoria Riverfront Museum with planetarium shows.
Naperville — Riverwalk, family-friendly parks, and shopping/dining options.
Galena — Historic 19th-century architecture, boutique shopping, and scenic hills.
Oak Brook & Oak Park — Home to Frank Lloyd Wright sites and suburban charm with easy city access.
Effingham — Small-town attractions along Route 66 and local fairs/events.
4. Unique & Unexpected Spots
Anderson Japanese Gardens (Rockford) — Beautifully maintained gardens and walking paths.
Illinois Railway Museum (Union) — Vintage trains, rides, and interactive exhibits.
Route 66 Landmarks — Classic diners, old gas stations, and historic roadside attractions.
Brookfield Zoo (Chicago area) — One of the nation’s top zoos with interactive exhibits.
Children’s Museum of Illinois (Springfield) — Hands-on learning and activities for families.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center (Schaumburg) — Indoor LEGO attractions and play areas.
Six Flags Great America (Gurnee) — Roller coasters, water park, and family rides.
Use a car for flexibility — Many attractions, especially outside Chicago, require driving.
Plan around weather — Winters can be cold and snowy; summers are warm and humid.
Explore midweek — Popular parks and museums are less crowded on weekdays.
Combine city and nature trips — Illinois has both urban culture and beautiful outdoor escapes.
Try local foods — Deep-dish pizza in Chicago, Italian beef sandwiches, and local craft breweries.
Temporary License Timeframe: 3-4 weeks
Permanent License Timeframe: 6-8 weeks
Compact (eNLC): No
Does this state offer a temporary license? Yes
