Chicago is one of the largest healthcare markets in the United States, with extensive services that support both urban and suburban communities. Opportunities for nursing jobs in Chicago span acute care, outpatient services, public health programs, and long-term care, reflecting the city’s diverse population and broad healthcare needs.
Chicago offers a vibrant living environment with cultural districts, lakefront parks, and well-connected public transportation. The cost of living varies significantly by neighborhood, allowing nurses to choose housing that fits their lifestyle. For those seeking professional growth in a major metropolitan area, Chicago provides a dynamic setting where nurses can build lasting and varied careers.
In the next sections, you will find concise guidance on key steps for practicing as a nurse in Chicago and insights to help you confidently adjust to the local healthcare system. You will also learn how a Dynamic Health Staff can support your move and professional journey.
How to Obtain an Illinois Nurse Licensure for Work in Chicago?
The Illinois Board of Nursing, within the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, regulates Registered Nurse licensure. Internationally educated nurses must obtain an Illinois licensure before practising.
Core requirements include:
- A nursing qualification equivalent to U.S. standards, verified through an authorised credential-evaluation service
- Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN examination (required for all RN applicants)
- Fingerprinting and background checks
- Verification of current nursing registration or licensure from your home country (if applicable)
- For non-U.S. citizens: lawful work authorization before employment
Typical steps:
- Complete a credential evaluation and have documents sent directly to IDFPR
- Apply for NCLEX-RN eligibility and prepare for the examination (we offer exam coaching).
- Submit your Illinois RN licensure application with fees and required documents
- Once licensed and work-authorized, apply for RN positions in Chicago hospitals or community health settings
With over four decades of global placement experience, Dynamic Health Staff assists international nurses with licensure, exam preparation, and visa processes, having successfully placed more than 480,000 candidates across multiple countries.
Navigating the NCLEX-RN Exam: Key Steps for Foreign-Educated Nurses Seeking Licensure in Chicago
The NCLEX-RN is a national examination that assesses whether candidates meet U.S. standards for safe entry-level nursing practice.
To sit the exam in Illinois, the IDFPR must first determine that your education and licence credentials meet state requirements. International applicants must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation that is sent directly to IDFPR, along with background check information, during the licensure process. Once eligibility is confirmed, you may register with Pearson VUE, obtain Authorization to Test (ATT), and schedule the NCLEX-RN within the validity period assigned.
IDFPR issues an Illinois RN license only after:
- Passing the NCLEX-RN
- Completing credential evaluation and licence verification
- Meeting all state regulatory requirements
Preparation tips
- Use targeted NCLEX-RN review tools aligned with U.S. nursing standards and clinical terminology.
- Participate in practice exams, study groups, or webinars to build competency in exam-style reasoning.
- Keep in mind that employment as a nurse in Chicago can only begin after you receive Illinois RN licensure and appropriate U.S. work authorization. Planning for both requirements helps minimize delays once licensure is granted.
- After passing the NCLEX-RN and completing all Illinois Board of Nursing requirements, you may apply for licensed nursing positions in Chicago.
What You Need to Know About the CGFNS Process for Nurses Seeking Work in Chicago?
The CGFNS) provides credential verification and screening services for internationally educated nurses. Although Illinois does not require the CGFNS Certification Program for licensure, CGFNS services are often used to verify foreign education when applying for U.S. visas or employment.
Why CGFNS may matter?
- It confirms that your nursing education and home-country licence meet U.S. standards
- A VisaScreen Certificate from CGFNS is required for many immigration categories used by registered nurses
- Some employers prefer candidates who already hold CGFNS documentation because it demonstrates verified credentials
Documentation typically includes:
- Academic transcripts sent directly from your school
- Verification of your nursing registration/licence from the issuing authority
- English language proficiency proof if education was not conducted in English
With our training and guidance, you’ll be well-prepared for the CGFNS evaluation and improve your chances of securing nursing employment in Chicago.
Adapting to the Healthcare Work Environment in Chicago: A Nurse’s Guide
Practice settings in Chicago
Chicago hosts major academic hospitals as well as numerous community clinics, outpatient centres, and specialty units across the metropolitan area. Roles are available in fields such as critical care, trauma, perioperative services, and oncology for nurses who meet licensure and competency requirements.
Salary benchmarks
Registered nurses in the Chicago metro area commonly earn with variation based on experience, specialty, overtime, and union agreements.
Work culture and expectations
Nurses should expect rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, in 24-hour hospital operations. Union representation is common, with defined benefits and workplace protections governed by Illinois labour law. International nurses will adapt to fast-paced clinical environments, advanced electronic health records, and collaborative multidisciplinary practice.
Our team at Dynamic Health Staff ensures you understand labour regulations and role expectations, and supports you in aligning your skills with nursing vacancies in Chicago.
From Relocation to Registration: How Dynamic Health Staff Support Nurses in Chicago?
At Dynamic Health Staff, we draw on over 48 years of experience in international healthcare recruitment. Established in 1977 under our parent company, Dynamic Staffing Services, we have built a strong recruitment network and placed tens of thousands of healthcare professionals across 24+ countries.
What makes us different?
- We assist throughout the entire process, including screening, training, shortlisting, interview scheduling, visa coordination, and relocation support.
- We support you through a user-friendly mobile platform that offers detailed job listings and lets you easily apply for your preferred nursing positions from home.
- Our team of over 250 consultants brings extensive expertise in global healthcare recruitment and workforce placement.
Many client testimonials on Google and published on our website speak of our strong placement success and candidate experience.
When you’re ready to explore nursing career opportunities in Chicago, we’ll match your background to roles across the Illinois metro area. We currently assist healthcare professionals in securing opportunities across Canada, the UK, Australia, Poland, Germany, the UAE, Qatar, and several other countries.
Contact Us
Ready to go further in your nursing journey to the USA? Contact us via phone, visit our office, email us, or fill out our form. We’ll help you get started toward a rewarding nursing career in Chicago.
