NEMT Stretcher/Gurney Driver — Palatine, IL
Join Dream Care Rides as a stretcher driver serving patients across the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Operate a ambulette (stretcher-equipped vehicle) with flexible scheduling and competitive pay.
1099 Independent Contractor • Palatine, IL 60067 • Room-to-room, door-through-door, and bed-to-bed service
Job Overview
Dream Care Rides is hiring Stretcher/Gurney NEMT Drivers to serve patients in Palatine, IL and the northwest suburbs of Chicago. This is the highest-paying driver position at Dream Care Rides, reflecting the advanced skills, training, and responsibility required to transport non-ambulatory patients safely.
Stretcher drivers operate a company-provided ambulette vehicle equipped with a power stretcher and Broda Traversa chair. You will work alongside a trained attendant to ensure safe two-person patient transfers at all times — you never handle patients alone.
Patients transported by stretcher include hospital discharge patients, skilled nursing facility transfers, rehabilitation center admissions, and individuals who cannot sit upright due to medical conditions. This role demands physical fitness, attention to detail, and a calm, professional demeanor.
The northwest suburbs represent a growing market for stretcher transport. Hospital discharge contracts and skilled nursing facility partnerships are expanding rapidly in this service area, creating consistent high-value trip opportunities for qualified drivers.
Pay Range
$25 – $40/hour
Location
Palatine, IL
Type
1099 Contractor
Vehicle
ambulette
What You'll Do
Safely load and unload stretcher-bound patients using proper body mechanics and two-person lift protocols
Operate power stretcher equipment and Broda Traversa chair for varied patient transfer scenarios
Coordinate with hospital discharge coordinators and nursing staff for patient handoffs
Conduct pre-trip vehicle inspections including stretcher mechanisms, oxygen equipment, and climate control systems
Maintain patient dignity and comfort — manage IV lines, oxygen tubing, and patient positioning during transport
Complete detailed trip documentation via the Dream Care Rides driver app including patient condition notes
Follow IDPH, DOT, and company protocols for patient handling, sanitation, and infection control
Provide bed-to-bed service for patients transferring between facilities
What You'll Need
Valid Illinois driver’s license (Class D or higher) with a clean driving record
Clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) — no DUI/DWI in the past 7 years, no reckless driving in the past 3 years
Must pass a comprehensive background check, drug screening, and physical fitness evaluation
Minimum age of 21 years old with at least 3 years of driving experience
Previous stretcher/gurney transport, ambulance, or patient handling experience strongly preferred
Physical fitness to lift 150+ lbs with a partner using proper technique
CPR/First Aid certification required; EMT-B or BLS certification is a plus
Knowledge of medical equipment handling (oxygen tanks, IV poles, suction devices) preferred
Benefits & Perks
Highest driver pay at Dream Care Rides: $25 – $40/hour
Flexible scheduling with priority access to high-value stretcher assignments
Company-provided ambulette vehicle — no personal vehicle wear and tear
Free comprehensive stretcher transport training including Broda Traversa operation
Always work with a trained attendant — two-person transfers every time
Consistent high-value trip volume from hospital discharge contracts
24/7 dispatch support and roadside assistance
Career growth into fleet management, training, and operations leadership
About Dream Care Rides
Dream Care Rides is a non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) provider headquartered in Olympia Fields, IL. We transport patients to dialysis, chemotherapy, doctor appointments, hospital discharges, and other medical destinations across the Chicago metropolitan area. Our fleet includes sedans, ADA-compliant wheelchair vans, and stretcher ambulettes.
Founded by Otse Amorighoye, Dream Care Rides has earned a 5.0 Google rating with 89 reviews by prioritizing patient safety, driver professionalism, and on-time performance. We serve both Medicaid-funded and private pay patients throughout Illinois.
Our headquarters is located at 20000 Governors Dr Suite 103H, Olympia Fields, IL 60461. Call (708) 505-6994 to learn more about driver opportunities.
Ready to Apply?
Submit your application online and our hiring team will contact you within 24 hours to discuss orientation, training, and your first routes.
Dream Care Rides is an equal opportunity employer.
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View Position →Questions about this position? Call (708) 505-6994 or visit all open positions.