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$174K

$177.5K

$180K

How much do clinical decision unit jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical decision unit in the United States is $177,500.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $176,000.00 and $179,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main responsibilities of a Clinical Decision Unit nurse?

Nurses in a Clinical Decision Unit typically care for patients who require short-term observation and assessment to determine if they need to be admitted or can be safely discharged. Their responsibilities include closely monitoring patient conditions, performing frequent assessments, administering medications, coordinating diagnostic tests, and facilitating timely communication with physicians and other care team members. Unlike other hospital units, CDUs have a fast-paced environment with frequent patient turnover, requiring strong organizational skills and adaptability. Collaboration with emergency and inpatient teams is essential to ensure efficient patient flow and optimal care outcomes.

What is the difference between Clinical Decision Unit vs Emergency Department Nurse?

AspectClinical Decision UnitEmergency Department Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN), sometimes with additional certificationsRegistered Nurse (RN), often with emergency or critical care certifications
Work EnvironmentHospital units focused on short-term patient observation and decision-makingEmergency room setting providing immediate care for acute conditions
Employer & IndustryHospitals, urgent care centersHospitals, trauma centers, emergency clinics

The Clinical Decision Unit and Emergency Department Nurse roles both require registered nursing credentials and involve hospital settings. However, the Clinical Decision Unit focuses on patient observation and decision-making for short-term care, while Emergency Department Nurses provide immediate, acute care in fast-paced emergency environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Clinical Decision Unit nurse?

To thrive as a Clinical Decision Unit nurse, you need strong clinical assessment abilities, acute care experience, and an active RN license, often supported by a BSN degree. Familiarity with telemetry, EHR systems, and rapid response protocols is vital in this fast-paced environment. Outstanding critical thinking, multitasking, and effective communication set exceptional nurses apart in this role. These skills ensure timely, accurate patient care and smooth transitions for patients requiring short-term observation or rapid clinical decisions.
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What job categories do people searching Clinical Decision Unit jobs look for?

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Clinical Decision Unit jobs near you
Infographic showing various Clinical Decision Unit job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,500 per year, or $85.3 per hour.

RN - Clinical Decision Unit( CDU)

Clinical Decision Unit(CDU)

New Bedford, MA • On-site

$40.74 - $74.81/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Union Posting Period

05/02/2025 - 05/07/2025

Overview

Community Focused. Care Driven.

Join Southcoast Health, where your future is as promising as the care we provide. Our commitment to each other, our patients, and our community is more than a mission - it's our way of life, and you'll be at the heart of it.

Southcoast Health is a not-for-profit, charitable, health system with multiple hospitals, clinics and facilities throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

We are searching for a talented RN for our brand new Clinical Decision Unit (CDU)

Hours: 36hrs (modified full time)

Shift: Evening/Night Shift 7:15-7:15a, every weekend and holiday rotation.

Location: St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford, MA

The Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) is designed to care for patients requiring short-term, hospital-based services, including targeted treatments, diagnostic assessments, and ongoing monitoring. These services help determine whether a patient can be safely discharged or requires admission to inpatient care. The expected length of stay in the CDU ranges from 8 to 48 hours, resulting in a high volume of admission, transfer, and discharge activity. As a result, the unit operates in a fast-paced environment like that of an Emergency Department. Care in this setting often involves telemetry monitoring and timely diagnostic workups.

A career at Southcoast Health offers you:

  • A culture of well-being that embraces, respects, and celebrates the rich diversity of one another and the communities we serve
  • Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package
  • Generous Earned Time Off Package**
  • Employee Wellbeing Program
  • 403B Retirement Plan with company match
  • Tuition assistance / Federal Loan Forgiveness programs
  • Professional growth opportunities and customized leadership training

**Available to regular status employees who are scheduled to work a minimum of 20 hours.

Southcoast Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities

Under direction of the Manager, Patient Services or designee of individual assigned unit, perform a variety of duties involving coordinating total nursing care for patients, participating in patient and family teaching and providing leadership by working cooperatively with ancillary nursing and other patient team personnel in maintaining standards for professional nursing practice within an assigned patient care unit. Has knowledge and skills necessary to provide care, which is appropriate to the age group of patients regularly served.

Qualifications
  • Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing or equivalent is required.
  • Current RN Licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is required.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is also required.
  • Three (3) months experience is preferred.
  • Telemetry experience preferred
  • Must be fully vaccinated against seasonal Influenza and the COVID 19 virus or to be exempt from the requirement for medical or personal reasons by signing a statement certifying you are choosing to be exempt from vaccination once hired

Compensation: Pay rate will be determined based on level of experience

Pay Range

USD $40.74 - USD $74.81 /Hr.

Rotation Schedule Requirement

Every Other Weekend and Holiday Rotation

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