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Director Rn Observation Unit Jobs in Ankeny, IA (NOW HIRING)

PCT - Observation Unit

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Provides 1:1 direct observation (sitter in patient's room) to assigned patient to prevent patient ... the RN. * Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to pose a threat to ...

Travel ICU RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$2.0K - $2.7K/wk

Weekly pay and direct deposit * Full coverage of all credentialing fees * Private housing or ... Observe the patient's heart rate, blood pressure and respiration for signs of distress.

Travel ICU RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$2.0K - $2.7K/wk

Weekly pay and direct deposit * Full coverage of all credentialing fees * Private housing or ... Observe the patient's heart rate, blood pressure and respiration for signs of distress.

Travel ICU RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$2.0K - $2.7K/wk

Weekly pay and direct deposit * Full coverage of all credentialing fees * Private housing or ... Observe the patient's heart rate, blood pressure and respiration for signs of distress.

Close monitoring and observation of the patient's heart rate, blood pressure and respiration for ... Posted job title: RN ICU About Care Career Care Career brings together a portfolio of leading ...

Close monitoring and observation of the patient's heart rate, blood pressure and respiration for ... Posted job title: RN ICU About Care Career Care Career brings together a portfolio of leading ...

Close monitoring and observation of the patient's heart rate, blood pressure and respiration for ... Posted job title: RN ICU About Care Career Care Career brings together a portfolio of leading ...

Close monitoring and observation of the patient's heart rate, blood pressure and respiration for ... Posted job title: RN ICU About Care Career Care Career brings together a portfolio of leading ...

Close monitoring and observation of the patient's heart rate, blood pressure and respiration for ... Posted job title: RN ICU About Care Career Care Career brings together a portfolio of leading ...

Close monitoring and observation of the patient's heart rate, blood pressure and respiration for ... Posted job title: RN ICU About Care Career Care Career brings together a portfolio of leading ...

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Showing results 1-20

Director Rn Observation Unit information

See Ankeny, IA salary details

$21.1K

$71.5K

$137.8K

How much do director rn observation unit jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for director rn observation unit in Ankeny, IA is $71,482.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,800.00 and $98,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director RN observation unit, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director RN Observation Unit, you need advanced clinical expertise in nursing, leadership experience, and a BSN or MSN degree along with RN licensure. Familiarity with hospital management systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and regulatory compliance standards such as Joint Commission requirements is crucial. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and team-building skills set top candidates apart in this leadership role. These skills ensure effective unit management, high patient care standards, and regulatory adherence in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a director RN in an observation unit, and how can they be addressed?

A Director RN in an Observation Unit often faces challenges such as managing patient flow, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and balancing staffing needs with fluctuating patient volumes. Addressing these challenges requires strong leadership skills, the ability to implement evidence-based protocols, and effective communication with interdisciplinary teams. Staying proactive with staff training and fostering a collaborative environment helps maintain high-quality patient care while meeting operational goals.

What is a director RN observation unit?

A Director RN Observation Unit is a senior nursing leader responsible for managing and overseeing the operations of an observation unit within a hospital or healthcare facility. This role typically involves supervising nursing staff, ensuring high standards of patient care, managing budgets, implementing policies, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. The director also monitors patient flow, develops unit protocols, and works to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. Strong leadership, clinical expertise, and organizational skills are essential for success in this position.

What is the difference between Director Rn Observation Unit vs Registered Nurse Observation Unit?

AspectDirector Rn Observation UnitRegistered Nurse Observation Unit
CredentialsRN license, leadership experience, possibly management certificationsRN license, clinical experience
Work EnvironmentAdministrative, leadership, overseeing staff and operationsDirect patient care in observation units
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, healthcare systems, administrative rolesHospitals, outpatient clinics, direct patient care

The main difference is that the Director Rn Observation Unit focuses on leadership, management, and operational oversight, while the Registered Nurse Observation Unit provides direct patient care within the observation unit. The director role involves strategic planning and staff supervision, whereas the RN role emphasizes clinical skills and patient interaction.

What are popular job titles related to Director Rn Observation Unit jobs in Ankeny, IA? For Director Rn Observation Unit jobs in Ankeny, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Rn Observation Unit jobs in Ankeny, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Director Rn Observation Unit jobs in Ankeny, IA are:
What cities near Ankeny, IA are hiring for Director Rn Observation Unit jobs? Cities near Ankeny, IA with the most Director Rn Observation Unit job openings:
Infographic showing various Director Rn Observation Unit job openings in Ankeny, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,482 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

PCT - Observation Unit

UnityPoint Health

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

  • Area of Interest: Patient Care

  • FTE/Hours per pay period: 0.4

  • Department: Telesitter Monitoring

  • Shift: Nights 11p-730a, every 4th weekend and a holiday rotation

  • Job ID: 184469

Overview

Shift: Nights 11p-730a, every 4th weekend and a holiday rotation, 16 hours/week

Provides continuous observation and monitoring of patients at risk of self-harm, wandering, or injury to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment and support delivery of care. Under the direction of a care team member, monitors and documents patient behavior, redirects or de-escalates as appropriate, and assists with basic safety, comfort, and activities of daily living. This role is accomplished through observation via camera, typically on site in the hospital.

Why UnityPoint Health?

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.   Here are just a few:    

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program .

  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.

  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family .

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Responsibilities

  • Demonstrates understanding and proficiency of the use of the patient monitoring software while functioning as a remote monitoring technician. Maintains visual observation at all times. Verbally redirects patient over digital 2-way audio device that is in patient room

  • Provides 1:1 direct observation (sitter in patient’s room) to assigned patient to prevent patient self- injury in situation where patient/family is unable to do so.

  • Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to provide the appropriate care to a patient population based on the patients individualized treatment plan as delegated by the RN.

  • Seeks help or advice as soon as possible when patient appears to pose a threat to themselves or others.

  • Participates in hand-off of pertinent information/behavior about assigned patients when arriving on unit/work area and upon completion of shift assignment.

  • Coordinates meal and break times with team and informs appropriate team members prior to leaving monitoring station for any reason to ensure constant patient observation.

  • Seeks assistance with removal of any potential safety hazard from room and reports findings to Charge Nurse.

Qualifications

Education: High School graduate or GED

Experience: Familiarity with healthcare environment preferred. Basic computer skills required License(s)/Certification(s): Valid driver’s license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English. Multicultural sensitivity. Microsoft Office – basic computer skills. Customer/patient focused. Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.


What UnityPoint Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995