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Director Rn Observation Unit Jobs in Des Plaines, IL

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Director Rn Observation Unit information

See Des Plaines, IL salary details

$21.9K

$74.3K

$143.2K

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

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for director rn observation unit in Des Plaines, IL is $74,332.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,400.00 and $102,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Des Plaines, IL?

For Director Rn Observation Unit jobs in Des Plaines, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Rn Observation Unit jobs in Des Plaines, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Rn Observation Unit jobs in Des Plaines, IL are:

What cities near Des Plaines, IL are hiring for Director Rn Observation Unit jobs?

Cities near Des Plaines, IL with the most Director Rn Observation Unit job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Rn Observation Unit job openings in Des Plaines, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,332 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Registered Nurse-Observation Unit Full Time Nights

Northwestern Medicine

Palos Park, IL • On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Assess and record patient status and care needs upon admission and throughout the hospital stay.

  • Develop, update, and communicate individualized plans of care, including discharge planning and patient education.

  • Collaborate with patients, families, and healthcare team members to coordinate and evaluate patient care activities.


Northwestern Medicine rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 398 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description

The Staff Nurse reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

  • The registered professional nurse assumes accountability and responsibility for the individualized, age-specific care of a patient along the continuum from admission to discharge. She/He gives direct care to assigned patients and assists with other patient care when necessary. The registered professional nurse’s decisions and actions on behalf of the patient/family are determined in an ethical manner. She/He collects and analyzes the assessment data in determining nursing diagnoses, collaborates with the patient/family and other health care team members, develops a plan of care to attain realistic outcomes, provides education founded on evidence-based practice, and systematically evaluates the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice.
Responsibilities
  • Assess and records patient status and identifies patient care needs upon admission/point of care entry.
  • Organizes the assessment health data so that it is accurate, complete and accessible.
  • Identifies problems that need immediate attention.
  • Validates diagnoses with patient/family and other health care team members.
  • Documents diagnoses in a manner that facilitates the determination of expected outcomes and plan of care.
  • Initiates Problem List at the time of admission and updates as needed. Incorporates principles of age-specific care into the patient’s plan of care.
  • Documents that the patient’s individualized plan of care has been discussed with and agreed upon by the patient/family.
  • Begins plans for discharge at time of admission; consults with patient/family and health care team members regarding discharge plan.
  • Identifies patient teaching needs on admission and throughout hospital stay.
  • Arranges conferences with patient and/or family and other members of health team when indicated to plan care.
  • Prioritizes and organizes nursing interventions that are evidence based and reflective of established standards of care.
  • Provides individualized, mutually agreeable, patient and family education that is founded on evidence-based practice and research guidelines.
  • Documents all assessments, interventions and patient responses.
  • Reviews consistently the patient’s health data to keep the Plan of Care updated.
  • Assures that revisions to the plan of care are systematic and ongoing and are driven by measurable realistic goals.
  • Documents the patient’s progression toward identified outcomes
  • Identifies unmet outcomes and provides direction for continuity of care.
  • Reassesses nursing actions for effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes.
  • Communicates with patient/family and health care team members re: patient care and nursing’s role in the provision of care.
  • Collaborates with patient/family and healthcare team members re: the patient’s progress/plan of care.
  • Presents relevant patient information at multidisciplinary meetings/conferences for feedback from peers.
  • Makes appropriate referrals as needed for continuity of care.
Qualifications Required
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Current State of Illinois Registered Professional Nurse
  • American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to collaborate with others
  • Strong analytic abilities
  • Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) acceptable with commitment to obtain a BSN from an accredited program within three years of first day of employment in clinical nurse role.
  • Additional Requirements for the Emergency Room: ACLS, PALS/ENPC & TNCC within one year of hire Additional Requirements for the Pediatric Emergency Room: Pediatric Advanced Life Support TNCC within one year of hire Additional Requirements for Non-Invasive Cardiology: ACLS Preferred: Experience in specific clinical area Additional Preferences for the Emergency Room and the Pediatric Emergency Room: Trauma Nurse Specialist (TNS) Emergency Communications Registered Nurse Certified Pediatric Nurse Certified Emergency Nurse
Preferred
  • Experience in specific clinical area.
Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position):

Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.

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