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Entry Level Rn Observation Unit Jobs in Saint Paul, MN

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Entry Level Rn Observation Unit information

See Saint Paul, MN salary details

$39.4K

$73.2K

$103.2K

How much do entry level rn observation unit jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level rn observation unit in Saint Paul, MN is $73,225.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,800.00 and $70,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Rn Observation Unit vs Entry Level Rn Emergency Room?

AspectEntry Level Rn Observation UnitEntry Level Rn Emergency Room
CertificationsRN license, Basic Life Support (BLS)RN license, BLS, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospital observation units, short-term patient monitoringEmergency departments, high-pressure acute care setting
Patient Care FocusMonitoring stable patients, assessing symptoms, short-term treatmentHandling critical emergencies, trauma, rapid response
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both roles require an RN license and BLS certification. The Observation Unit focuses on monitoring stable patients in a controlled environment, while the Emergency Room involves managing critical, urgent cases in a fast-paced setting. Understanding these differences helps nurses choose the right career path based on their skills and interests.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry-level RNs working in an Observation Unit, and how can I prepare for them?

As an entry-level RN in an Observation Unit, you may encounter challenges such as managing fluctuating patient acuity, adapting to rapid patient turnover, and prioritizing care for multiple patients. These units often require strong assessment skills and the ability to quickly recognize changes in patient conditions. To prepare, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with common protocols, practice effective time management, and develop strong communication skills for collaborating with physicians and other team members. Seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can also ease your transition and boost your confidence.

What is an Entry Level RN in an Observation Unit?

An Entry Level RN (Registered Nurse) in an Observation Unit is a newly licensed nurse who provides care for patients who require short-term monitoring and evaluation, typically for up to 24-48 hours. These patients are not sick enough for inpatient admission but require more observation than can be provided in the emergency department. The RN's responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, performing assessments, and communicating with the healthcare team to determine if patients should be admitted or discharged. This role is ideal for new graduates gaining experience in acute care settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level RN in an Observation Unit, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level RN in an Observation Unit, you need a nursing degree, current RN licensure, and a solid understanding of patient monitoring and acute care protocols. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), telemetry equipment, and hospital communication systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and compassionate communication help build trust with patients and support teamwork. These skills ensure accurate patient monitoring, timely interventions, and effective coordination in a fast-paced observation setting.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rn Observation Unit jobs in Saint Paul, MN? The most popular types of Rn Observation Unit jobs in Saint Paul, MN are:
RN Medical Surgical Observation Unit

RN Medical Surgical Observation Unit

Fairview Health Services

Burnsville, MN • On-site

$44.68 - $75.66/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Fairview Health Services rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 245 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Overview
The Observation Unit RN at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, MN cares for adult patients with a wide range of medical and surgical needs. The unit is protocol driven serving medical and post-procedural/post-surgical patients including but not limited to conditions such as chest pain, syncope, renal colic, toxicology exposure, vertigo, DVT, stroke, gastroenteritis, hysterectomy, TURP, mastectomy and heart catheterizations. This 28 bed unit is fast-paced with an average length of patient stay around 28 hours, accommodating Outpatient Observation, Inpatient and Outpatient Surgical patients and is equipped with remote telemetry to closely monitor cardiac patients. The unit is continuously focused on evaluating processes to improve quality of care, decrease length of stay by facilitating quick discharges and efficient patient flow.
About This Nursing (RN) Position: 48 hours per two weeks, 12-hour shifts, day shift (7am-7:30pm), and every third weekend (F, S, S).
The Registered Nurse is responsible for the assessment, planning, delivery, and evaluation of nursing care for all assigned patient population(s). The RN is responsible for performing these responsibilities in accordance with all policy, procedures, professional practice guidelines and the MN Nurse Practice Act. The RN coordinates care with members of the health care team and delegates responsibilities to others as appropriate.
Responsibilities
  • Assesses patient needs and identifies expected nursing outcomes.
  • Involves the patient, family, and other health team members in gathering data.
  • Uses an ongoing, systematic process to gather relevant information (biological, psychological, spiritual, and social aspects) from patient and family.
  • Analyzes data and information to identify potential risks, prioritize needs and determine priority problems.
  • Identifies outcomes that are age appropriate, culturally appropriate, realistic, and attainable.
  • Validates these with patient, family, and other health team members.
  • Documents data and identified outcomes.
  • Develops an individualized nursing plan of care.
  • Collaborates with patient, family, and other health team members to develop a nursing plan as part of an integrated, comprehensive plan of care
  • Develops an individualized plan based on age, social and cultural considerations, condition, and other relevant needs.
  • Determines nursing interventions based on identified needs.
  • Identifies interdisciplinary resources needed to assist in implementing the nursing plan of care.
  • Prioritizes interventions based on patient acuity, available resources, and patient/family preferences and needs.
  • Documents and updates the plan of care to assure continuity throughout the continuum of care.
  • Implements nursing interventions based on the plan of care.
  • Provides care according to the plan, and in accordance with all relevant policies, procedures, and nursing practice guidelines.
  • Coordinates nursing care with the care of all other health team members.
  • Initiates age and culturally appropriate measures to support and meet patient needs while achieving expected outcomes.
  • Initiates patient/family teaching as appropriate to age, readiness to learn and available resources.
  • Collaborates, consults, or makes referrals if unable to perform safely and independently.
  • Delegates direct and indirect patient care activities to appropriate personnel based on needs, condition, potential for risk/harm, complexity of the skill and predictability of the outcome.
  • Assures all actions are based on scientific, ethical, or ecological principles; proven effectiveness; experience; practice standards; patient/family requests and values; or, legal parameters.
  • Uses the full range of therapeutic modalities to support and augment the healing process, moving from least intensive and invasive to more, depending on need and context.
  • Documents interventions according to practice guidelines.
  • Anticipates, recognizes, and responds to emergent situations.

Required Qualifications
  • MN Registered Nurse (RN) License
  • Basic Life Support (American Heart Assoc or Red Cross)

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelors Degree in Nursing or BAN
  • 1-3 years of experience
  • BSN or willingness to obtain in near future
  • RN work experience in an acute or sub-acute setting preferably Med/Surg.
  • Familiarity with EPIC

Benefit Overview
Fairview offers a generous benefit package, including but not limited to medical, dental, visionplans, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, PTO and Sick and Safe Time, tuition reimbursement, retirement, early access to earned wages, and more! Please follow this link for additional information: https://www.fairview.org/benefits/noncontractrn
Compensation Disclaimer
An individual's pay rate within the posted range may be determined by various factors, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, experience, and market conditions. Additionally, our organization prioritizes pay equity and considers internal team equity when making any offer. If your role is eligible for a sign-on bonus, the bonus program that is approved and in place at the time of offer, is what will be honored.
EEO Statement
EEO/Vet/Disabled: All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to any lawfully protected status

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About Fairview Health Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Fairview Health Services is an industry-leading, award-winning nonprofit that offers an entire network of healthcare services. Fairview is one part of M Health Fairview, a partnership between the University of Minnesota, M Physicians and Fairview Health Services. Together, we combine the University's deep history of clinical innovation and training with Fairview's extensive roots in community medicine. Our care portfolio includes community hospitals, academic hospitals, primary and specialty care clinics, senior facilities, facilitated living centers, rehabilitation centers, home health care services, counseling, pharmacies and benefit management services.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US