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Overnight Rn Observation Unit Jobs in Lancaster, PA

RN - SICU

York, PA · On-site

... unit. The SICU nurse provides highly skilled nursing care, including close observation and the use of extensive monitoring equipment, mechanical ventilation and potential end-of-life care. SICU ...

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RN - SICU

York, PA · On-site

$2.2K/wk

Details Client Name WellSpan York Hospital Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty ... unit. The SICU nurse provides highly skilled nursing care, including close observation and the use ...

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Overnight Rn Observation Unit information

See Lancaster, PA salary details

$23

$44

$68

How much do overnight rn observation unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for overnight rn observation unit in Lancaster, PA is $44.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.16 and $49.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by overnight RNs in an observation unit, and how can they be managed?

Overnight RNs in an Observation Unit often face challenges such as managing patient care with limited on-site resources, staying alert during overnight hours, and coordinating care transitions as patients are admitted, discharged, or transferred. Effective communication with the interdisciplinary team, strong time management skills, and utilizing available support staff can help manage these challenges. Building routines to stay focused and prioritizing self-care during off hours are also important for maintaining performance and well-being.

What does an overnight RN in an observation unit do?

An Overnight RN in an Observation Unit is responsible for monitoring and caring for patients who require further evaluation or short-term treatment, typically for less than 24 hours. Their duties include assessing patient conditions, administering medications, collaborating with physicians, and ensuring patient safety throughout the night. They play a key role in determining if patients need to be admitted for inpatient care or can be safely discharged. This role requires strong clinical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently during overnight hours.

What is the difference between Overnight Rn Observation Unit vs Emergency Room Nurse?

AspectOvernight Rn Observation UnitEmergency Room Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, possibly specialized in observation careRegistered Nurse (RN) license, often with emergency or trauma certification
Work EnvironmentHospital observation units, typically overnight shifts, focused on patient monitoringEmergency departments, fast-paced, high-stress environment with acute care
Employer & IndustryHospitals, outpatient clinics, healthcare facilitiesHospitals, trauma centers, urgent care facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Overnight Rn Observation Unit and Emergency Room Nurse roles both require RN licensure and involve patient care in hospital settings. However, the Observation Unit focuses on monitoring patients overnight who need less intensive care, while ER Nurses handle acute emergencies in a fast-paced environment. Understanding these differences helps healthcare professionals choose the right career path or job opportunity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an overnight RN in an observation unit?

To thrive as an Overnight RN in an Observation Unit, you need strong clinical assessment skills, acute care experience, and an active RN license, often supported by certifications like BLS or ACLS. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), telemetry monitoring systems, and patient tracking tools is also essential. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to stay focused during night shifts are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure patient safety, accurate monitoring, and effective collaboration with healthcare teams during critical overnight hours.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rn Observation Unit jobs in Lancaster, PA? The most popular types of Rn Observation Unit jobs in Lancaster, PA are:
What cities near Lancaster, PA are hiring for Overnight Rn Observation Unit jobs? Cities near Lancaster, PA with the most Overnight Rn Observation Unit job openings:
Infographic showing various Overnight Rn Observation Unit job openings in Lancaster, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,929 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Registered Nurse RN Observation Unit (Part Time/Evenings)

Pennsylvania Medicine

Lancaster, PA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Registered Nurse RN Observation Unit (Part Time/Evenings)

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines. Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

LOCATION: Lancaster, PA - Lancaster General Hospital

HOURS: Part Time (24 hours per week). Evening shift (3pm-3am). Every third weekend and rotating holidays.

The Observation Unit is a fast-paced 52-bed unit for both medical and surgical patients needing short-term care. Patients here have an anticipated discharge of about 24-48 hours; enough time to receive treatments and procedures before being discharged. Top diagnoses on the unit include chest pain, Afib, hypertension, PE/DVT, abdominal pain, trauma, TI/CVA, CHF, asthma/COPD, vertigo, AFR/electrolyte abnormalities, syncope, hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia, and pre/post procedure (cardiac cath, OR, pacer, ablation, etc.). This unit requires strong assessment and critical thinking skills, as patient's condition can change rapidly.

Summary:

  • Assume responsibility and accountability as defined by the American Nurses Association standards of nursing practice.
  • The Clinical Nurse 2 Colleague is an RN that practices as a full partner on the health care team and consistently demonstrates safe practice within the organizational professional practice model.
  • The Clinical Nurse 2 Colleague possesses the knowledge, skills and the attitude to effectively meet standards for competent professional nursing practice.
  • The Clinical Nurse 2 Colleague exhibits Penn Medicine's experience standards which reflect its mission and are embedded in the professional practice competency domains.
  • The Clinical Nurse 2 Colleague independently provides patient care through the application of the nursing process and accepts accountability for the nursing care of assigned patients. Assigned patients may range in age from infancy to the elderly.
  • The Clinical Nurse 2 Colleague demonstrates within the competency domains of Continuous Quality Improvement, Evidence Based Practice and Research, Leadership, Person and Family Centered Care, Professionalism, Safety, Technology Informatics, and Teamwork.
  • The Clinical Nurse 2 Colleague works closely with the interprofessional health care team to facilitate the coordination of care across the continuum. The nurse focuses on expanding the knowledge and skills necessary to provide individualized care based on physical, psychosocial, cultural, educational, safety, and age-appropriate considerations of assigned patients.
  • The Clinical Nurse 2 Colleague seeks feedback in assuming leadership roles and provides feedback for improved clinical practice. The nurse demonstrates how nursing practice impacts the organizational vision, mission, and goals and the care delivery system. The nurse complies with all regulations and standards of regulatory and accrediting bodies.

Qualified individuals must have the ability with or without reasonable accommodation to perform the following duties:

  • Incorporates the Lancaster General Health mission, vision and values into planning patient care.
  • Functions as an independent and interdependent member of the health care team as defined in unit-based Plan for Provision of Care.
  • Performs patient assessments, focusing on physiologic, psychological, and cognitive functions. Evaluates progress toward attainment of outcomes and adapts the plan of care based on recognized trends and changes.
  • Collects and manages comprehensive data pertinent to the patient's health or the situation.
  • Analyzes the assessment data to determine the diagnosis or issues. Formulates age-appropriate and culturally and ethically sensitive plan of care
  • Implements care in a knowledgeable manner and coordinates patient care across several disciplines and among caregivers.
  • Provides leadership to other members of the team by effectively communicating expected standards of care and encouraging and supporting team members and their contributions.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to our values of privacy, quality, respect, service and teamwork.
  • Assigns, delegates, and supervises other employees and intervenes as appropriate to assure that the plan of care is carried out, continuity of care is provided and that established outcomes are achieved through availability and appropriated utilization of human, material and financial resources.
  • Educates patients about healthy practices and treatment modalities.
  • Systematically enhances the quality and effectiveness of nursing practices. Utilizes technology where appropriate.
  • Considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, cost and impact on practice in the planning and delivery of nursing services.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

  • RN licensure is required, issued by the PA Board of Nursing.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing BSN or higher-level nursing degree is required.
  • Completion of the Nurse Residency Program or more than 15 months of practice.
  • CPR Certification - American Heart Association AHA Basic Life Support, formerly Healthcare Provider AHA Heart Saver courses for CPR are not accepted required within 30 days of hire.
  • A health care provider in good standing with Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal and state health insurance programs, i.e. not excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid or any other federal or state health insurance program.
  • As outlined in unit-based Plan for Provision of Care.

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives. Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.