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Overnight Rn Observation Unit Jobs in Portland, OR

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Overnight Rn Observation Unit information

See Portland, OR salary details

$25

$48

$74

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

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for overnight rn observation unit in Portland, OR is $48.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.53 and $53.56 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, and why are they important?

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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Rn Observation Unit jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Overnight Rn Observation Unit jobs in Portland, OR? For Overnight Rn Observation Unit jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Overnight Rn Observation Unit jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Overnight Rn Observation Unit jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Overnight Rn Observation Unit jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Overnight Rn Observation Unit job openings:
RN, Emergency Services Acute Care

RN, Emergency Services Acute Care

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR • On-site

$55.24 - $92.02/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview
The Emergency Services Acute Care Unit (ACU) in the Emergency Department consists of beds located within the Adult Acute Emergency Department, Emergency Observation Departments or other overflow setting. The ACU staff work as part of an interdisciplinary care team to provide individualized family centered care for adult patients that are determined to need ongoing monitoring and care under the med-surg inpatient criteria. These patients are awaiting inpatient bed assignments, being cared for by the inpatient provider teams.
The RN is responsible for assessing and providing direct patient care, delegating appropriate care to the ED Technician and/or Certified Nursing Assistant staff, and working collaboratively with the inpatient providers. The RN provides care consistent with evidence based practices. Nurses are responsible for participating in continuous improvements in our unit to increase the value of care we provide our patients. In the shared governance system, the RN is also responsible for helping grow the nursing profession and guiding the future direction of the unit.
This position also comes with great benefits! Some highlights include:
  • Comprehensive health care plans. Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents.
  • $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
  • Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
  • Vacation - 192 to 288 hours per year depending on length of service, prorated for part-time
    • Holidays - up to 64 holiday hours per calendar year (employees accrue .0308 holiday hours for each hour paid - included in vacation accruals)
  • Sick Leave - 96 hours per year, prorated for part-time
  • Substantial public transportation discounts (Tri-met and C-Tran)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Innovative Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including extensive wellness resources

Function/Duties of Position
OHSU cares for patients of varying acuity and intensity. A successful candidate will be able to practice independently and will engage in effective teamwork. Acute Care Unit (ACU) nurses understand the importance of their independent scope of practice and participate in the dependent scope of practice decision making with the provider team.
Common patient populations include:
  • Cellulitus, long term antibiotics
  • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
  • Diabetes
  • COPD exacerbation
  • Chest pain
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • COVID or COVID rule out

The OHSU Clinical registered nurse (RN) provides compassionate, evidence-based, and efficient care to individuals, families, communities and patient populations. The Clinical RN's care delivery is consistent with the Oregon Nurse Practice Act, the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice, and the ANA Code of Ethics. The Clinical RN demonstrates the professional role obligations of scientist, leader, and knowledge transferor [Onsomble Model of the Professional Role™]. Professional accountability enriches the Clinical RN's engagement as a leader in promoting an inter-professional culture of collaborative decision-making, innovation, life-long learning, and teamwork. The Clinical RN exemplifies the principles of a Culture of Safety by committing to a Just Culture, a Reporting Culture, a Learning Culture, and an Engaged Informed Culture.
Required Qualifications
  • 1 year med-surg or ED Observation unit RN experience
  • BSN or ADN in Nursing from a program accredited by Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA)
  • Associate Degree Nurses required to enroll in BSN program within 3 years of hire and complete within 5 years of hire
  • Current, unencumbered Oregon State Registered Nurse License
  • BLS and ACLS from the American Heart Association (AHA) - must not expire during orientation
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications
  • 2-5 years' experience working in an adult acute care unit or Observation Unit.
  • Electronic Health Record (E.H.R) documentation experience (i.e., Epic, etc.)
  • Experience in unit-leadership assignments (i.e., charge roles, service team lead, etc.)
  • Experience in Shared Governance
  • Current OHSU employees: BSN preferred

Additional Details
Length of Orientation - Experienced Nurse
  • External candidates: OHSU & Nursing New Employee Orientation (NEO) for about a week.
  • Either Transition to Practice (TTP) Program Specialty Fellowship/Fellowship Learning Pathway or Orientation experience for 3 days-26 weeks depending on the care area. An employment service agreement may apply.

2 positions available
Why apply to OHSU?
We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887