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Overnight Rn Observation Unit Jobs in Vancouver, WA

As a PACU RN, you'll provide observation and care for post-op patients as they recover from surgical anesthesia. PACU Travel Nurses offer a crucial care step between surgery and recovery, and ensure ...

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN ICU - Intensive Care Unit for a travel nursing job in Portland, Oregon. & Requirements * Specialty: ICU - Intensive Care Unit * Discipline: RN * Duration ...

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN ICU - Intensive Care Unit for a travel nursing job in Portland, Oregon. & Requirements * Specialty: ICU - Intensive Care Unit * Discipline: RN * Duration ...

The Clinical RN's care delivery is consistent with the Oregon Nurse Practice Act, the ANA Scope and ... Observation Unit (ED Obs) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Critical Care Float Pool nurses ...

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care for a travel nursing job in Portland, Oregon. & Requirements * Specialty: NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care * Discipline: RN ...

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Overnight Rn Observation Unit information

See Vancouver, WA salary details

$25

$48

$73

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for overnight rn observation unit in Vancouver, WA is $48.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.00 and $52.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 cities near Vancouver, WA are hiring for Overnight Rn Observation Unit jobs?

Cities near Vancouver, WA with the most Overnight Rn Observation Unit job openings:

Infographic showing various Overnight Rn Observation Unit job openings in Vancouver, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,112 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

171st of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

The Emergency Observation Unit consists of 18 beds (8 on 5B, and 10 on 6B). The Observation Unit is dedicated to efficient care of patients from the Emergency Department who do not meet inpatient admission status but are not immediately appropriate to send home. Patients are seen 24 hours a day by an advanced practice provider in conjunction with the Emergency Medicine Attending Physician.The Observation nurses work as part of an interdisciplinary care team to provide individualized family-centered care for adult patients determined to need ongoing monitoring and care under the observation patient classification (24-48 hours). The typical patient ratio in the Observation unit is one nurse per four patients.

Function/Duties of Position

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.

This position also comes with great benefits! Some highlights include: 

  • Comprehensive health care plans. Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents. 
  • $25K 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 
  • Sick Leave - 96 hours per year, prorated for part-time 
  • Holidays - up to 64 holiday hours per calendar year (employees accrue .0308 holiday hours for each hour paid) 
  • Substantial public transportation discounts (Tri-met and C-Tran) 
  • Tuition Reimbursement 
  • Innovative Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including extensive wellness resources 
Required Qualifications
  • 1 year RN experience in an inpatient hospital setting
  • Associate or Baccalaureate Degree 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) by 30 days before the start date
    • Associate Degree Nurses required to enroll in BSN program within 3 years of hire and complete within 5 years of hire 
  • Current unencumbered Oregon RN license by 1 week before the start date 
  • Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation
  • BLS from AHA required. New hires will be enrolled and required to complete during orientation.
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. 
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.eduEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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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