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Rn Observation Unit Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Travel ER RN

Eureka, CA ยท On-site

Travelers will cover Observation Unit which is ER Hold patients ACLS, BLS, ENPC*, NIHSS, PALS, TNCC certification req. CA RN License required. Must have RN ER 1+ year of experience req. 1st time ...

Travel ER RN

Eureka, CA ยท On-site

Travelers will cover Observation Unit which is ER Hold patients First time traveler accepted. CA RN License required. Must have 3 years of RN ER experience required. Patient ratio- 1:4 BLS, ACLS ...

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Rn Observation Unit information

See California salary details

$23

$45

$69

How much do rn observation unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for rn observation unit in California is $45.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.74 and $49.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an RN observation unit?

An RN in an Observation Unit cares for patients who require short-term monitoring and treatment, typically for conditions that don't warrant full hospital admission. They assess, monitor, and provide appropriate interventions while collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals. The goal is to determine whether the patient can be safely discharged or needs further inpatient care. Strong critical thinking, communication, and multitasking skills are essential for this fast-paced environment.

What are the main responsibilities and work environment for an RN in the observation unit?

In the Observation Unit, RNs are primarily responsible for closely monitoring patients who require further evaluation but do not meet criteria for full hospital admission. This involves frequent assessments, rapid response to changes in patient status, medication administration, and clear documentation. The work environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with nurses working closely alongside physicians, case managers, and ancillary staff to ensure timely diagnoses and safe discharges. Observation Unit nurses often care for a diverse patient population, making adaptability and continuous learning important. This role provides valuable experience for both new and experienced nurses seeking advancement in acute care settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the RN observation unit position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an RN in the Observation Unit, you need solid clinical assessment skills, acute care experience, and a current RN license. Familiarity with telemetry monitoring, EHR systems, and rapid-response protocols is often required. Strong critical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills make a nurse stand out in this setting. These abilities are essential for ensuring prompt, accurate patient care in fast-paced, transitional environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rn Observation Unit jobs in California?

The most popular types of Rn Observation Unit jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Rn Observation Unit jobs in California?

For Rn Observation Unit jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Rn Observation Unit jobs?

Cities in California with the most Rn Observation Unit job openings:

Infographic showing various Rn Observation Unit job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,370 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Registered Nurse (RN) - DOU - Direct Observation Unit

Joshua Tree, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Tenet Desert is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) DOU - Direct Observation Unit for a nursing job in Joshua Tree, California.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: DOU - Direct Observation Unit
  • Discipline: RN
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • Employment Type: Staff

Job type: Full Time

Job Shift: Rotate 7:00am to 7:30 pm and 7:00pm to 7:30am, with every other weekend required.

Hours: 12

Up to $15,000 Sign-On bonus!

Oversees the care management of a population of patients within an assigned area, unit or clinical function.  The position conducts the nursing process-assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation-under the scope of the RN licensure.  The position coordinates resource utilization, timely and appropriate care interventions, and interdisciplinary communication to enhance patient and family satisfaction.

Primary Duties  
โ€ข    Leads by example to promote excellence in resident care.  Model a professional demeanor and act as a mentor.
โ€ข    Assumes leadership role for daily operations and takes appropriate action.
โ€ข    Demonstrates ability to delegate and achieve results through others.
โ€ข    Evaluates the quality and appropriateness of healthcare using root cause analysis and monitors outcome trends.
โ€ข    Demonstrates understanding of and ensures compliance with all State, Federal requirements.
โ€ข    Facilitates and participates with the nursing staff in daily care risk identification and resolution, including communication with the patients, families and physicians.
โ€ข    Involves staff in problem solving and resolution of patient/family and staff complaints/concerns.
โ€ข    Collaborates with the Director of Nursing and others in planning, implementation and evaluation of patient care delivery.
โ€ข    Ensures accountability for professional practice.
โ€ข    Flexes hours when necessary to accommodate staff education; to address patient care issues; and to meet NHPPD.
โ€ข    Rounds on residents, nursing staff, and families daily to ensure good outcomes. Supervises nursing staff, assists with hiring, education and disciplinary action of nursing staff.  Completes performance evaluations, and supervises scheduling.
โ€ข    Participates in weekend clinical coverage and โ€œon callโ€ rotation ensuring continuity of patient care, staff supervision and availability of nursing leadership to families and residents.
โ€ข    Ensure patients have needed supplies, medications, and equipment to properly manage care.
โ€ข    Makes daily rounds and spot checks documentation accuracy and completeness on new admissions, patients with change of condition (COC), patients triggering occurrence investigations, and patients to be discharged.
โ€ข    Visits each newly admitted patient as soon as possible upon arrival, validating accuracy of essential\ audits and implementation of risk reducing measures.
โ€ข    Oversees and evaluates systems for patient and staff data collection, information systems, and processes to support the practice of nursing and care delivery.
โ€ข    Oversees and evaluates systems for discharge planning and communication to be released with the resident/patient.
โ€ข    Ensures staff competency are given and staff is able to respond to emergencies.
โ€ข    Ensures infection prevention control standards and biohazard waste procedures are followed.
โ€ข    Oversees adequacy and appropriateness of staffing and scheduling personnel with scope of practice, competencies, patient needs and complexity of care.
โ€ข    Assures accuracy of the midnight census through understanding and education of the hospital systems.
โ€ข    Counsels/ write ups for personnel under their supervision as necessary.
โ€ข    Other duties as assigned.
โ€ข    Demonstrates the ability to coordinate response to emergencies in a calm and efficient manner.
โ€ข    Understands and demonstrates ability to work within the departmental budget.

Education:

Required: Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing
Preferred: Academic degree in nursing (Bachelors or Masters degree)

Certifications
Required: Must be currently licensed, certified or registered to practice profession as required by law, regulation in state of practice or policy. CPR

#LI-AM7

Tenet Desert Job ID #2603021000. Posted job title: Registered Nurse (RN) - Observation

Benefits
  • Sign-On bonus