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Rn Short Stay Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the unit The Short Stay Unit/Observation Unit is a 50 bed unit (private rooms), specialized ... The RN partners with and utilizes patient/family input and goals in planning plan of care and ...

About the unit The Short Stay Unit/Observation Unit is a 50 bed unit (private rooms), specialized ... The RN partners with and utilizes patient/family input and goals in planning plan of care and ...

About the unit The Short Stay Unit/Observation Unit is a 50 bed unit (private rooms), specialized ... The RN partners with and utilizes patient/family input and goals in planning plan of care and ...

JOB LOCATION - Wilkes-Barre General Hospital - PACU - Multiple positions 12 hour shift The Short Stay Unit Registered Nurse consistently performs his/her duties demonstrating an understanding of the ...

JOB LOCATION - Wilkes-Barre General Hospital - PACU - Multiple positions 12 hour shift The Short Stay Unit Registered Nurse consistently performs his/her duties demonstrating an understanding of the ...

JOB LOCATION - Wilkes-Barre General Hospital - PACU - Multiple positions 12 hour shift The Short Stay Unit Registered Nurse consistently performs his/her duties demonstrating an understanding of the ...

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Rn Short Stay Unit information

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$24

$45

$70

How much do rn short stay unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for rn short stay unit in the United States is $45.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.22 and $50.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I expect in terms of patient turnover and pace working as an RN in a Short Stay Unit?

As an RN in a Short Stay Unit, you can expect a fast-paced environment with a high turnover of patients, since most are admitted for procedures or treatments that require observation for less than 24 hours. This means you'll need strong organizational skills to efficiently manage admissions, assessments, and discharges, often all within the same shift. Teamwork is essential, as you'll collaborate closely with physicians, surgical teams, and other nurses to ensure smooth transitions and patient safety. The dynamic nature of the unit offers valuable experience in acute care and can be a great stepping stone for advancing your nursing career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RN in a Short Stay Unit, and why are they important?

To thrive as an RN in a Short Stay Unit, you need strong clinical assessment skills, rapid decision-making ability, and a current RN license, often accompanied by experience in acute or ambulatory care settings. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, medication administration, and monitoring equipment is essential. Exceptional communication, multitasking, and adaptability are critical soft skills due to the fast-paced, patient-turnover environment. These competencies ensure safe, efficient care and a positive patient experience in a setting where timely interventions are crucial.

What is the difference between Rn Short Stay Unit vs Rn Emergency Room?

AspectRn Short Stay UnitRn Emergency Room
Work EnvironmentHospital units for short-term patient care, often post-surgery or observationEmergency department handling urgent and critical cases
CertificationsRN license, possibly specialized in post-op or observation careRN license, with emergency or trauma certifications preferred
Patient Care FocusMonitoring stable patients, post-procedure observationImmediate, critical care for acute emergencies

The Rn Short Stay Unit and Rn Emergency Room roles both require RN licensure but differ mainly in patient acuity and environment. The Short Stay Unit focuses on stable patients needing brief observation, while the Emergency Room handles urgent, critical cases requiring immediate intervention.

What are RN Short Stay Unit nurses?

RN Short Stay Unit nurses are registered nurses who care for patients admitted to a hospital’s Short Stay Unit, typically for less than 24 to 48 hours. These units manage patients who require observation, minor procedures, or recovery from surgery but do not need full inpatient admission. RNs in this setting assess and monitor patient conditions, administer medications, provide post-operative care, and coordinate discharges. They play a crucial role in ensuring patients are stable and ready to return home safely after a brief hospital stay.
More about Rn Short Stay Unit jobs
What cities are hiring for Rn Short Stay Unit jobs? Cities with the most Rn Short Stay Unit job openings:
What states have the most Rn Short Stay Unit jobs? States with the most job openings for Rn Short Stay Unit jobs include:
Infographic showing various Rn Short Stay Unit job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,622 per year, or $46 per hour.
RN - Inpatient - Medical Surgical and Short Stay

RN - Inpatient - Medical Surgical and Short Stay

UW Health

Madison, WI • On-site

$40.30 - $60.45/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


UW Health rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 215 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 876 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Work Schedule:
90% FTE, evening/night shift. (2) two in (6) six weekend rotation. Some holiday rotation required. Hours are based off the operational needs of the department. You will work at University Hospital in Madison, WI.
Be part of something remarkable
Come work at the #1 hospital in Wisconsin and join the Inpatient Medical Surgical and Short Stay Unit! UW Health is a Magnet-designated organization, which is the most prestigious title a health care organization can achieve for nursing excellence and quality patient care.
Please take a minute to review this video of the Inpatient Medical Surgical and Short Stay unit.
We are seeking a Registered Nurse to:
  • Join a team of remarkable nurses that use advanced critical thinking skills, compassion, and teamwork to care for medical and surgical patients. Be involved in cutting edge, evidence-based therapies to improve patient outcomes.
  • Work on a 28-bed unit that incorporates safe nurse-to-patient staffing ratios to accommodate the complex patient populations cared for here. The unit follows a 1:4 RN-to-patient ratio.
  • Provide care to patients suffering from a variety of acute illnesses, including exacerbations of chronic diseases, DKA, pneumonia, infection, as well as short stay surgical cases with an expected length of stay of 24-48 hours. Patients cared for post-surgery on this unit come from a variety of services including plastics, urology, ENT, emergency general surgery, interventional radiology, gynecology, and neurosurgery service.
  • Participate in quality improvement initiatives and lead practice change.
  • Use advanced assessment skills and become an expert Med/Surg RN. As a nurse on this unit, you are supported to pursue specialty certification in Medical-Surgical Care Nursing.

At UW Health, you will have:
  • An excellent benefits package, including health and dental insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, two-week paid parental leave and adoption assistance.
  • Options for a variety of schedules and shifts that offer flexibility and allow for work-life balance.
  • Access to great resources through the UW Health Employee Wellbeing Department that supports your emotional, financial, and physical well-being.
  • Acuity based staffing ratios for optimal safety.
  • A strong shared governance structure which assures every nurse has a voice.
  • A place where nursing excellence is recognized and celebrated in our inpatient and outpatient settings through several award programs.
  • Tuition benefits eligibility - UW Health invests in your professional growth as a nurse by helping pay for coursework associated with career advancement.
  • The opportunity to earn a referral bonus for referring friends, former colleagues or others to apply for open, posted positions.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) Preferred

Work Experience
  • Inpatient Units and Central Float (Adult & Pediatric), Venous Access Team (VAT), Radiology, Hemodialysis, Cardiovascular Laboratory:
    Six (6) months nursing experience or current participant in UW Health's Nurse Residency Program with successful completion of the Nurse Residency Orientation on unit/similar unit. Required
  • eICU: Two (2) years of nursing experience Required
  • Relevant RN Experience Preferred

Licenses & Certifications
  • Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of WI or holds a license issued by a jurisdiction that has adopted the nurse licensure compact Required
  • Current CPR/BLS Certification Required
  • Relevant Certification Preferred

Our Commitment to Social Impact and Belonging
UW Health is committed to fostering a workplace that creates belonging for everyone and is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Our respect for people shines through patient care interactions and our daily work practices as we work to embrace the knowledge, unique perspectives and qualities each employee and faculty member brings to work each day. It is the policy of UW Health to provide equal opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
University Hospital in Madison is a Magnet®-designated facility that's ranked Wisconsin's #1 hospital and considered one of the nation's leading hospitals, teaching institutions and referral centers.
Job Description
UW Hospital and Clinics benefits

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About UW Health

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UW Health Clinics - our physicians and staff are dedicated to providing an exceptional patient and family experience by delivering the highest quality of care in a compassionate environment. With more than 80 primary and specialty care clinics located throughout Dane County and the surrounding areas, we are proud to have the opportunity to impact the communities we serve.

Industry

Health care and social assistance and hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US