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Short Stay Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RN - Short Stay Unit

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$56.92 - $86.09/hr

As part of our Short Stay Unit team, you'll work alongside dedicated caregivers in a collaborative environment where safety, quality, respect, and professional growth are at the center of everything ...

RN - Short Stay Unit

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$47.25 - $62.25/hr

As part of our Short Stay Unit team, you'll work alongside dedicated caregivers in a collaborative environment where safety, quality, respect, and professional growth are at the center of everything ...

RN - Short Stay Unit

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$56.92 - $86.09/hr

As part of our Short Stay Unit team, you'll work alongside dedicated caregivers in a collaborative environment where safety, quality, respect, and professional growth are at the center of everything ...

Nursing Assistant - Short Stay Unit

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$32K - $43K/yr

The Short Stay Unit at Fairview Southdale is a dynamic 27-bed acute care environment serving a wide variety of surgical and medical patients with short-term needs. Our collaborative team works ...

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Short Stay Unit information

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How much do short stay unit jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for short stay unit in the United States is $19.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a short stay unit?

A Short Stay Unit (SSU) in a hospital is a specialized area designed for patients who require observation, treatment, or recovery for a short period, typically less than 24 to 48 hours. These units often serve patients who do not need full hospital admission but are not ready to go home after emergency or outpatient care. SSUs help improve patient flow, reduce overcrowding in emergency departments, and ensure that patients receive timely and appropriate care. Common cases managed in SSUs include minor surgeries, observation after trauma, or monitoring for short-term medical conditions.

What are the typical responsibilities of a nurse working in a short stay unit?

Nurses in a Short Stay Unit are responsible for providing care to patients who require observation or treatment for a short duration, typically less than 24-48 hours. Daily tasks include patient assessment, administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and coordinating discharge planning. Nurses in SSUs often work closely with physicians, case managers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure efficient patient flow and timely transitions of care. The fast-paced environment requires strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt quickly to changing patient needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a short stay unit nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Short Stay Unit Nurse, you need strong clinical assessment skills, a solid understanding of acute care protocols, and a current nursing license (RN or equivalent). Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), vital sign monitoring systems, and medication administration tools is essential. Exceptional time management, adaptability, and effective communication skills help nurses excel in this fast-paced, transitional environment. These skills ensure efficient patient turnover, safe care delivery, and seamless coordination within the healthcare team.

What is the difference between Short Stay Unit vs Medical Assistant?

AspectShort Stay UnitMedical Assistant
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, specialized units for short-term patient careDoctor's offices, clinics, outpatient settings
Employer & IndustryHealthcare facilities, hospitalsMedical practices, outpatient clinics
Job FocusMonitoring, caring for short-term patients, post-procedure recoveryAssisting with patient exams, administrative tasks, basic clinical procedures

The main difference is that Short Stay Units are specialized hospital units requiring nursing credentials, focusing on short-term patient care, while Medical Assistants support clinical and administrative tasks in outpatient settings. Both roles are essential in healthcare but serve different environments and responsibilities.

More about Short Stay Unit jobs

What job categories do people searching Short Stay Unit jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Short Stay Unit jobs are:

Infographic showing various Short Stay Unit job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,170 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

RN - Short Stay Unit

PeaceHealth

Vancouver, WA • On-site

$56.92 - $86.09/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


PeaceHealth rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 175 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

163rd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description

PeaceHealth is seeking a Full-Time Day shift Registered Nurse (RN) - Short Stay Unit to join our exceptional team in Vancouver, Washington. If you're a skilled nurse with experience in a perioperative or procedural setting and are passionate about delivering compassionate, patient-centered care, this is an opportunity to make a difference while building a rewarding career with a mission-driven healthcare organization.

At PeaceHealth, nursing is more than a profession. It's a calling. As part of our Short Stay Unit team, you'll work alongside dedicated caregivers in a collaborative environment where safety, quality, respect, and professional growth are at the center of everything we do.

Why Join PeaceHealth?

At PeaceHealth, we believe in caring for the whole person, including our caregivers. We foster a culture built on compassion, collaboration, inclusivity, and respect for diversity, creating an environment where every team member is valued and empowered to thrive.

Compensation

Hourly Pay Range: $56.92 - $86.09

Comprehensive Benefits

PeaceHealth offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support your physical, emotional, financial, social, and spiritual well-being:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer base and matching contributions
  • Generous paid time off
  • Employer-paid life and disability insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
  • Wellness programs
  • Expanded Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Mental health resources
  • Additional voluntary benefit options
About the Role

As an RN in the Short Stay Unit, you'll provide professional nursing care for patients undergoing procedures and recovery services. You'll collaborate closely with physicians, procedural staff, patients, families, and interdisciplinary care teams to ensure safe, efficient, and compassionate care throughout the patient experience.

This role is ideal for nurses who enjoy a fast-paced environment, critical thinking, patient education, and the opportunity to care for patients during important transition points in their healthcare journey.

What You'll Do
  • Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized patient care plans
  • Provide direct nursing care using evidence-based practices and professional standards
  • Document patient care accurately within the electronic health record
  • Coordinate with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes
  • Delegate and direct care activities appropriately to support staff
  • Educate patients and families regarding procedures, recovery, and ongoing care needs
  • Support quality improvement, patient safety, infection prevention, and departmental initiatives
  • Maintain professional competency through ongoing education and development
What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications
  • Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing
  • Current Registered Nurse (RN) licensure
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification upon hire
  • Minimum one year of experience in a perioperative or procedural setting
  • Strong communication, teamwork, and patient-centered care skills
  • Basic computer proficiency
Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Experience in perioperative/procedural pre-op and post-op care
  • Emergency Department experience
  • CAPA certification
Additional Requirement
  • ACLS certification required within six months of hire
Life in Vancouver, Washington

Vancouver offers the perfect blend of career opportunities, outdoor adventure, and exceptional quality of life. Located along the Columbia River and just minutes from Portland, Oregon, you'll enjoy:

  • Easy access to hiking, waterfalls, mountains, rivers, and the Pacific Coast
  • A thriving food, craft beverage, and arts scene
  • Family-friendly neighborhoods and excellent schools
  • No state income tax in Washington
  • Year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation in the beautiful Pacific Northwest

Whether you're exploring local trails, spending weekends on the water, visiting nearby wine country, or enjoying city amenities, Vancouver provides a lifestyle that's hard to match.

Be Part of Something Greater

At PeaceHealth, every caregiver contributes to our mission of improving the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. If you're looking for a workplace where your expertise is valued, your growth is supported, and your work truly matters, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and bring your nursing expertise to PeaceHealth's Short Stay Unit in Vancouver, Washington.

For full consideration, please submit a current resume with your application. PeaceHealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusivity, respect for diversity, and cultural humility. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.


What PeaceHealth employees say

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About PeaceHealth

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, WA, is a not-for-profit Catholic health system employing approximately 16,000 caregivers, a multi-specialty medical group practice with more than 1,200 providers and 10 medical centers serving both urban and rural communities in Washington, Oregon, Alaska. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. Today, the legacy of its founding Sisters continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Get a feeling for the Spirit of PeaceHealth through this three-minute video, and visit us on Facebook or LinkedIn! We offer competitive compensation, a robust benefitspackage and a collaborative, Mission-driven work environment! To learn more please visit: jobs.peacehealth.org. Questions? Review our Employment FAQor email Recruitment@peacehealth.org. Please note this email does not accept resumes or applications.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Vancouver, WA, US

Year founded

1890

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