Registered Nurse Observation Unit

About the Role

The 1E Med-Surg/Observation Unit at St. Anthony Hospital is a 22-bed department with a volume of more than 300 patients monthly, combining observation (14 beds) and inpatient (8 beds) statuses. This fast-paced unit cares for patients requiring further observation from the ED or surrounding free-standing EDs, primarily treating chest pain and abdominal pain. Patients needing care beyond 24-48 hours are transferred to inpatient status. The department focuses on delivering safe, quality care in a timely manner and is ideal for nurses interested in emergency medicine, offering opportunities to solidify med-surg skills, develop time management, and work alongside mid-level providers (PA or NP) for every patient.

This close-knit team values a positive culture, continuous learning, and professional growth, supporting nurses in achieving their educational and certification goals. Nurses must be adaptable, open to asking questions, flexible with scheduling, and able to thrive in a high-volume environment with frequent admissions and discharges.

Responsibilities

• Assess patient’s physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs through observation, interviews, and medical record reviews.
• Evaluate patient responses and intervene to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Develop and implement patient care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrate competency in therapeutic/diagnostic interventions, including IVs, wound care, medication administration, catheterization, and specimen collection.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely patient records and documentation.
• Use information technology to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate errors, and support decision-making.
• Promote, advocate, and collaborate to protect patient health, safety, and rights.
• Provide patient/family education by assessing learning readiness, needs, and abilities; evaluate teaching effectiveness.

Requirements

• Active and unencumbered RN License in the state of employment.
• Associate’s Degree in Nursing or Nursing Diploma (required); Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (preferred).
• At least one year of RN experience.
• Physical ability to perform medium work: exert/lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally, up to 20 lbs. frequently, and up to 10 lbs. constantly.
• Commitment to compassionate, high-quality patient care with strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to apply the nursing process effectively in a supportive, mission-driven environment.
• Flexibility with scheduling and adaptability to a fast-paced, high-volume unit.

Benefits

• Eligible for a $20,000 sign-on bonus for qualified external applicants with at least six months of direct RN experience (full-time or part-time positions only; PRN positions are not eligible; some exclusions apply).
• Relocation assistance may be available depending on location.
• Opportunities for professional growth, education, and certification support.

Pay

$33.15 - $59.67 per hour.

Schedule

Full-time, 0.90 FTE (three 12-hour shifts per week) on day shift: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM.

About the Workplace

St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado, is a Level I Trauma Center and a Magnet® designated hospital, offering a full range of medical specialties and state-of-the-art care. The hospital is home to Flight For Life® Colorado and features four trauma rooms, including a dedicated field-to-surgery suite. Recognized for excellence in trauma, cardiology, stroke, neurosciences, breast imaging, cancer/oncology, and surgery, St. Anthony Hospital holds numerous awards and accreditations, including from the American Heart Association, The Joint Commission, and the Emergency Nurses Association.