Registered Nurse RN Observation Unit (Full Time/Nights)

Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn Medicine’s Observation Unit at Lancaster General Hospital is seeking a Clinical Nurse 2 to provide expert, patient-centered care on a fast-paced 52-bed unit. The RN works as a full partner on the health care team, applying the nursing process to patients from infant to elderly with varied diagnoses.

The role requires a BSN or higher and PA RN licensure, with CPR certification within 30 days of hire. Night shift, full-time hours, and weekend rotation reflect unit needs.

Qualifications

• RN licensure required by the PA Board of Nursing.
• BSN or higher nursing degree.
• Completion of the Nurse Residency Program or more than 15 months of nursing practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient care using the nursing process and coordinate care for assigned patients.
• Perform comprehensive patient assessments focusing on physiologic, psychological, and cognitive function.
• Educate patients and families about health practices and treatment options.
• Collaborate with the interprofessional team to ensure safe, high-quality care.
• Demonstrate leadership, professional standards, and adherence to privacy and quality initiatives.
• Supervise and support other team members to ensure care plans are carried out.

Education

RN Licensure (PA Board)

BSN or higher nursing degree

Job description

Overview

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Today, at Penn Medicine, our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?

Location & Hours

Location: Lancaster, PA - Lancaster General Hospital

Hours: Full Time (36 hours per week). Night shift (7pm-7am). Every third weekend and rotating holidays.

Unit Description

The Observation Unit is a fast‑paced 52‑bed unit for both medical and surgical patients needing short‑term care. Patients here have an anticipated discharge of about 24‑48 hours; enough time to receive treatments and procedures before being discharged. Top diagnoses on the unit include chest pain, Afib, hypertension, PE/DVT, abdominal pain, trauma, TI/CVA, CHF, asthma/COPD, vertigo, AFR/electrolyte abnormalities, syncope, hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia, and pre/post procedure (cardiac cath, OR, pacer, ablation, etc.). This unit requires strong assessment and critical thinking skills, as a patient's condition can change rapidly.

Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility and accountability as defined by the American Nurses Association standards of nursing practice.
• The Clinical Nurse 2 Colleague is an RN that practices as a full partner on the health care team and consistently demonstrates safe practice within the organizational professional practice model.
• The Clinical Nurse 2 Colleague possesses the knowledge, skills and the attitude to effectively meet standards for competent professional nursing practice.
• The Clinical Nurse 2 Colleague exhibits Penn Medicine’s experience standards which reflect its mission and are embedded in the professional practice competency domains.
• The Clinical Nurse 2 Colleague independently provides patient care through the application of the nursing process and accepts accountability for the nursing care of assigned patients, from infancy to the elderly.
• The Clinical Nurse 2 Colleague demonstrates within the competency domains of Continuous Quality Improvement, Evidence Based Practice and Research, Leadership, Person and Family Centered Care, Professionalism, Safety, Technology Informatics, and Teamwork.
• The Clinical Nurse 2 Colleague works closely with the interprofessional health care team to facilitate coordination of care across the continuum, focusing on individualized care based on physical, psychosocial, cultural, educational, safety, and age‑appropriate considerations.
• The Clinical Nurse 2 Colleague seeks feedback, assumes leadership roles and provides feedback for improved clinical practice. Nurses demonstrate how nursing practice impacts the organizational vision, mission, and goals and the care delivery system. The nurse complies with all regulations and standards of regulatory and accrediting bodies.

Job Duties

• Incorporate the Lancaster General Health mission, vision, and values into planning patient care.
• Function as an independent and interdependent member of the health care team as defined in unit‑based Plan for Provision of Care.
• Perform patient assessments focusing on physiologic, psychological, and cognitive functions; evaluate progress and adapt plans of care.
• Collect and manage comprehensive data pertinent to the patient’s health or situation.
• Analyze assessment data to determine diagnoses or issues and formulate age‑appropriate, culturally and ethically sensitive plans of care.
• Implement care in a knowledgeable manner and coordinate patient care across multiple disciplines.
• Provide leadership by communicating expected standards of care; encourage and support team members.
• Demonstrate commitment to values of privacy, quality, respect, service, and teamwork.
• Assign, delegate, and supervise other employees; intervene as necessary to ensure plans are carried out and outcomes achieved.
• Educate patients about healthy practices and treatment modalities.
• Systematically enhance the quality and effectiveness of nursing practices; utilize technology where appropriate.
• Consider factors related to safety, effectiveness, cost, and impact on practice in planning and delivery of nursing services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• RN licensure required, issued by the PA Board of Nursing.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher‑level nursing degree.
• Completion of the Nurse Residency Program or more than 15 months of practice experience.
• CPR Certification – American Heart Association AHA Basic Life Support; required within 30 days of hire.
• Healthcare provider in good standing with Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal and state insurance programs (not excluded).
• As outlined in unit‑based Plan for Provision of Care.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Our employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission, and we believe the best care for patients starts with the best care for employees.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.