Job Description

Clinical Nurse (RN) – Observation Unit | Per Diem Level III | Days

Howard University Hospital  |  Washington, DC

About the Role

The Clinical Nurse (RN) – Per Diem is a Registered Nurse on Howard University Hospital's newly opened Observation Unit (6 East), where you will care for patients under observation status who require short-stay monitoring, diagnostic evaluation, and rapid clinical decision-making before admission or discharge. Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team, you will deliver safe, effective, patient- and family-centered care across a broad medical-surgical population, providing flexible per diem coverage that supports the unit's staffing needs.

What You'll Do

• Conduct comprehensive nursing assessments and reassessments, monitoring patients under observation status for changes in condition and escalating findings to the care team as appropriate.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized plans of care in collaboration with physicians, advanced practice providers, and the interdisciplinary team.
• Administer medications, treatments, and interventions safely and accurately in accordance with hospital policy and established standards of practice.
• Facilitate the observation-to-disposition process, supporting timely diagnostic workup, response to treatment, and readiness for admission or discharge.
• Document assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately and completely in Soarian Clinicals.
• Delegate and supervise care provided by unlicensed assistive personnel in accordance with scope of practice and unit standards.
• Participate in performance improvement, infection control, and patient safety initiatives that support the unit's quality goals.
• Provide patient and family education regarding condition, plan of care, and discharge instructions.
• Respond to changes in patient status, including participation in Rapid Response and emergency interventions as needed.
• Maintain professional competency through ongoing education and adherence to evidence-based practice.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or actively enrolled in a BSN program.
• Current, active licensure as a Registered Nurse in the District of Columbia.
• Minimum of three (3) years of recent clinical nursing experience.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association.
• Demonstrated knowledge of nursing theory, practice, and current standards of care.
• Knowledge of safety hazards and precautions necessary to maintain a safe patient care environment.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, in English.
• Experience with an electronic health record (Soarian Clinicals).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in an observation unit or clinical decision unit.
• Medical-surgical nursing experience across a diverse patient population.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification through the American Heart Association.
• National certification in Medical-Surgical Nursing (CMSRN or RN-BC).
• Experience in a fast-paced, high-throughput care environment.

Position Details

6 East — Observation Unit

Nurse Manager

Non-Exempt

Days | 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Three (3) 12-hour shifts per week, set in four (4) week cycles

Two weekends per month (24 hours/month)

Every other major holiday required (New Year's, Thanksgiving, Christmas). Additional coverage expected for Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day

Pay & Schedule

This is a per diem, day shift position (7:30 AM – 8:00 PM) with a fixed rate of $65.00 per hour . As a per diem role, this position is not benefits-eligible. Scheduling requirements include two weekends per month and holiday coverage as outlined in the Position Details above.

About Howard University Hospital

Founded in 1862 as Freedmen's Hospital, Howard University Hospital is the nation's only teaching hospital located on the campus of a historically Black university. As a designated Level 1 Trauma Center in the District of Columbia, we provide patient-centered, culturally responsive care to the communities we serve while training the next generation of healthcare professionals.

What We Offer

Howard University Hospital offers a mission-driven environment shaped by more than 150 years of service, where your professional expertise is recognized and rewarded. As a per diem team member, you'll enjoy scheduling flexibility and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care within one of the nation's most storied academic medical centers.

Culture of Care: In an effort to improve patient safety, Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture. This atmosphere of accountability promotes the identification of human error, at-risk behavior, and reckless behavior, with the goal of maintaining a culture of learning, safe systems, and well-managed behavioral choices.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation: Howard University Hospital provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants requiring accommodation to complete the application or interview process should contact HUHLA@huhosp.org.

Pay Transparency: The stated pay reflects the rate for this position. Actual pay may vary based on factors including experience, qualifications, and other business and organizational needs.

Disclaimer: The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.

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