Med - Surg Emergency Transition RN
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Tacoma, WA, 98405
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 47.86-79.78 HOUR
Date Posted : 31 December 2025
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Job Summary:
- We are a specialized, fast-paced, observation unit dedicated to responding to the needs of the patient who requires ongoing diagnostic testing or observation prior to discharge or admission. Our staff provide compassionate, high quality care that is respectful, patient and family-centered, safe and cost-efficient.
- Our nurses are adept at working with fast paced changes and coordinating care since stays are typically less than 24-48 hours in this unit. Despite the rapid patient turnover, nurses in this unit demonstrate their caring by quickly establishing a rapport with the patient and involving them in their own care. The staff experience the professional satisfaction that comes with making a difference every day for their patients. The patient population includes those experiencing chest pain, stroke, congestive heart failure exacerbation, uncontrolled hypertension, dehydration, and post-procedural recovery for cardiac catheterization and short stay surgery.
- Nurses working this unit will also care for inpatient med/tele patients in various care areas. Resident nurses are provided with an in-depth Med/Surg Residency.
Job Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited school of nursing; BSN preferred
- Previous Medical/Surgical experience preferred. New graduates may be considered for RN residency positions.
- Current RN license from the Washington State Board of Nursing
- Current Healthcare BLS Certification
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
This position involves rapid patient turnover in an observation unit, requiring skills in quick assessment and care coordination for acute cases like chest pain or stroke. Unlike typical med-surg roles, it demands adaptability to fast-paced changes and engagement with short-stay patients within 24-48 hours.
Emphasize proficiency in acute patient assessment, knowledge of cardiac and neurological conditions, and ability to manage high-turnover care efficiently. Experience in med/telemetry nursing and quick rapport-building with patients enhances your fit for this transition RN role.
Starting here provides a strong foundation in acute care nursing, often leading to specialized emergency or critical care roles. The role's exposure to diverse cases and fast-paced environments equips nurses to advance into emergency room or critical care nursing, enhancing their clinical expertise.
Catholic Health Initiatives offers structured residency programs and ongoing education emphasizing med-surg and telemetry skills. Nurses benefit from mentorship and access to advanced training, fostering growth within acute care and aligning with the organization's commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, the focus is on integrating compassionate care with rapid clinical decision-making in a well-resourced, observation unit setting. The organization’s legacy and extensive network enhance collaboration and access to cutting-edge protocols unique to the Puget Sound region.
Besides a current Washington state RN license and BLS certification, having experience or certification in telemetry or emergency nursing is advantageous. The organization values credentials that demonstrate readiness to manage acute, fast-paced patient care effectively.
Tacoma shows steady demand for transition RNs due to its aging population and healthcare expansion. While competition exists, strong clinical skills and flexibility in acute care settings improve hiring chances. Regional healthcare growth supports ongoing opportunities.
Tacoma’s urban layout offers accessible public transit and reasonable commute times, but traffic can peak during rush hours. Nurses often balance work-life with community engagement, benefiting from the area's blend of city amenities and natural surroundings.
Salaries typically range from $75,000 to $95,000 annually in Tacoma, influenced by experience, certifications, and shift differentials. Working within Catholic Health Initiatives may offer competitive benefits and opportunities for incremental pay increases tied to performance and tenure.