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Entry Level Rn Observation Unit Jobs in Pennsylvania

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Entry Level Rn Observation Unit information

What is the difference between Entry Level Rn Observation Unit vs Entry Level Rn Emergency Room?

AspectEntry Level Rn Observation UnitEntry Level Rn Emergency Room
CertificationsRN license, Basic Life Support (BLS)RN license, BLS, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospital observation units, short-term patient monitoringEmergency departments, high-pressure acute care setting
Patient Care FocusMonitoring stable patients, assessing symptoms, short-term treatmentHandling critical emergencies, trauma, rapid response
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both roles require an RN license and BLS certification. The Observation Unit focuses on monitoring stable patients in a controlled environment, while the Emergency Room involves managing critical, urgent cases in a fast-paced setting. Understanding these differences helps nurses choose the right career path based on their skills and interests.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry-level RNs working in an Observation Unit, and how can I prepare for them?

As an entry-level RN in an Observation Unit, you may encounter challenges such as managing fluctuating patient acuity, adapting to rapid patient turnover, and prioritizing care for multiple patients. These units often require strong assessment skills and the ability to quickly recognize changes in patient conditions. To prepare, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with common protocols, practice effective time management, and develop strong communication skills for collaborating with physicians and other team members. Seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can also ease your transition and boost your confidence.

What is an Entry Level RN in an Observation Unit?

An Entry Level RN (Registered Nurse) in an Observation Unit is a newly licensed nurse who provides care for patients who require short-term monitoring and evaluation, typically for up to 24-48 hours. These patients are not sick enough for inpatient admission but require more observation than can be provided in the emergency department. The RN's responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, performing assessments, and communicating with the healthcare team to determine if patients should be admitted or discharged. This role is ideal for new graduates gaining experience in acute care settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level RN in an Observation Unit, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level RN in an Observation Unit, you need a nursing degree, current RN licensure, and a solid understanding of patient monitoring and acute care protocols. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), telemetry equipment, and hospital communication systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and compassionate communication help build trust with patients and support teamwork. These skills ensure accurate patient monitoring, timely interventions, and effective coordination in a fast-paced observation setting.
What are the most commonly searched types of Rn Observation Unit jobs in Pennsylvania? The most popular types of Rn Observation Unit jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Entry Level Rn Observation Unit jobs? Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Entry Level Rn Observation Unit job openings:
Entry Level Rn Observation Unit jobs near you

Registered Nurse RN Observation Unit (Part Time/Days)

Pennsylvania Medicine

Lancaster, PA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

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, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?
LOCATION: Lancaster, PA - Lancaster General Hospital
HOURS: Part Time (24 hours per week). Day shift (7am-7pm). Every third weekend and rotating holidays.
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 patient's condition can change rapidly.
Summary:
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. Assigned patients may range in age 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 the coordination of care across the continuum. The nurse focuses on expanding the knowledge and skills necessary to provide individualized care based on physical, psychosocial, cultural, educational, safety, and age-appropriate considerations of assigned patients.
  • The Clinical Nurse 2 Colleague seeks feedback in assuming leadership roles and provides feedback for improved clinical practice. The nurse demonstrates 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.
Qualified individuals must have the ability with or without reasonable accommodation to perform the following duties:
  • Incorporates the Lancaster General Health mission, vision and values into planning patient care.
  • Functions as an independent and interdependent member of the health care team as defined in unit-based Plan for Provision of Care.
  • Performs patient assessments, focusing on physiologic, psychological, and cognitive functions. Evaluates progress toward attainment of outcomes and adapts the plan of care based on recognized trends and changes.
  • Collects and manages comprehensive data pertinent to the patient's health or the situation.
  • Analyzes the assessment data to determine the diagnosis or issues. Formulates age-appropriate and culturally and ethically sensitive plan of care
  • Implements care in a knowledgeable manner and coordinates patient care across several disciplines and among caregivers.
  • Provides leadership to other members of the team by effectively communicating expected standards of care and encouraging and supporting team members and their contributions.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to our values of privacy, quality, respect, service and teamwork.
  • Assigns, delegates, and supervises other employees and intervenes as appropriate to assure that the plan of care is carried out, continuity of care is provided and that established outcomes are achieved through availability and appropriated utilization of human, material and financial resources.
  • Educates patients about healthy practices and treatment modalities.
  • Systematically enhances the quality and effectiveness of nursing practices. Utilizes technology where appropriate.
  • Considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, cost and impact on practice in the planning and delivery of nursing services.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Required Qualifications:
  • RN licensure is required, issued by the PA Board of Nursing.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing BSN or higher-level nursing degree is required.
  • Completion of the Nurse Residency Program or more than 15 months of practice.
  • CPR Certification - American Heart Association AHA Basic Life Support, formerly Healthcare Provider AHA Heart Saver courses for CPR are not accepted required within 30 days of hire.
  • A health care provider in good standing with Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal and state health insurance programs, i.e. not excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid or any other federal or state health insurance program.
  • As outlined in unit-based Plan for Provision of Care.
We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.
Live Your Life's Work
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.

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