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Entry Level Rn Observation Unit Jobs in Berks County, PA

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Entry Level Rn Observation Unit information

See Berks County, PA salary details

$36K

$66.9K

$94.3K

How much do entry level rn observation unit jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level rn observation unit in Berks County, PA is $66,925.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,800.00 and $64,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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 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 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 cities near Berks County, PA are hiring for Entry Level Rn Observation Unit jobs?

Cities near Berks County, PA with the most Entry Level Rn Observation Unit job openings:

RN Registered Nurse - Observation Unit

Penn State Health

Hershey, PA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Penn State Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 250 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

379th of 894 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Penn State Health - Hershey Medical Center

Location: US:PA: Hershey

Work Type: PRN

FTE: 0.001

Shift: Varied

Evening Shift Differential: $2.50/hour

Night Shift Differential: $5.00/hour

Hours: Varied hours

Recruiter Contact: Jose V. Ceballos at jceballos@pennstatehealth.psu.edu (MAILTO://jceballos@pennstatehealth.psu.edu)

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The RN inpatient Nurse assesses patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. The inpatient Registered Nurse administers nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients. The RN may advise patients on health maintenance and disease prevention. The inpatient RN will maintain accurate, detailed reports and records and administer medications to patients while monitoring for reactions and side effects. The RN will monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients’ conditions.

DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:

This is a 12-bed unit where nurses care for adult patients undergoing short-term observation for conditions such as allergic reactions, asthma, cellulitis, chest pain, hyperglycemia, dehydration, seizures, pneumonia, and substance use disorder. Pediatric patients are observed for conditions such as croup, bronchiolitis, asthma, dehydration and accidental ingestion.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S):

  • Currently licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse by state of employment or holds a multistate RN license through the interstate Nurse Licensure Compact.

  • AHA BLS prior to end of orientation period

Please note - Penn State Hershey requires all registered nurses hired after July 1st, 2015 to enroll in a baccalaureate in nursing degree program within one year of their hire date and complete the degree within 4 years of their hire date. (This does not apply if your hire date was prior to June 30th, 2015).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S):

  • Two (2) years of experience

WHY PENN STATE HEALTH?

Penn State Health offers exceptional opportunities to learn and grow, exposure to a wide patient population, and the ability to provide individualized, innovative, and specialized care to patients in the community.

Penn State Health offers an exceptional benefits package including medical, dental and vision with no waiting period as well as a Total Rewards Program that highlights a few of the many additional offerings below:

  • Be Well with Employee Wellness Programs, and Fitness Discounts (University Fitness Center, Peloton).

  • Be Balanced with Generous Paid Time Off, Personal Time, and Paid Parental Leave.

  • Be Secured with Retirement, Extended Illness Bank, Life Insurance, and Identity Theft Protection.

  • Be Rewarded with Competitive Pay, Tuition Reimbursement, and PAWS UP employee recognition program.

  • Be Supported by the HR Solution Center, Learning and Organizational Development and Virtual Benefits Orientation, Employee Exclusive Concierge Service for scheduling.

WHY PENN STATE HEALTH MILTON HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER?

Penn State Hershey Medical Center is Central Pennsylvania’s only Academic Medical Center, Level 1 Regional Adult and Pediatric Trauma Center, and Tertiary Care Provider. As a four-time Magnet-designated hospital, Hershey Medical Center values the hard work and dedication that our employees exhibit every day. Through our core values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence, our employees are a team committed to compassionate care for our diverse patient population, our community and each other. As a valued team member, we promote continued professional development, specialty certification, continuing education, and career growth.

YOU TAKE CARE OF THEM. WE’LL TAKE CARE OF YOU. State-of-the-art equipment, endless learning, and a culture of excellence – that’s Penn State Health. But what makes our healthcare award-winning? That’s all you.

This job posting is a general outline of duties performed and is not to be misconstrued as encompassing all duties performed within the position. Eligibility for shift differential pay based on the terms outlined in company policy or union contract. All individuals (including current employees) selected for a position will undergo a background check appropriate for the position's responsibilities.

Penn State Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected class including disability or veteran status. Penn State Health’s policies and objectives are in direct compliance with all federal and state constitutional provisions, laws, regulations, guidelines, and executive orders that prohibit or outlaw discrimination.

Union: SEIU Equivalent (PRN)

Position RN Registered Nurse - Observation Unit

Location US:PA: Hershey | Nursing | PRN

Req ID 101734


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About Penn State Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Penn State Health is one of the leading teaching and research hospitals in the country. It is a multi-hospital health system, Academic Medical Center and Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma center serving patients and communities across Central Pennsylvania. The system includes Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Children's Hospital, and Penn State Cancer Institute in scenic Hershey, PA. It also includes Penn State Health Saint Joseph's Medical Center in Reading, PA, Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center in Camp Hill, PA, and Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center in Enola, PA. Penn State Health shares an integrated strategic plan and operations with Penn State College of Medicine.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Hershey, PA, US

Year founded

1963

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