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Entry Level Rn Observation Unit Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

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Entry Level Rn Observation Unit information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$39.4K

$73.1K

$102.9K

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

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level rn observation unit in Philadelphia, PA is $73,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,600.00 and $70,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Philadelphia, PA? The most popular types of Rn Observation Unit jobs in Philadelphia, PA are:
What cities near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Entry Level Rn Observation Unit jobs? Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Entry Level Rn Observation Unit job openings:
Entry Level Rn Observation Unit jobs near you
Registered Nurse - Observation Unit - RMC - Full-Time - Evenings

Registered Nurse - Observation Unit - RMC - Full-Time - Evenings

Capital Health

Trenton, NJ • On-site

$68K - $68K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Capital Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

329th of 870 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Capital Health is the region's leader in providing progressive, quality patient care with significant investments in our exceptional physicians, nurses and staff, as well as advanced technology. Capital Health is a dynamic health care resource accredited by the DNV that includes two hospitals, an outpatient center, satellite ED, and an expansive network of primary and specialty care. Capital Health Medical Group is made up of more than 600 physicians and other providers who offer primary and specialty care, as well as hospital-based services, to patients throughout the region.
Capital Health recognizes that attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as an organization. As a result, we aim for flexibility in structuring competitive compensation offers to ensure we can attract the best candidates.
The listed pay range or pay rate reflects compensation for a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) position. Actual compensation may differ depending on assigned hours and position status (e.g., part-time).
Pay Range:
$43.90 - $59.69
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
36
Position Overview
  • Delivers quality care to patients through a team effort in working with others through the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation.
  • Assures patient safety by executing appropriate policies & procedures.
  • Provides appropriate support for pain management, pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures. Assist patient/family in identifying individualized comfort measures.
  • Follows up on internal resources to determine the outcome of interventions completed by other departments.
  • Mobilizes resources in complex cases to maximize patients control and participation over his/her own recovery.
  • Provides information and interpretation of the patient's condition and offers coping mechanisms. Provides these to both patient and family.
  • Assesses how much information a patient wants and needs while utilizing a vocabulary and approach that enables the patient to successfully process the care and course of treatment.
  • Formulates and documents a discharge plan that maximizes the patient's ability to continue with meaningful life activities.
  • Integrates assessment and diagnostic information with intuition to foresee potential age-specific healthcare needs. Anticipates patients needs.
  • Ensures handoff communication and includes a report in terms of the situations most likely to develop and the problems awaiting patient.
  • Identifies proactively issues to be resolved related to patient education for medication management. Provide discharge planning which includes instructions on discharge medications.
  • Uses discretionary judgment to appropriately modify patient care regimens. Facilitates appropriate response from other health care team members to provide quality and safe care.
  • Explores multiple aspects of care regimen with case manager and health care providers to promote appropriate resolution.
  • Displays ability to see the entire unit and is self motivated to develop a plan for adjusting staffing patterns as needed. Attends educational sessions when offered in areas that will improve one's ability to assess the needs on one's respective department. These would include, but, not limited to: charge nurse workshops, leadership training, critical decision making, prioritization of workload, etc.
  • Plans and provides unique and individualized comfort measures while utilizing intuitive and innovative approaches which are scientifically sound and are a result of evidenced based practice.
  • Participates in unit based and/or hospital based committees.
  • Participates in performance improvement activities at the unit and/or hospital wide level.
  • Participates actively in the preparation of Joint Commission readiness.
  • Participates in unit level effort to achieve successful Patient Satisfaction scores and has an awareness of the HCAAPS measurements.
  • Performs any other related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  • Education: Associate's degree or graduate from an accredited school of nursing.
  • Experience: None. Previous nursing experience preferred.
  • Other Credentials: AHA BLS - Healthcare Provider, Registered Nurse - NJ
  • Requires TNCC (or must obtain within 1 year of hire) AND 8 hours of Trauma related Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) contact hours if assigned to: RMC ICU/CCU, RMC Surgical Trauma Unit, RMC PACU, Emergency Department (all campuses)
  • Requires NIH Stroke Scale Certification (or must obtain by end of orientation) AND 8 hours of Stroke related Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) contact hours if assigned to: Critical Care, Emergency Department, Neuro Units, Cardiology Inpatient at Hopewell, Peds/Peds ED.
  • CPR Requirements:
  • Requires ACLS (or must obtain within 6 months of hire date) if assigned to: Critical Care/Intermediate/Telemetry, Emergency Rooms, Pediatrics/Pediatrics Emergency Room, Labor & Delivery, Surgical Services (not to include Perioperative), Interventional Procedures, Observation.
  • Requires NRP (or must obtain within 6 months of hire date) if assigned to: Maternity Services, Emergency Room RMC/Deborah
  • Requires PALS (or must obtain within 6 months of hire date) if assigned to: Emergency Rooms, Infant Follow-Up, Surgical Services (only PACU & Same Day Surgery), Pediatrics/Pediatric ED. ENPC accepted in lieu of PALs for Adult Emergency Room
  • Knowledge and Skills: Possesses strong problem solving and decision making skills. Demonstrates high interpersonal skills at an individual as well as team level. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Adjusts quickly and reacts positively to change. Considerable knowledge of principles, practices and current trends in nursing. Possesses good work ethic.
  • Special Training: Demonstrates knowledge of nursing skills, hospital practices, procedures and standards.
  • Usual Work Day: 12 Hours

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Frequent physical demands include: Push/Pull , Twisting , Bending , Reaching forward , Reaching overhead , Squat/kneel/crawl , Wrist position deviation , Pinching/fine motor activities , Keyboard use/repetitive motion , Taste or Smell
  • Occasional physical demands include: Sitting , Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders)
  • Continuous physical demands include: Standing , Walking , Carry objects , Talk or Hear
  • Lifting Floor to Waist 25 lbs. Lifting Waist Level and Above 25 lbs.
  • Sensory Requirements include: Very Accurate 20/40, Near Vision, Very Accurate 20/40, Far Vision, Color Discrimination, Accurate Depth Perception, Accurate Hearing
  • Anticipated Occupational Exposure Risks Include the following: Bloodborne Pathogens , Chemical , Airborne Communicable Disease , Dust/Particulate Matter

This position is eligible for the following benefits:
  • Medical Plan
  • Prescription drug coverage & In-House Employee Pharmacy
  • Dental Plan
  • Vision Plan
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

- Healthcare FSA
- Dependent Care FSA
  • Retirement Savings and Investment Plan
  • Basic Group Term Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
  • Supplemental Group Term Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
  • Disability Benefits - Long Term Disability (LTD)
  • Disability Benefits - Short Term Disability (STD)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Commuter Transit
  • Commuter Parking
  • Supplemental Life Insurance

- Voluntary Life Spouse
- Voluntary Life Employee
- Voluntary Life Child
  • Voluntary Legal Services
  • Voluntary Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity Insurance
  • Voluntary Identity Theft Insurance
  • Voluntary Pet Insurance
  • Paid Time-Off Program

The pay range listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered including, but not limited to location, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, negotiated contracts, budget, market data, and internal equity. Bonus and/or incentive eligibility are determined by role and level.
The salary applies specifically to the position being advertised and does not include potential bonuses, incentive compensation, differential pay or other forms of compensation, compensation allowance, or benefits health or welfare. Actual total compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and other relevant criteria.

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