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Entry Level Rn Observation Unit Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Central Nursing

Registered Nurse RN Unit Manager

Evesham, NJ · On-site

$40.50 - $53.50/hr

Registered Nurse RN Unit Manager We are seeking a Registered Nurse RN Unit Manager to join our skilled nursing team! Our facility features a fast paced sub-acute and long term care units. The primary ...

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All JobsRn Observation Unit JobsEntry Level Rn Observation Unit JobsEntry Level Rn Observation Unit Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

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 Jul 17, 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
Infographic showing various Entry Level Rn Observation Unit job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $73,059 per year, or $35.1 per hour.
Nursing Assistant- 4W, Observation Unit (casual)

Nursing Assistant- 4W, Observation Unit (casual)

Nemours Children's Health

Wilmington, DE • On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Part-time

Posted 20 hours ago

Nemours Children's Health rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Nemours is seeking Nursing Assistant to join our team in Wilmington, DE for our Short Stay Observation Unit. Position is part-time, casual, 48 hours per six week block night shifts with weekend and holiday rotation.
4 West is a 24-four-bed limited-stay unit that typically cares for general medical surgical patients whose care is driven by protocols. The unit consists of single patient care rooms, which can also be isolation rooms. The goal of the unit is to provide very high-quality, high-value patient care within a 72-hour time frame. Each patient room is equipped with oxygen, compressed air and suction, along with state-of-the-art cardiorespiratory bedside monitors and computers that enable the health care team to access a patient's electronic medical record. These computers are also used in the barcoding administration of medications which ensures patient safety by verifying that the correct medication is given to the appropriate child. Family-centered care rounds are performed daily to assure an interprofessional approach and partnership with the patient and family
The nursing assistant role is responsible for assisting with general activities of the patient care unit and assist the health care team with performance of patient care activities, under the direction and guidance of a Registered Nurse.
Essential Functions:
  • Ensures an adequate stock of all necessary equipment and supplies in designated areas at established par levels.
  • Ensures a clean and safe patient care unit.
  • Assists patients with activities of daily life (bath, feed, play, etc.) and provides other patient care as directed.
  • Assures all supplies are accurately charged.
  • Contacts pharmacy, dietary, and other departments as designated by the Registered Nurse.
  • Collects patient specimens (blood, urine, stool, other per policy), paying close attention to patient safety, comfort and accuracy of information.
  • Uses Hospital Information Systems as required for patient care, (e.g. documenting vital signs and patient care activities.)
  • Accurately relays information from physicians, nurses, laboratory personnel and others.
  • Transports patients and delivers reports, supplies, etc., to other patient units or Institute locations as needed.
  • Courteously and professionally covers patient care unit front desk as needed. This includes promptly answering telephones, greeting patients, sending reports, distributing, sorting, or processing mail, entering orders, managing medical record, etc.
  • Responsible for participation in departmental and hospital programs for Quality Assessment and Improvement, identifying opportunities to improve services, making recommendations and implementing actions as appropriate and consistent with the goals of the Nemours Foundation
  • Participates in unit, departmental and hospital education programs.
  • Attends unit/departmental meetings regularly.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in the care of patients of all ages; neonates, infants, toddlers, school aged, adolescents and adults.

Job Requirements:
  • High School Diploma required
  • Minimum 1 year patient care experience highly preferred.
  • Able to read and write accurately.
  • Able to understand laboratory orders, computer information, and some medical terminology.
  • Able to obtain specimens, including blood specimens, from a patient population that is primarily pediatric and often ill, handicapped, or restricted in some way.
  • Current American Heart Association BLS required

About Us
Nemours Children's Health is an internationally recognized pediatric health system serving more than 1.7 million patient encounters each year. We deliver care across six states through two freestanding children's hospitals - Nemours Children's Hospital, Delaware and Nemours Children's Hospital, Florida - along with a network of more than 80 primary, urgent, and specialty care practices and more than 40 hospital partnerships.
Backed by the Nemours Foundation and Alfred I. duPont Trust, our $1.7B nonprofit system is dedicated to improving children's health through clinical care, research, education, advocacy, and prevention. Our Whole Child Health approach focuses equally on prevention and treatment, partnering with communities to help every child thrive.
Inclusion and belonging guide our strategy and growth. We are committed to culturally relevant care, reducing health disparities, and fostering an environment where every associate, patient, and family feels supported and valued.
Learn more at Nemours.org.

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About Nemours Children's Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nemours Children’s Health, situated in Rockland, Delaware, US, operates within the healthcare industry. The company is a prominent health system offering pediatric care in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. It was founded in 1936 by Alfred I duPont, philanthropist and industrialist, to improve the health of children. The core values of Nemours include quality, accountability, respect, and teamwork. Its mission is to provide leadership, institutions, and services to restore and foster a healthy tomorrow for children. The non-profit organization is unique in that its primary focus is on patient families, ensuring the highest standards of pediatric care. Notably, Nemours is consistently ranked among the top children's hospitals in the US and has its own renowned research center, the Nemours Biomedical Research.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Rockland, DE, US

Year founded

1936

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