UPMC Altoona is hiring a Future Graduate or Registered Nurse to help support our Surgical Progressive Care Unit!

UPMC is committed to investing in nurses like you – financially, personally, and professionally – starting on day one of your career. From tackling student loans to advancing your career later in life, UPMC is the partner you need to succeed and thrive in your nursing career.

Here’s how we support our nurses:

• Newly competitive wages:

• $29.50 (BSN)

• $28.00 (non-BSN)

• Shift differential: $2.00

• Title and salary will be determined based upon education and nursing experience.

• Generous Sign-On Bonus

• $10,000 sign-on bonus available for nurses with 1 or more years of experience.

• $7,500 sign-on bonus available for nurses with less than 1 year of experience

• An incomparable benefit package (found to be 15% higher in value than other healthcare employers in our market!)

• Dedicated Professional Development Program, allowing you to achieve your highest potential while rewarding you for your experience and advanced education

• Generous Tuition Assistance & Paid Time Off (PTO)

About the Surgical Progressive Care Unit:

Surgical Progressive Care (SPCU) is a dynamic, fast-paced 28 bed surgical, trauma, cardiopulmonary progressive care unit, serving the adult population with a wide variety of medical diagnosis, surgical procedures, and trauma injuries. SPCU is the only critical care surgical trauma stepdown unit which specializes in chest tube management and assists with bedside procedures. We are experienced in all types of post-surgical patients with a specialty in cardiac, vascular, and thoracic surgeries. Surgical Progressive Care is skilled in complex diagnosis and respiratory compromised situations requiring Bipap/CPAP, high flow oxygenation, and continuous pulse oximetry. We are trained in caring for epidurals and PCA pumps as well as complex IV drips requiring telemetry monitoring.

As a member of this team, you will provide direct and indirect care to patients utilizing the nursing process, provide leadership for the nursing team, and contribute to the education of a variety of members of the staff and students.

Responsibilities:

• Adheres to universal precautions.

• Completes annual competency validation activities.

• Complies with established occupational exposure policies.

• Demonstrates professionalism in providing patient care.

• Engages the medical staff and other professionals in discussion of patient care problems resulting in mutually developed plans of care.

• Identifies potential problems and initiates appropriate measures.

• Identifies environmental factors which deter effective patient care, initiates action, and contributes ideas towards resolution.

• Maintains proficiency and competency in point of care testing as defined in the evaluation criteria established by the laboratory.

• Serves as a consultant to other members of the healthcare team.

• Utilizes Bed Management System, Alpha, CPOE, and all other computer systems appropriately.

• Assessment: Assesses patient and family needs and documents this information appropriately in the computer or on appropriate form. Reassesses patient every eight hours, and, as necessary.

• Evaluation: Revises plan of care as necessary based on daily evaluation of patient. Evaluates patient's outcome based on previously defined goals. Evaluates and documents the patient's response to care, teaching, and treatment.

• Implementation: Utilizes nursing care protocols and standards. Carries out and documents procedures according to Hospital Policy. Performs technical skills safely and accurately and demonstrates a working knowledge of equipment. Transcribes and implements physicians' orders appropriately. Demonstrates knowledge of the physiological basis for the nursing care delivery. Demonstrates knowledge of medication and IV therapy administration according to policy. Initiates and coordinates health teaching for patients and families/significant other based on individual needs.

• Planning: Includes the patient and family/significant other in the formulation of the plan of care. Prioritizes patient's needs appropriately. Plans, conducts, and documents patient care conferences. Maintains a current plan of care for each assigned patient. Utilizes appropriate community agencies and other health care professionals in planning care.

Experience Required:

• None (Future grads & experienced nurses are encouraged to apply!)

Education and Formal Training Required:

• Must hold a current license to practice nursing in the State of Pennsylvania

• Must satisfactorily complete the Nursing Department's orientation program and probationary period.

• Must complete NIHSS education prior to end of orientation period, if required.

• For all positions in Critical Care: CCRN is required within two years of hire date. RN-C or CCRN required for MPCU and SPCU within two years of hire date.

• ACLS preferred, BLS required. PALS for specific units.

• Must complete the Trauma Nurse Course within one year of hire.

• Must maintain six stroke and six trauma competencies per year.

• Must attend Trauma Symposium yearly

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire

• Must obtain one of the eight certifications within two years of hire/transfer:

• Acute/Critical Care RN (CCRN) OR Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses OR Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) OR Certified Flight Nurse OR Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse OR Certified Progressive Care Nurse OR Emergency Nursing Pediatric OR Trauma Certified Registered Nurse

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)

• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Certification

• Registered Nurse (RN)

• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran