Graduate Nurse: UPMC Altoona

Are you a current student nurse graduating in Fall/Winter 2025, Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 and looking to continue your nursing career at UPMC?

UPMC Altoona is pleased to announce we are NOW HIRING Graduate Nurses as full-time Staff Nurses. Graduate Nurse Opportunities are highly sought-after and help recent graduates launch their nursing career at UPMC!

About UPMC Altoona:

UPMC Altoona is a 380-bed level III trauma center that functions as the regional referral center and tertiary hub of UPMC and provides excellent medical care to Altoona, PA and surrounding areas.

UPMC Altoona departments and specialties which will consider GNs:

• Acute Care Units: Acute Care Pediatrics (5F), Trauma (T11), Surgical Trauma/Oncology (T14)
• Progressive (Stepdown) Units: Cardiology (T12), Trauma (6E), Neurology (7E)
• Intensive Care Units: Acute Care ICU, Trauma ICU, Cardiothoracic ICU, Neurology ICU/IR
• Emergency Department
• Other specialty areas: Acute Dialysis, Operating Room, Inpatient Behavioral Health (3G), Magee Women’s Birthing Center (T9), Cardiac Cath Lab
  
  

What can you expect as a Staff Nurse?

The Staff Nurse provides highly competent patient care and treatment while demonstrating empathy and a passion for learning. A role that requires independent judgment, fluent communication, and candid partnership, the Staff Nurse establishes relationships with physicians, other care providers, patients, and patients’ families to achieve desired patient outcomes throughout the continuum of care.

As a Staff Nurse and a member of the care delivery team, you will set the standards for the level and quality of nursing care and possess authority and accountability for its provision. At all times, you will exemplify a commitment to the community and to the nursing profession.

How does UPMC Support our Nurses?

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 are a few examples of how we support our nurses:

• Generous Sign-On Bonus of up to $15,000* for Graduate Nurses (*Amount and eligibility based on type of nursing role and candidate experience)
• UPMC Altoona’s Monthly Loan Repayment program, offering $15,000 in loan repayment paid over three years
• Up to five and a half weeks of Paid Time Off annually, plus seven paid holidays each year
• Dedicated nursing career ladders allowing you to achieve your highest potential while rewarding you for your experience and advanced education
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $6,000 per academic year at any accredited institution, available to employees and their dependents (plus discounts for UPMC employees including no cost RN-BSN/MSN options!)
• Top clinicians, leading researchers, and the most modern equipment and technology in health care today
  
  

Shifts/Hours: Most of UPMC Altoona’s full-time positions are three rotating 12-hour shifts per week (primarily 7a-7p/7p-7a), however we have a variety of shifts/hours available to meet your needs!

Graduate Nurses must be eligible for State Board Licensure and either successfully pass the examination before beginning this role OR will have the ability to start with TPP (temporary practice permit) and must obtain license within 4 months of beginning position. Applicants will be placed in the appropriate job title and salary based on their individual education.

Experience Required:

• None
  
  

Education and Formal Training Required:

• Must hold a current license to practice nursing in the State of Pennsylvania (see above regarding licensure/temporary licensure requirements)
• *Current licensure either in the state where the facility is located or, if the facility is in a state covered by the multistate Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, a multistate license issued by a participating NLC state. Hires and current employees working on an out-of-state NLC license who later change their residency to the state where the facility is also located will have 60 days upon changing their residency to apply for licensure within that state.
• Must satisfactorily complete the Nursing Department's orientation program and probationary period.
• Must complete NIHSS education prior to end of orientation period, if required.
• ACLS preferred, BLS required. PALS for specific units.
  
  

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Act 34 with renewal
  
  

If Required (Based on Unit):

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Certification
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
• If required by unit, must obtain one of these 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