Graduate Nurse Rotational Program: UPMC Altoona – Med/Surg/Stepdown Track (Fall/Winter 2026 Graduates)

<div data-field="description" class="jd-description"><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Are you graduating in Fall/Winter 2026 from nursing school and looking to launch your nursing career? Our Graduate Nurse Rotational Program may be the perfect fit! You will rotate through various units within the hospital to gain valuable and varied experience while working alongside an experienced nurse to help mentor and guide you in your learning. </strong></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><strong>If you are not a graduate nurse but interested in opportunities at this facility, please search for unit-specific RN Staff Nurse openings at UPMC Altoona on the UPMC Careers Site by clicking here: </strong></i><a href="https://careers.upmc.com/job-search-results/?keyword=%22RN%20Staff%20Nurse%22&brand%5b%5d=UPMC%20Altoona"><strong>UPMC Job Search Results | UPMC Careers</strong></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>About UPMC Altoona: </strong></p><p class="MsoNormal">UPMC Altoona is a 380-bed level II 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. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>What is the Graduate Nurse Rotational Program (GNRP)? </strong></p><p class="MsoNormal">UPMC Altoona is pleased to announce we are NOW HIRING Graduate Nurses as full-time Staff Nurses to support various hospital units as part of a special Rotational Program. The GNRP will begin in March 2027. Previous participants have had the opportunity to participate in the med/surg/stepdown track for 6 months. GNs will spend the first 12 weeks of orientation on various units and the following 12 weeks rotating between the units, based on availability and preference (participating units: Medical Progressive, Surgical Progressive, Neuro Progressive, Surgical Trauma/Oncology, and Med/Surg Trauma).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Why Join the Graduate Nurse Rotational Program? </strong></p><ul style="margin-top:0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in;">Opportunity to explore and find your right ‘home’ in nursing at UPMC </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in;">Fantastic opportunity to learn from many talented nurses and receive a broad education in nursing </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in;">Having a resource pool nurse as a mentor </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in;">Having preceptors for each “rotation” </li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>What can you expect as a GNRP Staff Nurse? </strong></p><p class="MsoNormal">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. </p><p class="MsoNormal">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. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>How does UPMC Support our Nurses? </strong></p><p class="MsoNormal">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. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Here are a few examples of how we support our nurses: </strong></p><ul style="margin-top:0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list .5in;">Generous Sign-On Bonus </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list .5in;">UPMC Altoona’s Monthly Loan Repayment program, offering $15,000 in loan repayment paid over three years</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list .5in;">Up to five and a half weeks of Paid Time Off annually, plus seven paid holidays each year </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list .5in;">Dedicated career ladders, allowing you to achieve your highest potential while rewarding you for your experience and advanced education</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list .5in;">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!) </li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list .5in;">Top clinicians, leading researchers, and the most modern equipment and technology in health care today  </li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>What Does Placement Look Like Post-GNRP?  </strong></p><ul style="margin-top:0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;tab-stops:list .5in;">At the end of the rotations, you will be matched to a participating unit through a mutual matching process, with consideration to union seniority.</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3;tab-stops:list .5in;">Applicants will be placed in the appropriate job title and salary based on individual experience, education, and union consideration.</li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Shift/Hours: </strong>Our RNs work a rotating 12-hour schedule to ensure 24/7 coverage on the floor. </p><p class="MsoNormal">GNs must be eligible for State Board Licensure and successfully pass the examination before beginning this role.</p></div><div data-field="qualifications" class="jd-qualifications"><ul style="margin-top:0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l6 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in;">Diploma, associate, bachelor’s, and direct -entry master’s degree levels all welcome! </li></ul><ul style="margin-top:0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list .5in;">Demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to provide care and interact with all ages of patients.  </li></ul><ul style="margin-top:0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l7 level1 lfo3;tab-stops:list .5in;">Understand the principles of growth and development over the lifespan. </li></ul><ul style="margin-top:0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4;tab-stops:list .5in;">Assess data on patients’ statuses to identify each patient’s specific care needs. </li></ul><ul style="margin-top:0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5;tab-stops:list .5in;">Establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with patients and their families, executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, and other departments. </li></ul><ul style="margin-top:0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6;tab-stops:list .5in;">Work productively and effectively in an environment with changing priorities that require specialized skills. </li></ul><ul style="margin-top:0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo7;tab-stops:list .5in;">Think critically to analyze and problem-solve to deliver the best patient care.  </li></ul><ul style="margin-top:0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l5 level1 lfo8;tab-stops:list .5in;">Use sound clinical judgment, think critically, and problem-solve to deliver quality patient care when it matters most. </li></ul><ul style="margin-top:0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo9;tab-stops:list .5in;">Understand, apply, and champion nursing best practices. </li></ul><p class="paragraph" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="vertical-align:baseline;"><strong>Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:</strong> </span></p><ul><li class="paragraph"><span style="vertical-align:baseline;">Current Pennsylvania licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse required prior to program start date</span></li><li class="paragraph"><span style="vertical-align:baseline;">CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire  </span></li><li class="paragraph"><span style="vertical-align:baseline;">Act 34 Criminal Clearance </span></li><li class="paragraph"><span style="vertical-align:baseline;">Basic Life Support </span></li></ul><p class="paragraph" style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="vertical-align:baseline;"><strong>UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. Minority/Females/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities</strong> </span></p></div>