RN Staff Nurse (Day/Evening) - Emergency Department

UPMC; Altoona (PA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus of $15,000

Tuition assistance and loan repayment

Job summary

UPMC Altoona is hiring an RN Staff Nurse in the Emergency Department. The role is full-time with day/evening shifts, 36 hours per week, and includes a weekend rotation and holiday coverage.

A union position (SEIU) is noted, with opportunities for growth, education, and comprehensive benefits. Compensation features starting pay based on education (BSN $35.50/hr, non-BSN $34.00/hr) plus a $15,000 sign-on and loan repayment assistance up to $15,000; further pay enhancements may be available with

Qualifications

• 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.
• CPR required per AHA standards with didactic and skills demonstration within 30 days of hire.
• Must obtain specified certifications within two years of hire/transfer.

Responsibilities

• Provide Direct Care: Use nursing protocols and standards to perform and document procedures safely and accurately; administer medications and IV therapy.
• Assess and Reassess: Evaluate patient and family needs; re-assess every eight hours or as needed.
• Plan Care: Involve patients and families in care plans; coordinate with community agencies and other professionals.
• Engage in Team Discussions: Work with medical staff to discuss and develop patient care plans.
• Teach and Educate: Initiate health teaching for patients and families; contribute to staff education.

Education

PA Nursing License

Job description

RN Staff Nurse

Emergency Department

• 9 full-time, day/evening shifts + 6 weekend shifts per 6-week scheduling period + holiday rotation

Shifts: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM (36 hours/week)

Union position: Yes (SEIU)

Posted: 10/2/2026

Whether you're an experienced RN or a future graduate ready to begin your journey, UPMC offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact while building a rewarding career. Join a supportive team dedicated to delivering Life Changing Medicine, with opportunities for professional growth, ongoing learning, outstanding benefits, and resources that support your well-being.

Future Graduate Nurses and experienced RNs are encouraged to apply. Future GNs may apply up to one year before graduation.

Compensation:

We offer competitive starting pay, with rates that reflect your nursing education and professional experience. UPMC Altoona RNs benefit from newly enhanced pay, with starting rates increasing by $4/hour, plus an additional $2 shift differential.*

Minimum starting pay rates:

• $35.50 (BSN)
• $34.00 (non-BSN)
• Your title and salary will be determined based upon education and nursing experience.

Generous Sign-On Bonus:

Sign-on bonus of $15,000 available for eligible candidates (1+ years of RN experience) who commit to a two-year work agreement.

Tuition Assistance and Loan Repayment:

UPMC’s monthly loan repayment program for eligible nursing graduates offers up to $15,000 in loan repayment paid over three years. Learn about the ways UPMC supports graduate nurses here: https://mycareer.upmc.com/yourgncareer/

Purpose & Responsibilities:

Patient Care

• Provide Direct Care: Use nursing protocols and standards to perform and document procedures safely and accurately. Administer medications and IV therapy following policy.
• Assess and Reassess: Evaluate and document patient and family needs. Reassess patients every eight hours or as needed.
• Plan Care: Involve patients and families in creating care plans. Prioritize needs, conduct care conferences, and maintain up-to-date care plans. Coordinate with community agencies and other professionals.

Coordination and Communication

• Engage in Team Discussions: Work with medical staff and other professionals to discuss and develop patient care plans.
• Utilize Systems: Use Bed Management System, Alpha, CPOE, and other relevant computer systems efficiently.

Education and Leadership

• Teach and Educate: Initiate health teaching for patients and families based on their needs. Contribute to the education of staff and students.
• Consult and Lead: Offer guidance and support to other healthcare team members. Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow Precautions: Adhere to universal precautions and occupational exposure policies. Identify and address potential problems and environmental factors affecting patient care.
• Maintain Competency: Complete annual competency validation and stay proficient in point-of-care testing as per lab criteria.

Experience Required:

• None

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.

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)
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIH)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
• 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.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran