RN Staff Nurse - Neuro ICU

UPMC; Altoona (PA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Tuition assistance and loan repayment

Job summary

UPMC Altoona is hiring an RN Staff Nurse in the T8 Neurology ICU. The role involves 36 hours per week across day and night shifts, with 9 full-time slots and weekend/holiday rotations. This union position (SEIU) emphasizes patient care, collaboration, and ongoing learning.

Starting pay reflects nursing education and experience, with enhanced pay increases and shift differentials. Future graduates may apply, and sign-on bonuses and loan repayment programs are available.

Qualifications

• Must hold a current license to practice nursing in the State of Pennsylvania.
• Ability to work 36 hours per week across day and night shifts.
• Strong communication skills and teamwork orientation.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care using nursing protocols and document procedures accurately.
• Administer medications and IV therapy per policy.
• Reassess patients every eight hours or as needed and update care plans.
• Coordinate with the care team and community agencies to develop and modify plans.

Skills

Patient assessment

Medication administration

IV therapy

Team communication

Education

PA RN license

Tools

Bed Management System

Alpha

CPOE

Job description

RN Staff Nurse

T8 Neurology ICU

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

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

Union position: Yes (SEIU)

Posted: 10/2/2026

Whether you're an experienced Registered Nurse or a future graduate eager to begin your journey, UPMC offers the opportunity to make a real difference every day. Join a collaborative team of exceptional healthcare professionals, grow through a defined career ladder, and enjoy ongoing learning opportunities, competitive benefits, and resources that support work-life balance.

Future Graduate Nurses may apply up to one year before graduation. Prior nursing experience is welcome but not required. We're looking for compassionate, team-oriented individuals with strong communication skills and a positive attitude.

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 bonuses available for both experienced Registered Nurses and future Graduate Nurses!

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
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIH)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Act 34
• 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