Join UPMC Altoona in Shaping the Future of Nursing Education!

UPMC Altoona is proud to announce the launch of the UPMC Mercy School of Nursing at Altoona, a transformative 16-month diploma program designed to empower aspiring nurses in our region. As we prepare to welcome our inaugural class in Fall 2026, we’re seeking casual Assistant Nursing Instructors who are passionate about clinical teaching and student development. These roles will work two 8-hour days per week, Monday through Friday, during the hours of 8am – 5pm.

We welcome applicants from all clinical backgrounds. Because this is a new program, faculty will have the unique opportunity to help shape its direction while receiving strong mentorship from experienced UPMC Schools of Nursing faculty.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to help shape a brand‑new nursing program.
• Strong mentorship from experienced UPMC Schools of Nursing faculty.
• Collaborative, mission‑driven environment connected directly to our hospital.
• Meaningful impact on the next generation of nurses and the future of patient care.

If you are energized by teaching, committed to student success, and eager to contribute to a growing academic community, we’d love to meet you.

Position Purpose
The Assistant Nursing Instructor is a nursing professional with the authority, responsibility, and accountability for providing high‑quality clinical instruction to nursing students. This role requires strong clinical competence, sound judgment, and the ability to guide, mentor, and evaluate students as they deliver patient care during clinical practicum experiences.

Responsibilities:

Teaching & Student Development

• Provide high‑quality clinical instruction that reflects best practices in nursing education.
• Create meaningful clinical learning assignments based on student needs.
• Model critical and reflective thinking in the clinical environment.
• Evaluate student performance and provide timely, constructive feedback.
• Support diverse learners by applying principles of dignity, respect, and individualized teaching strategies.
• Coach students on cultural diversity, civility, and professional behavior.

Professional Role Modeling & Collaboration

• Serve as a professional role model for students in clinical settings.
• Demonstrate trust, respect, professionalism, and caring in all interactions.
• Maintain open communication with faculty, clinical staff, and the broader healthcare team.
• Foster an inclusive learning environment that values differences among students, peers, patients, families, and communities.
• Work cooperatively with faculty to achieve school goals aligned with the mission and values of the parent organization.

Clinical Judgment, Technology, & Educational Practice

• Utilize information technology effectively to support teaching and learning.
• Demonstrate sound clinical judgment, critical thinking, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Lead students in applying the nursing process in clinical practice.
• Use evidence‑based practice and current literature to enhance clinical teaching.
• Assess student performance to ensure care reflects evidence‑based nursing practice.

Professional Growth & Quality Improvement

• Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning through formal and informal education.
• Participate in self‑review and incorporate constructive feedback into teaching practice.
• Share outcomes of improvement projects with colleagues and other Schools of Nursing.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and productive educational environment.