Description

UPMC Altoona, a Level II Trauma Center, is hiring a full-time Graduate Nurse or Registered Nurse for our Medical Intensive Care Unit!  This opportunity would allow you to benefit from our competitive incentive program plus our Total Rewards benefits package – click the link at the bottom of this job posting for more information about our Total Rewards!

This position is eligible for a generous sign-on bonus! 

Sign-On Bonus Details (Full Time or Flex Full Time status)

• $15,000 sign-on bonus available for nurses with over two years of experience
• $10,000 sign-on bonus available for Graduate Nurses and nurses with less than two years of experience
• If you are eligible for the $10,000 sign-on bonus, then you may be eligible to receive an additional $5,000 student loan repayment bonus!

GN level candidate starting rates:

• ASN/ADN:  $26.31
• BSN:  $27.56

Experienced RN starting rate - starting rate based minimum rates above + experience

 
The Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at UPMC Altoona is a 14-bed critical care unit that serves adult patients from Blair county and the surrounding communities. The MICU team cares for a wide variety of patients requiring advanced care and close monitoring. Our nurses are specially trained to care for critically ill patients, and require certifications in BLS, ALS, and Stroke assessment through the National Institute of Health. Advanced skills include hemodynamic monitoring, iv insertion, and assisting with bedside procedures or interventions including insertion of endotracheal tubes, chest tubes, central lines, proning therapy, and induced hypothermia.

The MICU is the unit of choice for multiple invasive interventions including Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps (IABP), Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), Catheter Assisted Thrombosis (EKOS), and post cardiac arrest Targeted Temperature Management (TTM). Nurses collaborate with other members of the healthcare team, patients, and families to provide competent evidence-based care to patients throughout the continuum of care. Critical care nurses have a passion for learning, the ability to critically think, independent judgement, fluent communication, an empathetic ear, and a candid partnership to achieve desired patient outcomes.

What makes Medical ICU a special place to work?  The amazing team of nurses, physicians, and respiratory therapists working closely to provide exceptional care to patients in our community!

As a member of this team you will provide direct and indirect care to patients utilizing the nursing process, provide leadership for the nursing team, and contribute to the education of a variety of members of the staff and students. 

Responsibilities:

• Evaluation: a. Revises plan of care, as necessary based on daily evaluation of patient. b. Evaluates patient's outcome based on previously defined goals. c. Evaluates and documents the patient's response to care, teaching, and treatment.
• Maintains proficiency and competency in point of care testing as defined in the evaluation criteria established by the laboratory.
• Adheres to universal precautions.
• Planning : a.Includes the patient and family/significant other in the formulation of the plan of care. b. Prioritizes patient's needs appropriately. c. Plans, conducts, and documents patient care conferences. d. Maintains a current plan of care for each assigned patient. e. Utilizes appropriate community agencies and other health care professionals in planning care.
• Engages the medical staff and other professionals in discussion of patient care problems resulting in mutually developed plans of care.
• Identifies environmental factors which deter effective patient care, initiates action, and contributes ideas towards resolution.
• Assessment: a. Assesses patient and family needs and documents this information appropriately in the computer or on appropriate form. b. Reassesses patient every eight hours, and, as necessary.
• Demonstrates professionalism in providing patient care.
• Completes annual competency validation activities.
• Serves as a consultant to other members of the health-care team.
• Identified potential problems and initiates appropriate measures.
• Complies with established occupational exposure policies.
• Utilizes Bed Management System, Alpha, CPOE, and all other computer systems appropriately.
• Implementation: a. Utilizes nursing care protocols and standards. b. Carries out and documents procedures according to Hospital Policy. c. Performs technical skills safely and accurately, and demonstrates a working knowledge of equipment. d. Transcribes and implements physicians' orders appropriately. e. Demonstrates knowledge of the physiological basis for the nursing care delivery. f. Demonstrates knowledge of medication and IV therapy administration according to policy. g. Initiates and coordinates health teaching for patients and families/significant other based on individual needs.

Qualifications

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.
• 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
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• National Institute of Health Stroke Scale Certification
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

Total Rewards

More than just competitive pay and benefits, UPMC’s Total Rewards package cares for you in all areas of life — because we believe that you’re at your best when receiving the support you need: professional, personal, financial, and more.

Our Values

At UPMC, we’re driven by shared values that guide our work and keep us accountable to one another. Our Values of Quality & Safety, Dignity & Respect, Caring & Listening, Responsibility & Integrity, Excellence & Innovation play a vital role in creating a cohesive, positive experience for our employees, patients, health plan members, and community. Ready to join us? Apply today.