Graduate Nurse Neuro to ICU Transitional Program (UPMC Mercy) at UPMC - Pittsburgh Medical Center

Do you have a career goal to become a skilled ICU nurse? UPMC Mercy, a Level 1 Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center, is hiring full-time Professional Staff Nurses to join our Neuro division through our Neuro to ICU Transitional Program! Gaining experience in this division will better prepare nurses to transition into the ICU. 

The Neuro to ICU Transitional Program is designed to equip you with the skills that you need to become a successful and confident critical care nurse. You will spend your first year on one of our neuro units: 10E Neuro/Medical Acute Care or 7F Neuro/Trauma Stepdown. In this time, it is our goal to help new graduates and experienced nurses gain the knowledge and skill set needed to care for the diverse and high-acuity patient population of our 8A Neuro ICU at UPMC Mercy. 

About the Units:

10E Neuro/Medical Acute Care: 10E is a 40-bed Acute Care Unit specializing in neurology and neurosurgical care. Our highly skilled team cares for patients recovering from stroke, spinal surgeries, and craniotomies, in addition to caring for general medical patients. A positive and supportive environment is fostered, emphasizing strong teamwork and the sharing of knowledge among all disciplines to ensure the best possible outcomes. 10E is a fast-paced environment offering the opportunity for nurses to gain valuable knowledge and experience working with a diverse and complex patient population. By collaborating with world-renowned neurosurgeons, as well as a wide array of brilliant neurologists and internists, we provide best possible outcomes for our patients as they transition to their next level of care. 

7F Neuro/Trauma Stepdown: 7F is a 25-bed Step-Down Unit specializing in the care of neurology and neurosurgical complex brain and spinal cord damage that occurs from general trauma, traumatic brain injuries, and stroke. Our patients have often undergone craniotomies for conditions such as brain hemorrhage or tumor, biopsies, lumbar laminectomies and spinal discectomies, and lumbar drain insertion, allowing nurses to gain valuable insight into the full spectrum of the post-surgical patients. Our skilled nurses focus their holistic care on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our patients and their support system. 7F is a fast-paced environment offering the opportunity for nurses to gain valuable knowledge and experience working with a diverse and complex patient population who collaborate with world-renowned trauma and neurosurgeons, as well as a wide array of brilliant neurologists and internists to provide best possible outcomes for our patients as they transition to their next level of care. 

8A Neuro ICU: ICU8 is an 18 bed critical care unit dedicated to the comprehensive care of patients with acute and critical Neurological conditions. Recognizing the complexity and sensitivity of neurologic disorders, our ICU is equipped with advanced technology and staffed by a multidisciplinary team of highly trained professionals. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, intensivists, nurses with specialized training in neurological care, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, and clinical pharmacists. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a holistic and collaborative strategy in managing complex neurological cases. Understanding the emotional and psychological impact of neurological illnesses, our team is committed to fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for both patients and their families. Regular communication, education, and involvement in the decision-making process are integral components of our patient-centered approach. We work closely with other departments and healthcare providers to ensure a seamless continuum of care. Collaboration with rehabilitation services, outpatient clinics, and community resources is prioritized to support patients in their journey to recovery beyond the ICU. 

A position in the ICU is contingent upon the employee’s performance during the first year of hire. They must obtain a Solid/Strong/Good performance rating, lack any disciplinary action, and meet all requirements/expectations of their hiring unit.

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.

 Here’s how we support our nurses:

• Generous Sign-On Bonus of up to $15,000.

  • 15,000 sign-on bonus available for nurses with 1 or more years of experience.

  • $10,000 sign-on bonus available for graduate nurses with a graduation date of Fall 2023 or beyond.

  • Candidates hired into a sign-on bonus eligible role will be asked to make a two-year work commitment. 

• UPMC’s brand new Monthly Loan Repayment program, exclusively for 2023 and 2024 nursing graduates, offering $20,000* in loan repayment paid over three years (*Eligible flex full-time RN roles to receive prorated amount)

• Up to five and a half weeks of Paid Time Off annually, plus seven paid holidays each year

• Dedicated career ladders, including a brand-new nursing career ladder added just this year, allowing you to achieve your highest potential while rewarding you for your experience and advanced education

• 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!)

The Professional Staff Nurse, BSN 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 Professional Staff Nurse, BSN establishes relationships with physicians, other care providers, patients, and patients’ families to achieve desired patient outcomes throughout the continuum of care.

A Professional Staff Nurse, BSN 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.

Title and salary will be determined based upon education and nursing experience. 

Responsibilities:

• Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues.

• Supports the development of students, new staff and colleagues, may serve as a preceptor.

• Creates an environment of open dialogue, inquiry, and continuous development by asking for feedback and improving practice.

• Demonstrates UPMC Values

• Provides detailed and appropriate teaching to patients and families to effectively guide them through the episode of care.

• Displays daily goals and a plan for care for patients that involves the patient as a partner and considers the individual needs of the patient in a holistic manner.

• Communicates with peers and management any safety hazards identified in the workplace.

• Supports the development of students, new staff and colleagues, may serve as a preceptor.

• Creates an environment of open dialogue, inquiry, and continuous development by asking for feedback and improving practice.

• Illustrates solid communication skills and can articulate and translate the patient condition to other care providers.

• Incorporates national professional organization as well as business unit and health system's goals to improve patient safety, quality, and satisfaction.

• Holds accountability for professional development that improves the quality of professional practice and the quality of patient care. 

• Adapts to change and displays flexibility with the change process.

• Serves as a highly engaged and full partner on the care team and responds willingly to care team member needs for assistance and partnership.

• Takes personal responsibility in improving patient satisfaction with the quality of care and service.

• Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to support improvement in clinical care, identifies research issues or articles related to clinical specialty or areas of interest, discusses opportunities for quality improvement at multidisciplinary rounds, and influences patients' plans of care.

• Zero to two years of experience.

• BSN required.

  • Those without a BSN will be brought in at the Professional Staff Nurse title and pay rate.

• The individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and/or interact appropriately to the ages of the patients served by his/her assigned unit as specified below.

• They must also demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs and to provide the care needs as described in the department policy and procedures.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, other departments, and patients/families.

• Ability to work productively and effectively within a complex environment, handle multiple/changing priorities and specialized equipment.

• Good clinical judgment with critical thinking, analytical and problem solving abilities required as related to various aspects of patient care.

• Critical thinking skills necessary to exercise and to lead others in application of the nursing process.

• Mobility and visual manual dexterity.

• Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting and positioning of patients.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• UPMC approved national certification preferred.

• Current licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse either in the state where the facility is located or in a state covered by a licensure compact agreement with the state where the facility is located.

• 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)

• Registered Nurse (RN)

• Registered Nurse (RN) OR Temporary Practice Permit (TPP)

• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran