Graduate Nurse Neuro to ICU Transitional Program

Graduate Nurse Neuro to ICU Transitional Program (UPMC Presbyterian)

This position is eligible for a generous sign-on bonus

Sign-On Bonus Details:

• $10,000 sign-on bonus available for graduate nurses with less than one year of RN experience
• $15,000 sign-on bonus available for nurses with over 1 year of experience

Do you have a career goal to become a skilled ICU nurse?  UPMC Presbyterian, a Magnet designated hospital, is currently hiring a Full-time Registered Nurse to join our Neuro Division.  Gaining experience in this division will better prepare nurses to transition into our ICUs. 

This Fast Track to ICU Program is designed to equip you with the skills that you need to become a successful and confident ICU nurse. You will spend your first year on one of our neuro floors, 5G (Trauma Neuro), 6D (Neurosurgery) or 8G (Trauma Neuro),and will subsequently be paired with either the Trauma Neuro ICU or Neuro ICU. In this time, it is our goal to help new graduate and experienced nurses gain the knowledge and skill set required in caring for the diverse and high-acuity patient population of UPMC Presbyterian.

About the Units:

5G Trauma Neuro is a 22-bed progressive care unit specializing in the care of complex brain and spinal cord trauma, stroke, and various neurosurgical patients.  Our nurses focus their care comprehensively on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our patients and their support systems.  We foster relationships and emphasize patient advocacy across the interdisciplinary care team to ensure best possible outcomes for those in our care.  5G is a fast-paced environment offering the opportunity for nurses to gain valuable knowledge and experience working with a diverse and complex patient population.  Nurses on 5G 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.

6D Neurosurgery is an 18-bed neurosurgical unit specializing in the care of stroke patients and patients who have undergone craniotomies and spinal surgeries. We foster a positive and supportive environment, emphasizing strong teamwork and the sharing of knowledge among all disciplines to ensure the best possible outcomes. The opportunity to care for a diverse patient population within other medical-surgical specialties makes 6D a perfect fit for graduate nurses and nurses seeking to build broad knowledge and/or gain new experience. Nurses on 6D collaborate with world-renowned neurosurgeons who are known for their innovative microvascular surgical approach, with a focus on the patient’s full and rapid recovery.

8G Trauma Neuro is a 23-bed progressive care unit caring for neurologic and neurosurgical patients.   We are a comprehensive stroke and trauma unit getting admissions for the step-down trauma/stroke patients. A section of our unit is also designated for seizure procedures. There is videotape monitoring of these patients by the EEG technicians.

4G Trauma Neuro ICU is a 10-bed critical care facility serving patients with acute traumatic and neurologic injuries. We perform many procedures at the bedside, including placement of chest tubes, central and arterial lines, cranial monitoring bolts, tracheostomy, bronchoscopy, and ventriculostomy, as well as echocardiography and exploratory laparotomy. On 4G we emphasize teamwork and enjoy strong collaborations between nurses and physicians.

4F/5F Neuro ICU is a 20-bed critical care unit serving patients with acute neurologic injuries such as strokes, head bleeds and seizures. We also care for post-op patients following craniotomies for tumor, vascular malformation, and decompression. Our staff assist the physician team with many procedures including placement of central lines, arterial lines, tracheostomy, bronchoscopy, and ventriculostomy.

The NICU is also paired with Neuro Interventional Radiology.  Our experienced nurses are cross-trained to function as the proceduralist nurse along-side our interventionalists when performing diagnostic exams or thrombectomies on acute strokes.

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.

Our Registered Nurses work rotating shifts including weekends/holidays to ensure 24/7 coverage on the floor.

Why Work at UPMC?

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 (*Amount and eligibility based on type of nursing role and candidate experience)
• UPMC’s brand new Monthly Loan Repayment Program, exclusively for 2024 & 2025 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)

At UPMC, we’re passionate about continuing to support your growth throughout your nursing journey. We offer a robust career ladder for bedside nursing that starts with Professional Staff Nurse and leads to Expert Nurse and beyond. The final job title and pay rate will be based on individual qualifications and candidate choice. Any required certifications and contributions based on job title will be afforded a timeframe to obtain. Our competitive career ladder, as well as our Total Rewards package, will be discussed at the time of offer to ensure you can make the choices that are right for you. The minimum rate of pay for a non-BSN Professional Staff Nurse is $31.60/hour.

• No experience required. BSN preferred. 
• Graduate Nurses that are eligible for the State Board Licensure and Staff Nurses with nursing experience will be considered for this position. Please note that the below salary may vary pending years of experience and education of the selected candidate. 
• 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 patients status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patients 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 Pennsylvania licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse. 
• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
• ACLS required within 12 months of beginning employment.
• Act 34 Criminal Clearance
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. Minority/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities