Graduate Nurse Rotational Program: UPMC Presbyterian

Graduate Nurse Rotational Program: UPMC Presbyterian - Surgical Stepdown Track (Spring 2025 Graduates)

This position is eligible for a generous sign-on bonus

Sign-On Bonus Details:

• $10,000 sign-on bonus available

Are you graduating in Spring 2025 or Summer 2025 from nursing school and looking to launch your nursing career? Our Graduate Nurse Rotational Program may be the perfect fit You will rotate through various units within the hospital to gain valuable and varied experience while working alongside an experienced nurse to help mentor and guide you in your learning. 

About UPMC Presbyterian

Our Level 1 Trauma Center, UPMC Presbyterian, a Magnet designated hospital, is hiring a Full-Time Registered Nurses to support various Surgical units as a part of a special rotational program. UPMC Presbyterian is located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood. UPMC Presbyterian is a recognized leader in organ transplants, renowned teaching hospital, and a center for ongoing cutting-edge research.

What is the Graduate Nurse Rotational Program (GNRP)? 

UPMC Presbyterian is pleased to announce we are NOW HIRING Graduate Nurses as full-time Professional Staff Nurses to support various hospital units as part of a special Rotational Program. The GNRP will begin in August 2025. Previous participants have had the opportunity to rotate through the following Surgical Units for 12 months:  

• 11N Abdominal Transplant is a 22-bed unit specializing in the care of patients undergoing complex abdominal transplants. The types of procedures we conduct and the equipment we use change from patient to patient, so our nurses need to be very focused and adaptable.
• 5EW Hepatology is a 14-bed high acuity unit serving a diverse patient population with a primary focus on patients with acute liver failure.
• 8W ENT Surgery is an 11-bed surgical oncology unit specializing in the care of patients who have undergone head and neck surgeries including tracheostomy, total laryngectomy, and free flap plastic construction. We regularly use cardiac monitors and pulse oximeters, and we additionally care for overflow patients from other surgical areas including GI, orthopedic, and med-surg.
• The Transplant ICU is a 12-bed critical care facility, serving as the sole ICU in the hospital and receiving a wide variety of patients. Most of our patients have received transplanted organs including kidney, liver, pancreas, intestine, islet cell, or multi-visceral transplants. We also care for patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries, surgical oncology patients undergoing complicated abdominal surgeries, and patients suffering from multi-system organ failure. Nurses in the TICU can expect to work with tracheostomies, line and drain placements, intubations, CRRT, and vasopressors among other types of specialty equipment and treatments. The diversity of patients makes the TICU an exciting and stimulating atmosphere for learning and professional growth.

Why Join the Graduate Nurse Rotational Program? 

• Opportunity to explore and find your right ‘home’ in nursing at UPMC 
• Fantastic opportunity to learn from many talented nurses and receive a broad education in nursing 
• Having a resource pool nurse as a mentor 
• Having preceptors for each “rotation” 

What can you Expect as a GNRP Professional Staff Nurse? 

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

As a Professional Staff Nurse 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. 

How does UPMC Support our Nurses? 

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 are a few examples of how we support our nurses: 

• Generous Sign-On Bonus of up to $10,000* for Graduate Nurses (*Amount and eligibility based on type of nursing role and candidate experience)
• UPMC’s brand new Monthly Loan Repayment Program, exclusively for 2023 & 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) 
• Top clinicians, leading researchers, and the most modern equipment and technology in health care today 

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 rate of pay will be based upon both 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 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.

What Does Placement Look Like Post-GNRP?  

Upon completion of the Graduate Nurse Rotational Program, placements are determined by participant preference, Hiring Manager preference, and business need through a collaborative matching process at UPMC Presbyterian.

Applicants will be placed in the appropriate job title and salary from the My Nursing Career Ladder based on their individual experience and education.

Shift/Hours: Our RNs work a rotating 12-hour schedule to ensure 24/7 coverage on the floor. 

GNs must be eligible for State Board Licensure and successfully pass the examination before beginning this role OR must have a Temporary Practice Permit and commit to taking the NCLEX examination with four months of hire.

• ASN Required. BSN Preferred.
• Completion of UPMC Student Nurse Internship Program or student clinical transitions course at UPMC preferred 
• 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 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. 
• Critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving abilities required as related to various aspects of patient care. 
• Good clinical judgment. 
• Critical thinking skills necessary to exercise and to lead others in application of the nursing process.  

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances: 

• Current Pennsylvania licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse required prior to program start date OR must have a Temporary Practice Permit and commit to taking the NCLEX examination with four months of hire. 
• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire  
• Act 34 Criminal Clearance 
• Basic Life Support 

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