Professional Staff Nurse - 8E Surgical Acute Care

UPMC • Pittsburgh, PA

11d

About The Position

UPMC Mercy is hiring a full-time Professional Staff Nurse for its 8E Surgical Acute Care unit, a 46-bed unit specializing in urology, maxillofacial, ophthalmology, and general surgical care. The nursing team provides postoperative care, including frequent assessment and management of surgical dressings and incisions; complex wound and drain care; central line, PCA, and IV care; and pain and medication management. The unit is fast-paced and uses a team-based approach to care for a diverse and complex patient population, with a supportive environment that emphasizes teamwork and shared knowledge. It offers graduate and experienced nurses opportunities to expand their clinical knowledge.

The Professional Staff Nurse provides competent, empathetic patient care and treatment, using independent judgment and clear communication. The nurse builds relationships with physicians, other care providers, patients, and families to support desired outcomes throughout the continuum of care. As a member of the care delivery team, the nurse helps set standards for the level and quality of nursing care and is accountable for its provision.

Title and salary are determined based on education and nursing experience. The role requires knowledge and skills to care for or interact appropriately with the ages served by the assigned unit, along with understanding of lifespan growth and development and the ability to assess and interpret patient information to meet age-specific needs. A current RN license or qualifying temporary practice permit, CPR/BLS, and required clearances are specified. Graduate nurses must complete the licensure examination within the stated deadline.

Requirements

• Zero to two years of experience.
• Current licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse in the state where the facility is located, or in a state covered by a licensure compact agreement with that state; qualifying RN licensure or a Temporary Practice Permit (TPP) is listed.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR); CPR must meet AHA standards and include didactic and skills demonstration components within 30 days of hire.
• Graduate nurses must complete the licensure examination within six months of hire or within one year of graduation, whichever comes first; UPMC requires the examination within six months of the graduate nurse's start date.
• Knowledge and skills to provide care or interact appropriately with patients in the age groups served by the assigned unit, including knowledge of lifespan growth and development and the ability to assess and interpret data for age-specific needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, other departments, and patients and families.
• Ability to work effectively in a complex environment, handle multiple or changing priorities, and work with specialized equipment.
• Good clinical judgment, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities related to patient care.
• Critical thinking skills necessary to exercise and lead others in applying the nursing process.
• Mobility and visual-manual dexterity.
• Physical stamina for frequent walking, standing, lifting, and positioning of patients.
• Required clearances: Act 33 with renewal, Act 34 with renewal, and Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal.
• Employees with an out-of-state NLC license who change residency to the state where the facility is located must apply for licensure in that state within 60 days.

Nice To Haves

• BSN preferred.
• UPMC-approved national certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external colleagues, demonstrating accountability, enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment to patients and colleagues.
• Support the development of students, new staff, and colleagues; may serve as a preceptor.
• Seek feedback and contribute to an environment of open dialogue, inquiry, and continuous development.
• Demonstrate UPMC values.
• Provide appropriate, detailed teaching to patients and families throughout the episode of care.
• Display daily patient goals and a plan of care that involves the patient as a partner and considers individual needs holistically.
• Communicate identified workplace safety hazards to peers and management.
• Communicate patient conditions clearly to other care providers.
• Incorporate professional organization, business unit, and health system goals to improve patient safety, quality, and satisfaction.
• Take accountability for professional development that improves professional practice and patient care quality.
• Adapt to change and demonstrate flexibility with the change process.
• Act as an engaged partner on the care team and respond willingly to team members' needs for assistance and partnership.
• Take personal responsibility for improving patient satisfaction with care and service quality.
• Use research and evidence-based practice to support clinical care improvement; identify relevant research issues or articles, discuss quality improvement opportunities at multidisciplinary rounds, and influence patient care plans.

Benefits

• Generous sign-on bonus; eligibility varies based on experience.
• Monthly loan repayment program for graduate nurses, offering $20,000 paid over three years; eligible flex full-time RN roles receive a prorated amount.
• Up to five and a half weeks of paid time off annually.
• Seven paid holidays each year.
• Dedicated career ladders, including a nursing career ladder that rewards experience and advanced education.
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $6,000 per academic year at any accredited institution, available to employees and their dependents.
• Employee discounts, including no-cost RN-BSN/MSN options.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed