Registered Nurse (RN) - Neurology
UPMC Altoona
Altoona, PA

RN Staff Nurse - Day/Night - 7E Neurology

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. See details in posting below regarding our increased sign-on and loan repayment bonuses! Here's how we support our nurses: * Newly competitive wages: * $29.50 (BSN) * $28.00 (non-BSN) * Shift differential: $2.00 * Title and salary will be determined based upon education and nursing experience. * Generous Sign-On Bonus: * $20,000 sign-on bonus available for nurses with 1 or more years of experience. * $15,000 sign-on bonus available for nurses with less than 1 year of experience * 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: If you are eligible for the $15,000 sign-on bonus, then you may be eligible to receive an additional $15,000 student loan repayment bonus, which is paid out across 3 years. * An incomparable benefit package (found to be 15% higher in value than other healthcare employers in our market!) * Up to five and a half weeks of Paid Time Off annually, plus seven paid holidays each year * Dedicated Professional Development Program, 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!) About the Neuro PCU: As the smallest of our 3 progressive/stepdown units at UPMC Altoona, this unit allows you to see a wide range of patients (including, but not limited, to neuro patients) while allowing you to settle into your assessment and time management skills. Neuro Stepdown is a 24-bed progressive care unit that specializes in the care of stroke and neuro patients. This unit also cares for patients with pneumonia, CHF, heart disease, and any other issue that needs a monitored step-down bed. NPCU staff are trained to care for all types of progressive care patients and is the only unit outside of the ICU specially trained to care for post-interventional/diagnostic neurology patients. Our team works closely with our Stroke Neurologist and Stroke Quality team to ensure all patients receive exceptional care. As a member of this team, you will provide direct and indirect care to patients utilizing the nursing process. You will also provide leadership for the nursing team and contribute to the education of a variety of members of the staff and students. Responsibilities: * Provide direct and indirect care to patients utilizing the nursing process, leadership for the nursing team, and contribute to the education of a variety of members of the staff and students. * Engages the medical staff and other professionals in discussion of patient care problems resulting in mutually developed plans of care. * Utilizes Bed Management System, Alpha, CPOE, and all other computer systems appropriately. * Adheres to universal precautions. Identifies potential problems and initiates appropriate measures. Identifies environmental factors which deter effective patient care, initiates action, and contributes ideas towards resolution. * Complies with established occupational exposure policies. * Completes annual competency validation activities. * Maintains proficiency and competency in point of care testing as defined in the evaluation criteria established by the laboratory. * Demonstrates professionalism in providing patient care. * Serves as a consultant to other members of the health-care team. * 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. * 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. * 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. * 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. Qualifications: Experience Required: * None (Future graduates and experienced nurses are encouraged to apply!) 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