Provide highly competent patient care and treatment across various hospital units including Med/Surg and Stepdown. Establish professional relationships with physicians, patients, and families to achieve optimal health outcomes.
Requirements summary
Must be a nursing graduate (Fall/Winter 2026) eligible for Pennsylvania Registered Professional Nurse licensure. Requires CPR certification based on AHA standards and a valid Act 34 Criminal Clearance.
Are you graduating in Fall/Winter 2026 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.
If you are not a graduate nurse but interested in opportunities at this facility, please search for unit-specific RN Staff Nurse openings at UPMC Altoona on the UPMC Careers Site by clicking here: UPMC Job Search Results | UPMC Careers About UPMC Altoona: UPMC Altoona is a 380-bed level II trauma center that functions as the regional referral center and tertiary hub of UPMC and provides excellent medical care to Altoona, PA and surrounding areas.
What is the Graduate Nurse Rotational Program (GNRP)?
UPMC Altoona is pleased to announce we are NOW HIRING Graduate Nurses as full-time Staff Nurses to support various hospital units as part of a special Rotational Program.
The GNRP will begin in March 2027.
Previous participants have had the opportunity to participate in the med/surg/stepdown track for 6 months.
GNs will spend the first 12 weeks of orientation on various units and the following 12 weeks rotating between the units, based on availability and preference (participating units: Medical Progressive, Surgical Progressive, Neuro Progressive, Surgical Trauma/Oncology, and Med/Surg Trauma).
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 Staff Nurse?
The 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 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 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.
Benefits
Paid Holidays
Paid Time Off
Tuition Reimbursement
Career Ladders
No cost RN-BSN/MSN options
Sign-On Bonus up to $10,000
Monthly Loan Repayment program up to $15,000
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 UPMC Altoona’s Monthly Loan Repayment program, offering $15,000 in loan repayment paid over three years Up to five and a half weeks of Paid Time Off annually, plus seven paid holidays each year Dedicated career ladders, 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 What Does Placement Look Like Post-GNRP?
At the end of the rotations, you will be matched to a participating unit through a mutual matching process, with consideration to union seniority.
Applicants will be placed in the appropriate job title and salary based on individual experience, education, and union consideration.
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.
Diploma, associate, bachelor’s, and direct
entry master’s degree levels all welcome! Demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to provide care and interact with all ages of patients. Understand the principles of growth and development over the lifespan. Assess data on patients’ statuses to identify each patient’s specific care needs. Establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with patients and their families, executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, and other departments. Work productively and effectively in an environment with changing priorities that require specialized skills. Think critically to analyze and problem-solve to deliver the best patient care. Use sound clinical judgment, think critically, and problem-solve to deliver quality patient care when it matters most. Understand, apply, and champion nursing best practices. Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances: Current Pennsylvania licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse required prior to program start date 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
