Registered Nurse Observation Unit

Are you a Nurse or soon-to-be Nurse who loves a fast-paced, never-dull day? The Observation Unit at UPMC Western Maryland has the right fit for you!

During the interview, youll learn about what schedule and shifts we offer as well as our top-notch career ladder! Our Recruitment team will also work with you to determine the best title and pay rate based on your experience.

Our 30-bed Observation Unit provides care to individuals who do not meet admission criteria but cannot safely be discharged from the Emergency Department.

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.

Heres how we support our nurses:

Generous Sign-On Bonus of up to $20,000 (*Amount and eligibility based on type of nursing role and candidate experience)

UPMCs brand new Monthly Loan Repayment program for 2026 & 2027 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!)

Responsibilities:

• Models safe work hours, time management and a healthy lifestyle.
• Communicates with peers and management any safety hazards identified in the workplace.
• Demonstrates knowledge of adult learning principles (and/or teaching children if applicable) and applies in teaching of patients, families, students, and new staff.
• Provides detailed and appropriate teaching to patients and families to effectively guide them through the episode of care as well as transition to another level of care and/or home.
• Supports the development of students, new staff and colleagues, may serve as a preceptor.
• Creates an environment of open dialogue, inquiry, and continuous development by asking for feedback and improving practice.
• Applies the nursing process within the framework of Relationship Based Care to create a healing environment.
• Formulates daily goals and a plan of care for patients that involves the patient as partner and considers the individual needs of the patient in a holistic manner.
• Patient documentation is comprehensive and promotes communication between caregivers.
• Incorporates national professional organization as well as business unit and health system's goals to improve patient safety, quality, and satisfaction.
• Actively participates in unit-based shared governance, goal setting and supports the change and transition process to improve quality of care and the practice environment.
• Serves as a highly engaged and full partner on the care team and responds willingly to care team member needs for assistance and partnership.
• Identifies opportunity for quality improvement to colleagues and management.
• Takes personal responsibility in improving patient satisfaction with the quality of care and service.
• Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to support improvement in clinical care identifies research issues or articles related to clinical specialty or areas of interest, discusses opportunities for quality improvement at multidisciplinary rounds, and influences patients' plans of care.

• Zero to two years of experience required for Professional Staff Nurse Title.
• BSN preferred.
• 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, and 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 the 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 licensure as a  Registered Professional Nurse either in the state where the facility is located or in a state covered by a licensure compact agreement with the state where the facility is located.
• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• Graduate Nurses will have 120 days from graduation to obtain the RN License.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran