Observation Unit RN in Altoona, PA

RN Staff Nurse (Day/Evening) - 6F Observation

Registered Nurse

6F Observation/Discharge

0.9 Full-Time, Day & evening shifts with holiday/weekend rotation (36 hours/week)

Union position: SEIU

Posted: 5/27/2026

Are you a Registered Nurse ready to take the next step in your career, or a new nurse eager to thrive in a supportive environment? Choose UPMC! Take advantage of an opportunity to provide Life Changing Medicine to our patients, as you work alongside an interdisciplinary team of world-class medical professionals.

We’re committed to your growth and well-being. With our ongoing learning opportunities and a premier benefits package designed to support you and your family, you’ll have the resources you need to succeed—both inside and outside of work. 

Join us in a role where your expertise makes a difference every day, and where your career can flourish in a culture of excellence, compassion, and innovation

Future Graduates & experienced Registered Nurses are encouraged to apply – future GNs can apply up to 1 year in advance of graduation.

Compensation:  We offer competitive starting pay, with rates that reflect your nursing education and professional experience. UPMC Altoona RNs benefit from newly enhanced pay, with starting rates increasing by $4/hour, plus an additional $2 shift differential.*

Minimum starting pay rates:

• $35.50 (BSN)
• $34.00 (non-BSN)
• Your title and salary will be determined based upon education and nursing experience.

Generous Sign-On Bonus for nurses:

• $15,000 sign-on bonus available for nurses with 1 or more years of experience. 
• Candidates hired into a sign-on bonus eligible role will be asked to make a two-year work commitment.

UPMC’s Monthly Loan Repayment program:

• UPMC’s Monthly Loan Repayment program, for eligible nursing graduates, offering $15,000 in loan repayment paid over three years

About 6F Observation:  UPMC Altoona’s Observation/Discharge Unit on 6F is a 24 bed, fast paced adult unit specializing in providing timely and efficient patient care. This short stay unit observes and monitors patients for 6–24 hours (up to 48 hours) to determine whether inpatient admission as needed or if they are stable for discharge. The unit specializes in caring for patients with chest pain, abdominal pain, asthma exacerbations, and stable cardiac arrhythmias, among other conditions. Additionally, patients who have been discharged from inpatient units may be placed in this unit while awaiting transport. We provide outstanding care, continually work to improve patient outcomes using evidence-based practice, and remain committed to our patients and to each other.

Patient Care

• Provide Direct Care: Use nursing protocols and standards to perform and document procedures safely and accurately. Administer medications and IV therapy following policy.
• Assess and Reassess: Evaluate and document patient and family needs. Reassess patients every eight hours or as needed.
• Plan Care: Involve patients and families in creating care plans. Prioritize needs, conduct care conferences, and maintain up-to-date care plans. Coordinate with community agencies and other professionals.

Coordination and Communication

• Engage in Team Discussions: Work with medical staff and other professionals to discuss and develop patient care plans.
• Utilize Systems: Use Bed Management System, Alpha, CPOE, and other relevant computer systems efficiently.

Education and Leadership

• Teach and Educate: Initiate health teaching for patients and families based on their needs. Contribute to the education of staff and students.
• Consult and Lead: Offer guidance and support to other healthcare team members. Demonstrate professionalism in all interactions.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow Precautions: Adhere to universal precautions and occupational exposure policies. Identify and address potential problems and environmental factors affecting patient care.
• Maintain Competency: Complete annual competency validation and stay proficient in point-of-care testing as per lab criteria.

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. 

Experience Required:  None.

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIH)
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Act 34

*Current licensure either in the state where the facility is located or, if the facility is in a state covered by the multistate Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, a multistate license issued by a participating NLC state. Hires and current employees working on an out-of-state NLC license who later change their residency to the state where the facility is also located will have 60 days upon changing their residency to apply for licensure within that state.