Graduate Nurse Rotational Program: UPMC Altoona – Med/Surg/Stepdown Track (Spring 2026 Graduates)

Full job description
Are you graduating in Spring 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.


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 August 2026. 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 Ortho Neuro 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.

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 of up to $10,000* for Graduate Nurses (*Amount and eligibility based on type of nursing role and candidate experience)
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.

Completion of UPMC Student Nurse Internship Program or student clinical transitions course at UPMC preferred
The individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and/or interact appropriately to the ages of the patients served by his/her assigned unit as specified below.
They must also demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patients’ requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs and to provide the care needs as described in the department policy and procedures.
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, handle multiple/changing priorities and specialized equipment.
Critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving abilities required as related to various aspects of patient care.
Good clinical judgment.
Critical thinking skills necessary to exercise and to lead others in application of the nursing process.
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 Read more