Registered Nurse (Casual) - 6F Observation

Registered Nurse - Casual
6F Observation/Discharge Unit
Casual, varied shifts
Union position: Yes
Posted: 4/8/2026

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.

• Set pay rate for this position is $36.00/hour

Casual RNs must work a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours on home unit in each six (6) week scheduling period (standby and call-in hours will not be counted toward the required total hours worked). If forty-eight hours are not available on home unit, must required minimum hours elsewhere in the Hospital.

Purpose:
Provides direct and indirect care to patients utilizing the nursing process. Provides leadership for the nursing team and contributes to the education of a variety of members of the staff and students.

Responsibilities:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Adheres to universal precautions. Identified potential problems and initiates appropriate measures. Identifies environmental factors which deter effective patient care, initiates action, and contributes ideas towards resolution.
• Engages the medical staff and other professionals in discussion of patient care problems resulting in mutually developed plans of care.
• Demonstrates professionalism in providing patient care.
• Serves as a consultant to other members of the health-care team.
• Complies with established occupational exposure policies.
• Maintains proficiency and competency in point of care testing as defined in the evaluation criteria established by the laboratory.
• Completes annual competency validation activities.
• Utilizes Bed Management System, Alpha, CPOE, and all other computer systems appropriately.

• Minimum of 1 year experience
  
  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)
• 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.