Nursing Instructor, School of Nursing

UPMC Altoona is proud to announce the launch of the UPMC Mercy School of Nursing at Altoona, a transformative 16-month diploma program designed to empower aspiring nurses in our region.  As we prepare to welcome our inaugural class in Fall 2026, we are seeking Nursing Instructors!  Our instructors will work a Monday through Friday schedule, primarily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (hours may vary with clinical sites).

We are seeking passionate, student‑centered Nursing Instructors who are ready to make a meaningful impact on the future of nursing. This role blends clinical expertise with the opportunity to guide, mentor, and inspire students in both classroom and clinical settings. Because this is a new program, faculty will have the unique opportunity to help build and shape its direction while receiving strong mentorship from experienced UPMC Schools of Nursing faculty. There will be opportunities to take on leadership roles—such as course lead, skills lab lead, or simulation lead—as the program grows. While we welcome applicants from all clinical backgrounds, we are especially interested in faculty with experience in pediatrics, OB/maternal health, mental health, or those with experience or interest in simulation. If you thrive in a collaborative environment, value professional growth, and are committed to excellence in nursing education, we’d love to meet you.

Position Purpose

As a Nursing Instructor, you will hold responsibility, authority, and accountability for delivering high‑quality didactic and clinical instruction. You will guide students in applying the nursing process, ensuring safe, evidence‑based care and fostering strong clinical judgment. You will also collaborate with faculty to create meaningful learning experiences that support student success and positive patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Teaching & Student Development

• Provide engaging, evidence‑based instruction in both classroom and clinical environments.
• Create meaningful learning assignments that promote critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and professional growth.
• Evaluate student performance and provide constructive, supportive feedback.
• Coach students on cultural diversity, civility, and professional behavior.
• Use personal teaching style and interpersonal skills to enhance learner outcomes.
• Support diverse learners by offering individualized resources and guidance.

Professional Role Modeling & Leadership

• Serve as a role model for professionalism, communication, and collaboration within the healthcare team.
• Demonstrate and promote the values of trust, respect, collegiality, and caring.
• Foster an inclusive learning environment that values diversity among students, peers, patients, families, and communities.
• Lead and support faculty within assigned courses; collaborate effectively in a complex educational environment.
• Participate in school committees and shared governance; may serve as committee co‑chair as assigned.
• Demonstrate leadership in shaping and implementing educational innovations and program improvements.

Curriculum, Assessment & Quality Improvement

• Utilize educational theory and evidence‑based teaching strategies to design and deliver instruction.
• Apply current literature and best practices to enhance teaching effectiveness.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, scholarly work, and the Systematic Program Evaluation process.
• Use assessment and evaluation data to improve student learning and program outcomes.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of school policies.

Professional Growth & Collaboration

• Maintain active membership in professional nursing organizations.
• Engage in ongoing professional development through continuing education, conferences, and peer feedback.
• Share expertise with colleagues and contribute to a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with students, faculty, leadership, and healthcare partners.

What We’re Looking For

• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Minimum of 3 years of clinical nursing experience
• Precepting experience required
• Strong communication, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills
• Commitment to student success and the advancement of the nursing profession