What are the responsibilities and job description for the Professional Staff Nurse - PACU position at UPMC?
UPMC Hamot is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Professional Staff Nurse to join our PACU team!
We are looking for a skilled nursing professional who is committed to delivering exceptional pre‑ and post‑operative care to surgical patients in a fast‑paced and team‑oriented environment.
- Four 10‑hour shifts per week
One year of ICU or Intermediate Unit (IU) nursing experience is strongly preferred for this role
In this role, you will provide high‑quality nursing care throughout the surgical experience.
Preoperatively, you will prepare patients by collecting vital signs, weight, blood glucose levels, consents, and any necessary lab work.
Postoperatively, you will closely monitor patients as they recover from anesthesia, ensuring they safely return to their baseline status. This includes ongoing assessment of vital signs, respiratory monitoring, and coordinating patient transfers to inpatient units or preparing them for discharge once stable.
Title and salary will be determined based on education and experience.
At UPMC, we are committed to supporting your professional growth from day one. Our robust nursing career ladder begins with the Professional Staff Nurse role and offers clear pathways for advancement to Expert Nurse and beyond. Compensation, role expectations, and any required certifications will be reviewed and tailored to your qualifications during the offer process. The minimum rate of pay for a non‑BSN Professional Staff Nurse is $36.50 per hour.
UPMC invests in your career—financially, personally, and professionally. From student loan support to opportunities for professional advancement, we’re here to help you thrive.
We offer:
- Sign-on bonuses up to $15,000 for experienced nurses (Amount and eligibility based on type of nursing role and candidate experience)
- Up to 5.5 weeks of Paid Time Off annually, plus 7 paid holidays
- Dedicated career ladders with recognition for experience and advanced education
Tuition reimbursement up to $6,000 per year for employees and dependents, including no-cost RN‑BSN/MSN options
The Professional Staff Nurse is a Registered Nurse who plays a vital role in delivering high-quality patient care. This role requires strong clinical judgment, collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, patient advocacy, and leadership in managing and coordinating care to ensure optimal clinical outcomes.
Responsibilities:
- Builds strong internal and external relationships through accountability, enthusiasm, and commitment.
- Promotes cultural awareness and encourages healthy peer interactions.
- Maintains work-life balance and models safe work habits and time management.
- Reports workplace safety hazards to peers and management.
- Applies adult learning principles in educating patients, families, students, and new staff.
- Provides thorough patient and family education for care transitions.
- Supports development of others and may serve as a preceptor.
- Encourages open dialogue and continuous improvement through feedback.
- Uses the nursing process and Relationship Based Care to create healing environments.
- Develops patient-centered goals and holistic care plans.
- Identifies and addresses clinical, social, and emotional patient needs.
- Communicates effectively with care teams and documents comprehensively.
- Aligns care with professional standards and organizational goals to enhance safety and satisfaction.
- Builds compassionate relationships with patients, families, and colleagues.
- Takes ownership of professional growth to improve care quality.
- Actively engages in shared governance and supports change initiatives.
- Collaborates willingly with care team members and adapts to change.
- Participates in unit-specific quality improvement efforts.
- Identifies and shares opportunities for care and service improvement.
- Uses research and evidence-based practice to enhance clinical care and influence patient plans.