UPMC Shadyside is a Magnet designated hospital, as well as a renowned teaching hospital and center of ongoing, cutting-edge research and education. If you are ready for an impacting and rewarding opportunity in your nursing career, we invite you to apply today!

UPMC Shadyside is currently hiring a Casual Registered Nurse to support the 3 West Orthopedic Unit.

About the Position & Unit:

3 West is an Orthopedic unit that specializes in total joint replacement, orthopedic oncology surgical services, spine surgery, sports injuries, and a wide range of medical management. New and experienced nurses will experience an exciting range of services including wound care, surgical recovery, patient education, and the opportunity to see motivated patients work to get back on their feet through physical therapy and other nursing modalities. Our unit works collaboratively with all members of the care team and participates in “care coordination” where the nurse is a critical part of the patient’s discharge planning. Among patient care, nurses will have the opportunity to participate in hospital-based councils, committees, research projects, and continued unit development and quality projects. We strongly encourage our nursing staff to continue their education through academia and/or certifications, in-services and conferences. 3 West understands the importance of growth and continued learning as the medical field continues to grow and evolve. We pride ourselves in staying at the cutting edge of healthcare as evidenced by research projects such as oral PCA administration and other pain modalities. 

Our casual nurses must meet certain hours requirements. There are two casual titles that follow different program guidelines.

1. Professional Staff Nurse Limited Casual: 30 shifts required each calendar year
2. Professional Staff Nurse Casual: A minimum of 36 hours in three pay periods, one holiday per year, and a minimum of 24 hours Off-Shifts or Weekend or Standby shifts in a quarter

The casual Professional Staff Nurse is a valued step in the UPMC casual nursing career ladder, with opportunities for continued growth and advancement. Title and salary will be determined based upon education and nursing experience.

The qualified candidate will be placed into the appropriate job title (Professional Staff Nurse Limited Casual or Professional Staff Nurse Casual) and salary based on relevant experience, education, and hours requirements.

The Professional Staff Nurse is a Registered Nurse and a member of the care delivery team. The Professional Staff Nurse is responsible to set the standards for the level and quality of care. The Professional Staff Nurse has responsibility, authority and accountability for the provision of nursing care. The Professional Staff Nurse manages and provides patient care activities for a group of patients and their families through the application of independent judgment, communication and collaboration with all team members. The role of the Professional Staff Nurse encompasses leadership, partnership, collaboration and supervision. The Professional Staff Nurse establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with physicians, other health care providers, patients and their families, to achieve desired patient outcomes throughout the continuum of care. The Professional Staff Nurse demonstrates a commitment to the community and to the nursing profession.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates knowledge of adult learning principles (and/or teaching children if applicable) and applies in teaching of patients, families, students and new staff. Provides detailed and appropriate teaching to patients and families to effectively guide them through the episode of care as well as transition to another level of care and/or home. Supports the development of students, new staff and colleagues, may serve as a preceptor. Creates an environment of open dialogue, inquiry and continuous development by asking for feedback and improving practice.
• Demonstrates accountability for professional development that improves the quality of professional practice and the quality of patient care. Actively participates in unit-based shared governance, goal setting and supports the change and transition process to improve quality of care and the practice environment. Serves as a highly engaged and full partner on the care team and responds willingly to care team member needs for assistance and partnership. Participates in work that improves patient care and the professional practice environment. Adapts to change and demonstrates flexibility with the change process.
• Develops and maintains productive working relationships internally and externally by demonstrating accountability for actions, enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to patients and colleagues. Demonstrates an understanding of cultural differences and holds peers accountable for healthy relationships. Maintains a conscious balance between work and personal life. Models safe work hours, time management and healthy lifestyle. Communicates with peers and management any safety hazards identified in the workplace.
• Applies the nursing process within the framework of Relationship Based Care to create a healing environment. Formulates daily goals and a plan of care for patients that involves the patient as partner and considers the individual needs of the patient in a holistic manner. Demonstrates critical thinking in the identification of clinical, social, safety, psychological and spiritual issues for the patient care within an episode of care. Practices solid communication skills, and is able to articulate and translate the patient's condition to other care providers and to negotiate and make recommendations for changes in patient care and unit practices. Patient documentation is comprehensive and promotes communication between caregivers. Incorporates national professional organization as well as business unit and health system's goals to improve patient safety, quality and satisfaction. Creates a caring and compassionate patient focused experience by building healing relationships with patients, families and colleagues.
• Actively participates in department or unit-specific quality improvement efforts. Identifies opportunity for quality improvement to colleagues and management. Takes personal responsibility in improving patient satisfaction with the quality of care and service. Utilizes research and evidence-based practice to support improvement in clinical care: identifies research issues or articles related to clinical specialty or areas of interest, discusses opportunities for quality improvement at multidisciplinary rounds, and influences patients' plans of care.