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Graduate Nurse Rotational Program: UPMC Presbyterian - Neurosurgery Track (Spring/Summer 2026 Graduates)

This position is eligible for a generous sign-on bonus!

Sign-On Bonus Details:

+ $10,000 sign-on bonus available

Are you graduating in Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 from nursing school and looking to launch your nursing career? Our Graduate Nurse Rotational Program may be the perfect fit! For 12 months, you will rotate through various Neuro 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 Presbyterian

UPMC Presbyterian, located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, is a renowned teaching hospital and Magnet-designated facility recognized for excellence in organ transplantation, cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, critical care medicine, trauma services, and neurosurgery. As a designated Level I Regional Resource Trauma Center, UPMC Presbyterian also serves as a leader in cutting-edge research and medical innovation.

What is the Graduate Nurse Rotational Program (GNRP)?

This program provides an outstanding experience and a distinctive opportunity for professional growth. It is tailored for graduate nurses seeking to build a strong foundation across multiple areas of care, refine their skills at every stage, and launch a fulfilling career at UPMC. Over the course of 12 months, participants will complete the following rotations:

+ First Rotation - 18 weeks, allowing for a complete 8-week orientation

+ Second Rotation - 16 weeks, 1-week new unit orientation

+ Neuro ICU - 2-week shadow experience

+ Third Rotation - 16 weeks, 1-week new unit orientation

About the Units:

+ 6D Neurosurgery is an 18-bed neurosurgical unit specializing in the care of patients recovering from spinal surgeries and craniotomies as well as accepting overflow stroke population. The opportunity to care for a diverse patient population within other medical-surgical specialties makes 6D a perfect fit for graduate nurses and nurses seeking to build broad knowledge and/or gain new experience. Nurses on 6D collaborate with world-renowned neurosurgeons who are known for their innovative microvascular surgical approach, with a focus on the patient’s full and rapid recovery.

+ 5G Neuro Trauma is a 22-bed progressive care unit specializing in the care of complex brain and spinal cord trauma, stroke, and various neurosurgical patients. Our nurses focus their care comprehensively on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our patients and their support systems. We foster relationships and emphasize patient advocacy across the interdisciplinary care team to ensure best possible outcomes for those in our care. 5G is a fast-paced environment offering the opportunity for nurses to gain valuable knowledge and experience working with a diverse and complex patient population.

+ 8G Neuroscience is a 23-bed progressive care unit specializing in the care of neurologic and neurosurgical patients. As a comprehensive stroke and trauma unit, we manage step-down admissions for stroke and trauma patients transitioning from intensive care. Our nurses are equipped with NIH Stroke Scale training and ACLS certification, and they have the opportunity to pursue advanced certifications in neuroscience and trauma nursing.

+ 4F/5F Neuro ICU is a 20-bed critical care unit serving patients with acute neurologic injuries such as strokes, head bleeds and seizures. We also care for post-op patients following craniotomies for tumor, vascular malformation, and decompression. Our staff assist the physician team with many procedures including placement of central lines, arterial lines, tracheostomy, bronchoscopy, and ventriculostomy.

Shift/Hours: Our RNs work a rotating 12-hour schedule to ensure 24/7 coverage on the floor.

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 preceptors for each rotation

What can you Expect as a GNRP Professional Staff Nurse?

The Professional 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 Professional 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 Professional 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’s brand new Monthly Loan Repayment Program, exclusively for 2025 & 2026 nursing graduates, offering $20,000* in loan repayment paid over three years (*Eligible flex full-time RN roles to receive prorated amount)

+ Up to five and a half weeks of Paid Time Off annually, plus seven paid holidays each year

+ Dedicated career ladders, including a brand-new nursing career ladder added just this year, 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

At UPMC, we’re passionate about continuing to support your growth throughout your nursing journey. We offer a robust career ladder for bedside nursing that starts with Professional Staff Nurse and leads to Expert Nurse and beyond. The final job title and rate of pay will be based upon both individual qualifications and candidate choice. Any required certifications and contributions based on job title will be afforded a timeframe to obtain. Our competitive career ladder, as well as our Total Rewards package, will be discussed at time of offer to ensure you can make the choices that are right for you. The minimum rate of pay for a non-BSN Professional Staff Nurse is $34.25.

What Does Placement Look Like Post-GNRP?

Upon completion of the Graduate Nurse Rotational Program, placements are determined by participant preference, Hiring Manager preference, and business need through a collaborative matching process at UPMC Presbyterian. Applicants will be placed in the appropriate job title and salary from the My Nursing Career Ladder based on their individual experience and education.

+ _BSN Preferred._

+ Completion of UPMC Student Nurse Internship Program or student clinical transitions course at UPMC preferred.

+ Demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to provide care and interact with all ages of patients.

+ Understand the principles of growth and development over the lifespan.

+ Assess data on patients’ statuses to identify each patient’s specific care needs.

+ Establish and maintain positive, caring relationships with patients and their families, executives, managers, physicians, non-physician providers, ancillary and support staff, and other departments.

+ Work productively and effectively in an environment with changing priorities that require specialized skills.

+ Think critically to analyze and problem-solve to deliver the best patient care.

+ Use sound clinical judgment, think critically, and problem-solve to deliver quality patient care when it matters most.

+ Understand, apply, and champion nursing best practices.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

+ Current Pennsylvania licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse required prior to program start date OR must have a Temporary Practice Permit and commit to taking the NCLEX examination with six months of hire or within one year of graduation, whichever comes first.

+ 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