Graduate Nurse: UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital

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Are you a current student nurse graduating in Fall 2026, Spring 2027, or Summer 2027 and looking to continue your nursing career at UPMC?

UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is pleased to announce we are NOW HIRING Graduate Nurses as full-time Psychiatric Staff Nurses. Secure a role up to a year prior to graduation!

If you are not a graduate nurse but interested in this position, please apply to this job posting: Psychiatric Staff Nurse - UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital, UPMC

Millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. This is nearly one in five adults. Are you searching for the opportunity to make an impact on these individuals? Are you passionate about dispelling widespread stigma and misunderstanding associated with mental health?

For more than 70 years, UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital has been a national leader in the treatment of mental health and addictive disorders throughout the lifespan. In conjunction with the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, we continue to strive to be one of the nation’s foremost academic- based psychiatric care facilities and remain dedicated to providing professionals with state-of-the-art training and assistance.

What can you Expect as a Psychiatric Staff Nurse?

The Psychiatric 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 Psychiatric 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 Psychiatric 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.

The GN level candidate starting rate is $35.75 (BSN $37.25)

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 for roles on select units
UPMC’s Monthly Loan Repayment program, available to 2026 & 2027 nursing graduates, offering $20,000* in loan repayment paid over three years
Up to five and a half weeks of Paid Time Off annually, plus seven paid holidays each year
Dedicated career ladders 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

Shifts/Hours: Our Psychiatric Staff Nurses work variable shifts of 8 and 12-hours to ensure 24/7 coverage on the floor.

Graduate Nurses must be eligible for State Board Licensure and successfully pass the examination before beginning this role -[OR]- must have ability to start with TPP and must obtain license within 6 months of time of beginning position or within 1 year of graduation whichever comes first. Applicants will be placed in the appropriate job title and salary from the My Nursing Career Ladder based on their individual experience and education.

Graduation from an approved School of Nursing required.
BSN preferred.
Six months of experience in Clinical Psychiatry preferred.
Successful completion of the central and unit specific orientation programs including the medication proficiency examination.
The incumbent must by physically capable of providing direct total physical care to unpredictable, potentially violent, mentally ill patients as necessary including lifting, supporting, running towards or away from areas where problems are occurring, and pushing and pulling equipment, such as, wheelchairs, stretchers, and beds.
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:
CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire

Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
Registered Nurse (RN)
Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
Act 33 with renewal
Act 34 with renewal
Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. Minority/Females/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

Apply Here

5 Questions You Should Ask During the Interview

Here are 5 questions we think you could ask during your interview. Use them as a guide to help you write your own questions.

Remember: Always have at least 5 questions prepared for the interview. If you do not, you run the risk of looking unprepared.

What does success look like in this role, and how is it measured?

Why ask this? You want to ensure you have a clear understanding of expectations before accepting the role. Knowing how success is measured helps you hit the ground running and avoid surprises about performance evaluations. It also signals to the employer that you're results-driven.

Can you describe the team dynamic and the company culture?

Why ask this? Skills and experience matter, but if the work environment isn’t a good fit, you won’t be happy or productive. This question helps you gauge whether the company values collaboration, how teams interact, and whether the culture aligns with your work style and values.

What are the biggest challenges facing the person in this role right now?

Why ask this? Every job has challenges, and it’s better to know them upfront. This helps you assess whether the role is a good fit for your strengths and whether the company is realistic about its expectations. If they hesitate to answer, it could be a red flag.

How does the company support work-life balance and employee well-being??

Why ask this? Burnout is real, and some companies expect employees to sacrifice personal time for the job. By asking this, you’ll get a sense of how they value work-life balance, flexibility, and well-being—things that are crucial for job satisfaction and long-term success.

These questions help you make an informed decision while also showing your professionalism and strategic thinking!

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