UPMC·Altoona, Pennsylvania
Provide direct nursing care to adult patients in a behavioral health unit, including medication administration and monitoring clinical improvement. Assist registered nurses with admissions, discharges, and the implementation of coping skills and treatment plans.
Licensed Practical Nurse 3G Behavioral Health 0.9 Full-time, evenings 11am-11pm & 3pm-11pm with rotation/weekends/holidays (36 hours/week) Union position: AFSCME Posted: 5/18/2026 UPMC Altoona is hiring a Licensed Practical Nurse to support our 3G Behavioral Health unit!
About 3G Behavioral Health: Our Behavioral Health unit holds 34 adult patients.
We have a mix of RNs, LPN's PCT and Mental Health Workers that support the team.
Our patients come in for a wide variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, co-existing substance issues, and psychosis.
Our staff is trained on how to help our patients process, and learn coping skills, medication management, and compliance.
Our Psychiatrist sees our patients daily to ensure they are on the proper dosage of medications, if there are any side effects and if the patient is having clinical improvement.
3G has a wonderful work environment with a wide variety of skill sets and every day provides rewards and challenges.
This position is eligible for a generous sign-on bonus!
Whether you’re a recent Graduate Nurse looking to launch your nursing career, or a seasoned RN seeking a change, now is your moment to find your place at UPMC!
Sign-On Bonus Details (Full Time or Flex Full Time status) $12,500 sign-on bonus available for nurses with over 1 year of experience $10,000 sign-on bonus available for Graduate Nurses and nurses with less than 1 year of experience
Cares for patients in a manner conducive to their safety and comfort; adheres to instructions from registered nurse and established routines. Assists the registered nurse in the admission of patients and orients patients to their surroundings as directed. Transfers patients and assists registered nurse in discharging patients, as directed. Admits, orients, and transfers patient according to established policies. Assists other members of the health care team as directed. Gives treatment as assigned by team leader/charge nurse such as catheterizations, catheter irrigations and care; oral, tracheal, and nasal suctioning; enemas; dressing changes; perineal care; etc., in accordance with level of training. Assists with other procedures as directed. Assists in the direct care of patients as assigned. Responds effectively in emergency situations Observes, reports, and documents all unusual symptoms, condition changes, and care delivered as directed according to the unit policies. Prepares patients for meals and nourishment; serves and collects trays; feeds or assists with feedings as directed, including tube feedings; provides fresh water and between meal nourishment. Provides for recreational and/or diversional activities for patients as directed. Utilizes restraints and protective mechanisms as directed when necessary and completes appropriate documentation. Assists patients with toileting; collects and labels specimens for examination. Assists patients in and out of bed in turning, lifting, positioning, and ambulating. Escorts patients to and from designated departments or divisions. Answers nurse call system and responds appropriately in a timely manner. Maintains patient's room and its equipment in an orderly fashion; terminal cleaning of patient unit and equipment in the absence of the environmental service aides. Performs other assigned work such as cleaning utility room cupboards; collecting and bagging soiled linen; cleaning, sterilizing, and storing instruments and equipment. When assigned medication administration: Handles and stores medications following established procedures. Cleans and cares for medication cart and supplies. Keeps team leader informed of problems, observations, and reactions involving medication administration. Prepares and administers oral, intravenous, intra-muscular, subcutaneous, rectal, vaginal, topical, and ocular medications as ordered by a licensed physician or dentist under the direct supervision and responsibility of a registered nurse. Demonstrates knowledge of medications and IV therapy administration according to policy. Count narcotic drug at end of shift with registered nurse and/or licensed practical nurse. Administers PRN medications following assessment by registered nurse. h. Follows procedure accurately for recording all data involving medication administration. Follows Standards of Practice for use of Pyxis System. Adheres to universal precautions. Complies with established occupational exposure policies. Understands the special needs of patients with co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance abuse) and utilizes appropriate assessment and intervention techniques.
Must have a temporary permit or a valid license as a practical nurse in the State of Pennsylvania; must successfully pass the Altoona Hospital pharmacology challenge exam. Must maintain CPR certification. Must take nurse assignment at the top of the LPN license in a med/surg/tele or emergency department setting. LPNs who have graduated outside the state of PA on any date, or graduated in PA prior to August 25, 2012, and did not complete a PA state approved LPN IV course, the LPN will need to complete a 5-hour online module which is followed by a test and a 3-hour in person course which will be provided by the UPMC Altoona Education Department within 4-months of hire or transfer.
Licensure,
Certifications, and
Clearances: Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) OR Temporary Practice Permit (TPP) Must complete licensure examination within FOUR MONTHS of hire or within one year of graduation, whichever comes first.Though temporary permits are valid for one year from the date of graduation, not one year from issue of permit (or until the results of the examination are known at which time it becomes null and void), UPMC requires that GPNs take the licensure examination within 4 months of their start date or they will be terminated or demoted from the GPN position, at the discretion of the BU. Act 34 *Current licensure either in the state where the facility is located or, if the facility is in a state covered by the multistate Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) agreement, a multistate license issued by a participating NLC state. Hires and current employees working on an out-of-state NLC license who later change their residency to the state where the facility is also located will have 60 days upon changing their residency to apply for licensure within that state.
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
Must hold a valid Pennsylvania LPN license or temporary permit and maintain CPR/BLS certification. Candidates must pass the Altoona Hospital pharmacology challenge exam and adhere to state licensure requirements.
Market context
Pennsylvania nursing roles are typically in steady demand across hospitals, outpatient settings, and long-term care, especially for RNs with current state licensure and BLS certification. These positions are competitive because employers often prefer candidates with a BSN and recent medical-surgical experience, and this platform’s AI-summarized requirements and benefits help you review the original posting faster. Before applying, confirm your Pennsylvania RN license, BLS status, and whether your experience matches the unit’s preferred background.