FAQ's

Finding a Job
How do I find out what positions are available? And How do I apply for a job?

  • Click to view available nursing positions.
  • All Nursing Positions including Staff Nurses, Transport Nurses, Advanced Practice Nurses, LPNs, Clinical Educators, Care Coordinators, etc are listed under “Nursing Positions.” Click on the job(s) that you are interested in and apply directly online. You will only be considered for the position in which you apply. You must apply for each open position (even if it is the same position within the same department.)


How do I find out information about each Nursing Department?


Do you have a per diem or float pool?

  • Yes, we have a per diem float pool. Four years of recent, clinically-related experience is required. While our per diem positions do not list all units, there are many opportunities available.  Read more about our per diem float pool here. 
  • Per diem nursing positions can be found within the Staff Nurse job postings under the job title: “(Per Diem) Staff Nurse".


What happens after I submit my online application?

  • All online applications are reviewed by a Nurse Recruiter.


What do I need to bring to an interview?

  • Please bring several copies of your resume, your nursing license, and any relevant certifications.


Benefits and Continuing Education
What type of benefits do you offer?

  • Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center offers excellent benefits effective your first day of hire, including affordable health care, vision, dental, 5% matching on retirement, 75% tuition remission for full-time employee, spouse, and dependents at any Penn State University campus, generous paid time off, on-site child care facility and fitness center, free parking and more!
  • Detailed benefit information is provided and reviewed with you by a Nurse Recruiter at the time of interview.


Do you offer relocation assistance?

  • Relocation assistance is available for certain approved positions. (Staff Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Head Nurse, Managers, Directors, Care Coordinators etc.)


What types of continuing education opportunities do you offer?

  • As a leading academic Medical Center, we offer numerous continuing education and development opportunities for Nursing staff. Specific courses include, but are not limited to: Critical Care, Trauma Nursing, Oncology Care, ACLS, PALS, NRP, ECMO etc.
  • Other training programs include Leadership Development, Multiple Web Based Training programs, Crisis Resource Management, and Simulation Training with human patient simulator.


Do you offer sign-on bonuses or tuition assistance?

  • Financial incentives exist for staff nurses through practices such as Certification Pay ($1,250/year) and participation in the Professional Development program ($4,000/year for attaining Clinical III status and $5,000/year for Clinician IV).
  • A variety of tuition assistance, sponsorship, and reimbursement programs are available for Nursing Staff. For more information regarding tuition reimbursement, click to learn more.


Internships/Externships

Do you hire new graduates?

  • Absolutely! Designed to transition from student to professional nurse, the Graduate Nurse Residency is a structured, educational program that offers training in several challenging specialties, including but not limited to: Acute Care, Critical Care, Perioperative Nursing Course.
  • Click here to obtain additional information regarding our Graduate Nurse program.


Do you have student nurse externships?

  • Yes. Our summer Nurse Extern Program for nursing students combines actual work experience with education and is designed to promote individualized learning while providing participants with a distinctive advantage in their professional development.
  • Click here to obtain more information regarding our Nurse Externship program.


Nursing at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Do you have a Clinical Ladder (Professional Development Program)?

  • Yes. Full-time and Part-time Nurses are recognized in one of 4 categories: Nurse Clinician I, II, III, or IV. Attainment of Levels III and IV require an application by the employee and is based on an evaluation of the relevant criteria. RN’s that attain Clinician III or IV status shall receive salary increases of $4,000/year or $5,000/year, respectively.  The salary increase is divided evenly over 26 bi-weekly pay periods.


Do you have Magnet Status?

  • Yes! Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center was notified on August 15, 2007 that it had been awarded Magnet recognition by the ANCC, the nursing profession's highest honor for health care organizations.


What is the nurse-to-patient ratio?

  • The Nurse-patient ratio varies from unit-to-unit, depending on specialty area and level of care. Staffing is based on the intensity and complexity of care needed, not solely on the census of a particular unit.


What does the orientation process involve?

  • A two day general Hospital Orientation will welcome you to PSHMC.
  • Hospital Orientation is followed by RN orientation, in which Nursing Practices, Competencies, Expectations etc. are discussed and demonstrated. This includes review of Procedures, Computer Documentation, Skills Assessments etc. and takes place during the 1st and 2nd weeks of hire.
  • Following RN orientation, a unit specific clinical orientation is designed by a unit Nurse Educator. A preceptor guides the RN through a 6-12 week orientation dependent upon the practice area, experience level, and clinical knowledge.


How do I apply for a temporary or permanent PA license?