Nursing Departments

Patient Centered Care
At the Good Samaritan, our decisions are based on what is best for the patient.  Our nurses collaborate with other disciplines to develop an individualized plan of care that will coordinate services and best meet our patient’s needs.  We believe nurses achieve job satisfaction when they are able to provide optimal care for their patients.  We have a variety of forums where caregivers from different disciplines can discuss process changes, which result in improved patient care.  One example is the multidisciplinary Patient Care Council.  

Our nursing staff has begun changing nursing procedures using Evidenced Base Practice.  This process often occurs on individual units.  The nursing department as a whole coordinates this process through the Nurse Practice Council.

This is an exciting time to be a nurse at Good Samaritan.  Our practice continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of our patients – and you will have the opportunity to grow and develop with us.


Medical Surgical Nursing
Our two-medical/surgical units provide nurses with the opportunity to experience a wide variety of patient care challenges. Nurses who wish to become generalists with an array of skills, which can be applied in many situations, will find an exciting learning environment in med/surg at Good Samaritan.  Patients on these units range from 18 to 100+ years, and have many illnesses and problems such as renal disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, general surgery, GYN surgery, orthopedic surgery, GI conditions and many more. 

You will work with a versatile team of nurses, which includes RNs, LPNs, NAs, and unit secretaries.  We utilize a team approach to care with the patient/family considered partners in care.  Electronic nursing documentation has streamlined charting and improved accuracy.

Nurses on these units employ a collaborative approach to nursing practice.  Our experienced staff are engaged in mentoring their coworkers.  Each orientee is assigned to a preceptor who will assure their orientation is an organized learning experience.  Staff nurses Good Samaritan have the opportunity to share in decision making through unit based and nursing department councils.  The med/surg units also have scheduling councils composed of staff nurses.

Discover the rewards and learning opportunities in medical surgical nursing at The Good Samaritan Hospital.

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Surgical Nursing
The surgical suite at Good Samaritan is state-of-the-art. From preadmission testing to the short stay unit to the operating rooms and recovery areas, all is new, attractive, and designed for efficiency. These areas feature the latest equipment and technology that harness the power of the digital age, the Internet, and other emerging technologies. All of the digital operating rooms are designed to be fully functional for all types of procedures, allowing for the expansion of surgical capacity.

Nurses who work in surgical services must be independent and self-directed while still working in a team environment. The surgical services team is composed of physicians, nurses, techs, and aides. Types of patient care range from assessment and education in the PAT area to assisting surgeons in cardiac surgery to monitoring and providing care to recovering patients.

Broad ranges of surgeries are performed at Good Samaritan including cardiac, thoracic, vascular, orthopedic, GYN, urologic, plastic, podiatric, and general surgery. 

New procedures and technology are frequently introduced in the surgical services area. This creates constant opportunities for growth and learning. As in other areas, preceptors are utilized to provide individualized orientation; new graduates are welcome in the general OR. The nurses in surgical services collaborate with nurses from the rest of the nursing department by their participation in department - wide councils.

If high-tech, fast-paced nursing is for you, consider a career in surgical nursing at The Good Samaritan Hospital. 

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Oncology Nursing
Help patients and their families navigate the difficult journey once a diagnosis of cancer is made. Nurses in Good Samaritan Oncology & Hematology work within a multidisciplinary team to treat patients in an outpatient setting. The all RN staff are certified in chemotherapy administration and work closely with physicians, social workers, and dieticians to assess cancer patients and evaluate their response to treatment. Nurses in Oncology & Hematology also participate in community education and screenings. 

Working in Oncology & Hematology will allow you the opportunity to not only make a difference to your individual patient, but to the larger community. 

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Critical Care Nursing
Critical care nursing is exciting and fast paced. The Good Samaritan Hospital critical care unit is 18 beds, 9 of which are dedicated to cardiovascular patients, including open-heart surgery and thoracic surgery patients. The other 9 beds are for general intensive care. State-of-the-art technology supports nursing practice in this brand new unit. Patients in the critical care unit often need ventilator support, hemodynamic monitoring, and intraaortic balloon pump therapy as well as other high tech treatments. Our excellent nurse:patient ratios allow you to provide high touch care to patients and their families. 

The critical care unit nurse is confident, decisive and has highly developed critical thinking skills. The CVU/ICU at Good Samaritan promotes an environment where these skills can be utilized and developed. A new nurse in this unit is provided with a dedicated preceptor who will guide his/her orientation and share their assignment until the orientee is able to be independent. 

The CVU/ICU provides a professional practice environment where staff are encouraged to participate in decisions regarding nursing practice. Staff here provides patient centered care while supporting each other as a team. There is flexible scheduling guided by a staff scheduling council. This is a learning environment where everyone is continuously teaching and growing. 

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Dialysis Nursing
GSH Dialysis, Inc. is a 16-station, JCAHO accredited outpatient dialysis center. We are a not-for-profit center dedicated to the care of patients with chronic kidney disease.

Our skilled services include:

  • In-Center Hemodialysis
  • Peritoneal Dialysis Training & Support
  • Pre-dialysis Education
  • Referrals to multiple Kidney Transplant Centers

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Emergency Nursing
Our large and modern Emergency Department is the true front door of the hospital. The very sick patient generally presents in the ED first. The ED will stabilize the unstable and begin to diagnose the unknown problem. As a nurse in our department, you will care for all types of patients, in all age groups, with all types of problems. Every day you will utilize a broad range of your nursing skills and knowledge, and will work as a team with experienced emergency physicians, RNs, LPNs, and emergency technicians. Our nurses must recognize patients who are sick and need immediate intervention, and also offer support to the worried well. Using protocols developed by our department, our nurses collaborate with our physicians in making diagnostic decisions and shepherding patients through complicated workups. Though ER or critical care experience is ideal, we are glad to help new employees develop the skills and insights needed to become excellent and confident emergency nurses.

Our two year old, 34-bed unit has all new equipment, loads of workspace, and its own radiology suite, CT can and ultrsonography suite. We aim at a staffing ratio of four patients per nurse or less, and we are committed to increasing our staff as our volume continues to increase.

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Hospice Nursing
Hospice nurses help patients have a peaceful journey at the end of life and help families in their difficult transition. You will not only use your clinical skills but, more importantly, your relationship will provide support. The GSHS Hospice program provides care and guidance to patients and families at home. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team who all bring their unique perspectives to care for patients in their final days.

As a hospice nurse, you will have autonomy in determining the best approach for patients and families; you will have the privilege of assisting them in one of the most difficult transitions a family experience; and you will have flexibility in planning your day. 

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Cardiac Nursing
Cardiac nursing at Good Samaritan is a dynamic and growing service. Our 32-bed 3 South telemetry unit is new and state-of-the-art. The patient population is varied ranging from pre/post-op open-heart patients, to patients with complex medical conditions requiring cardiac monitoring. The addition of a second cardiac surgeon has resulted in growth in cardiac and thoracic surgery. Recent changes to our staffing pattern have allowed a 1:5 nurse/patient ratio. 3 South is a great place to sharpen your skills in a fast-paced environment. Come and grow with our cardiovascular program!

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GSH Outpatient Surgery Center
If you like a high tech environment with variety in both patients and procedures, outpatient surgery may be for you. The GSH Outpatient Surgery Center offers a wide scope of services including surgery, pain management, endoscopy, and ophthalmology. You will have an opportunity to rotate through all clinical areas including pre, intra, and post-op care.

In outpatient surgery, you will have the opportunity to keep up to date on the latest procedures and still stay in touch with patients and families

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Maternal Child Nursing
The New Beginning Birth Suites proudly offers a nationally recognized, award winning Family-Centered maternity Care nursing model to the women and families in Central Pennsylvania. Our unit consist of 13 private birthing suites, a two-bed examination room, a Level I nursery and an operating room suite. Utilizing a perinatal nursing model, families are continuously involved and educated in their care with one nurse attending to both mother and baby in the comfort and convenience of the same room. All nursing staff are certified in Neonatal Resuscitation and clinical practice is supported by Maternal-Child Clinical Nurse Specialist. The nursing staff is involved in decision-making, performance improvement, and patient satisfaction through the Family-Centered Care Committee. This committee consists of members from both maternity and Pediatrics which function as "sister units". The Self-Scheduling Committee involves nurses in decisions regarding unit staffing. Staff provides support to first-time expectant mother through the Your Special Nurse program. Nursing staff teaches prepared childbirth classes including Lamaze, Sibling and Breastfeeding classes. Other staff hold certification in Inpatient Obstetrics, electronic Fetal Monitoring, Breastfeeding Counseling, Doula training, Bereavement Counseling and Carseat Safety. This unit provides the opportunity to help a new or growing family to get the best start. 

If you love working with children, consider pediatric nursing. Our six-bed Pediatric Units specializes in caring for patients up to 18 years of age. It is family-centered in delivery of nursing care through the involvement of family members. The staff understands and is sensitive to the special needs and concerns of young patients. All nursing staff are certified in pediatric Advanced Life Support and clinical practice is supported by a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist. The nursing staff is involved in decision-making, performance improvement, and patient satisfaction through the Family-Centered Care Committee. This committee consists of members from both maternity and pediatrics which function as "sister-units". The Self-Scheduling Committee involves nurses in decisions regarding unit staffing. In addition, a child Life program that strives to make the hospital experience less traumatic for the child, is provided by lay volunteers and volunteer nursing staff.

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Rehab Nursing
Many patients require a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to reach their highest functional capacity. Rehab nurses focus on helping patients achieve their maximum potential following strokes, trauma, fractures, joint replacement, and many other conditions.

The Mr. And Mrs. Robert L. Miller Rehabilitation Unit is a 14-bed acute rehabilitation unit, located in the Hyman S. Caplan Pavilion. Nurses on this unit provide care from ages young adult to geriatric. Collaboration and teamwork are essential for achieving excellent patient outcomes.

This unit provides nurses with the opportunity to work in a professional environment where nurses are encouraged to actively participate in decisions regarding nursing practice.

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Transitional Care Nursing
If geriatrics is your love, consider a position in our Transitional Care Unit. Nurses here provide short-term post-hospital skilled nursing care for adult and geriatric patients. You will use all of your clinical and assessment skills in this unit, as well as, patient teaching and family support in a slower paced environment. You will work with an interdisciplinary team to help patients achieve maximum potential before returning home.

Experience the rewards of helping patients be thoroughly prepared for discharge while you enjoy the benefits of working in a supportive environment.

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Visiting Nurse Association (VNA)
If you thrive on autonomy, but still want to be part of a team, consider the rewards of caring for patients at home. Many patients need help to continue the healing process after discharge, this often occurs best in familiar surroundings with their loved ones. As a member of the GSHS VNA, you will have the opportunity to use your nursing judgment to coordinate care and monitor your patient's progress, intervening when necessary.

You will work as a member of a team where help is only a phone call away. In addition, you will have an individualized orientation and access to all the resources and education available at The Good Samaritan Hospital. This is a department with a very low turnover rate where your contribution is valued. 

Consider a career at the GSHS where you can utilize your knowledge to the fullest.

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