UPMC Schools of Nursing Prepare Nurses for a Rewarding Career

Before enrolling in UPMC Mercy School of Nursing, Marie Stettler pursued a career in many areas, including fashion, music production, and international political economics. “For years, I searched for something that would make me feel fulfilled," she said. "I wanted to live a purpose-driven life. I realized nursing is a way to truly live your life dedicated to the care of others, and I don't know of anything more satisfying.” For Shannon Squires, a recent graduate of the UPMC Mercy School of Nursing, it seemed like she would always pursue a career in nursing. Her interest in the field dates back to when she was young and would sign her diary with “Shannon Squires, future RN.” “Nursing is a career path in which there are so many avenues and opportunities,” she said. Nursing: An Exciting and Rewarding Career A career in nursing is dynamic and varied. From the challenges of medical-surgical, cardiology, obstetrics, pediatrics, and intensive care nursing, to the rigors of trauma and burn, transplantation, rehabilitation, and research, nurses practice leading-edge health care in a variety of settings, including: Community, urban, and regional facilities Long-term care facilities Rehabilitation clinics Teaching hospitals Outpatient, outreach, and commercial facilities. Comprised of the UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, UPMC Mercy School of Nursing, and UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing, the UPMC Schools of Nursing are conveniently located in the greater Pittsburgh region. UPMC graduates receive a diploma in nursing and are prepared to sit for the State Board Licensure. Each program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission of Education in Nursing (ACEN) and is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. Affiliated with UPMC, a world-renowned academic medical center, the UPMC Schools of Nursing provide stimulating learning environments, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and a wealth of resources. Evidence-Based Curriculum, Expert Educators, and Real-World Experience UPMC Schools of Nursing offer options for full- and part-time study, led by some of the finest medical professionals in the country. Coming from all aspects of health care, instructors are nurse practitioners, clinical experts, and hospital-based researchers, as well as career educators. Kenyatta Williams-Herriot, a recent graduate of UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing, said her teacher and mentor was instrumental in her success as a student nurse. “I just love the way she teaches, and how calm she always was,” Kennyatta said. “The way she took her time to teach and reteach, with patience. She is amazing.” For Rachelle DiYanni, and other student nurses at UPMC Mercy School of Nursing, no day is ever the same. Whether it involves direct patient care or learning about congestive heart failure in the classroom, each day brings something new. "What I love about UPMC Mercy is that from the beginning you receive hands on experience,” she says. “A lot of other programs don’t allow you onto the clinical floor until about two years into school." Well Prepared Graduates for the Workforce Jennifer Krantosky, a recent graduate of UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing, chose UPMC Shadyside because it was a fast-paced program with high job placement rates. “The school has provided me with a strong foundation to begin my career as a professional nurse,” she said. The schools’ success is demonstrated through positive student outcomes. Based on employer feedback, UPMC Schools of Nursing graduates are preferred employees who successfully transition into practice and particularly excel in the areas of collaboration, practice management of multiple patients, and lifelong learning. It’s no surprise that many UPMC graduates now serve in health care leadership roles throughout this region and beyond. Financial Aid Is Available Nearly 85 percent of UPMC students receive financial aid from state or federal sources. Federal PELL Grants, state grants, Stafford Loans, and PLUS loans are just a few of the programs that have helped students. Scholarships are also available. Is Nursing Right for You? All prospective students are invited to learn more about the UPMC Schools of Nursing, including admissions and application processes, by visiting UPMC.com/NursingSchools.