Thinking about Nursing School (Pittsburgh, Washington: credit, loans, employment)

[tmk219]

Hey everyone!

Pittsburgh native here, moving back to town on April 17th after 3 TOO LONG years in the Washington, D.C. area.

I am feeling the need to switch up careers...to something a little more rewarding. I guess I'm at a "I don't know what I want to do with my life" patch.

I am looking into possibly going to nursing school. Does anyone have any suggestions on which Nursing School in Pittsburgh is better? Or has a better employment rate after college?

I have researched Mercy and Shadyside so far. The one thing that is pulling me towards Mercy is the fact that you can sign a contract stating that if you work for UPMC for 2 years once graduating, they will pay your tuition in full. With undergrad loans already in full swing of being paid back, this looks mighty appealing.

Any suggestions/comments/opinions/ideas would be great!

Thanks in advance!!

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by tmk219

Or has a better employment rate after college?

Almost all nursing grads find employment regardless of which nursing school (unless they were pathetic students). Even CCAC nursing grads get jobs. The Mercy program might be highly competitive for the reasons you find it desirable. If you can't get into Mercy, save money by taking any required course work through CCAC. Many people chose to take required course work through CCAC and then switch to their nursing school of choice.

[tmk219]

Thanks for the suggestion, Hopes. I figured being that healthcare is so huge in Pittsburgh finding employment after graduating would be pretty easy as long as you pass the boards.

Has anyone out there gone to Mercy or Shadyside School of Nursing? Or gone to CCAC and then transferred to one?

[tmorrisn]

My husband was kind of a career changer (if you can call having a career at 24) and is now a nurse.
A couple of things: do you have a BA already? If so, you could do an accelerated BSN program. Look into those.

Pittsburgh is a unique city in that they have nursing schools that give diplomas/certifications as opposed to an actual degree (RN or BSN). You will make more money with a BSN and (according to my husband) will be better prepared to work as a nurse. If you choose to get a diploma as opposed to a degree, statistically, you will have harder time passing your boards (NCLEX). Similarly, if you ever do move, many other cities do not hire diploma nurses and you will not be able to get a job without an RN or BSN.

A lot of RN/BSN programs require pre-requisite courses - check to see which ones you need. That itself could take a year (full-time).

Good luck with your decision - my husband loves being a nurse!

[Copanut]

Things have changed. My wife went to a diploma hospital back in the 70's and when she started at AGH she was by far more experienced than the book taught nurses. She moved up quicker than those and after getting her BS and Masters decided that leaving the hospital environment made more sense. Now she works for a plastic surgeon and makes tons of money. Sad to say.

[Katarina Witt]

Whatever one's feelings about diploma nurses, they are rare outside of Pennsylvania and a few other states. I would agree with tmorrisn, especially if you think you might move out of state again.

[Copanut]

I just remember my wife telling how on the first day at AGH all the book taught nurses followed her around since she knew from first hand experience what to do.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by tmk219

Or gone to CCAC and then transferred to one?

Two of my brothers-in-law took as many pre-requisite courses as possible at CCAC. One immediately transferred to Pitt to complete his BSN prior to starting his career. The other obtained his ADN from CCAC, started working at UPMC while completing his BSN at Pitt, and UPMC reimbursed his tution through the employee benefits program. Definitely look into accelerated BSN programs if you already have a bachelors.

[tmk219]

Thanks for all the great advice everyone!

Yes, I do have a Bachelor of Science degree from Pitt. I graduated witih that in 2006.

I guess that was my wonder, how going to a degree program would differ from a BSN program. It's also a huge difference in how long you would be in school too. Another 2 years or another 4 years.

I guess I have some more research to do

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by tmk219

I guess that was my wonder, how going to a degree program would differ from a BSN program. It's also a huge difference in how long you would be in school too. Another 2 years or another 4 years.

If you already have a bachelors, it won't take you 4 years to get your BSN. Some of your credits will transfer. You could go for an ADN now, but you're going to want to eventually complete your BSN because better pay rates are given to nurses with higher degrees. You may eventually finish your masters for that very reason.