UPMC Mercy vs. UPMC Shadyside

kbm318 · Sep 24, 2009

I am also debating on both of these programs. I haven't applied yet, but will be soon for the fall '10 year because I'm not sure if I want to attend there or try again to get in at the school I attend now. I'm going to visit Shadyside on Oct.3 and Mercy on Oct.10. Have you visited both or any and talked to them? I feel like it would be a good fit for me as well. Are you applying for the spring or fall admission?

The only thing I know about Mercy is that it is a level 1 trauma hospital. So that may give you a little different experience.

Sharawnda · Sep 25, 2009

WVUgirl,

I am also going to those Open houses! I have started studying for the PSB for Shadyside, which I am taking in November. If I get accepted to Shadyside, I will start in March 2010, or if I get accepted to Mercy, I'll start in August. I have alot of questions for both places, I have heard they are both difficult to get into. My main motivation is Tuition Forgiveness, because I have two daughters, and I don't want to create any more debt for myself. I'm still paying of my student loans from Pitt! Are you going to Nursing school at WVU?

kbm318 · Sep 25, 2009

Well I haven't got into the program at WVU. I keep applying but still no luck so this year I'm making sure I have plenty of backups. Which is mainly what I'm using Mercy and Shadyside for but I keep wanting to lean more and more towards trying to go to one of them. I just don't want to waste more money just waiting haha.

But hopefully these meetings will help me decide on what to do. But from what I've seen they seem to be pretty good schools and I love the fact that I would get more clinical hours and more experience than I would get at wvu.

Sharawnda · Sep 25, 2009

The clinical hours is definitely a plus. I have heard from many graduates of Universities that although they were proficient in the theory of nursing, they did NOT feel prepared when going out looking for a job, and that employers wanted a certain amount of clinical hours before they would hire. Also, as far as job security goes, if you take Tuition Forgiveness, you are legally bound to work for UPMC, which means guaranteed job security. Are you currently living in Morgantown? I guess you are willing to relocate to Pittsburgh? If you went to WVU, that would make us mortal enemies! LOL:chuckle

kbm318 · Oct 4, 2009

I went and visited Shadyside today and I really liked it. It's actually almost made me want to try and apply for the march admission and not try again for wvu for the fall. I love the atmosphere of the school and all the clinical hours you have.

Sharawnda · Oct 4, 2009

I went and visited Shadyside today and I really liked it. It's actually almost made me want to try and apply for the march admission and not try again for wvu for the fall. I love the atmosphere of the school and all the clinical hours you have.

I was at the Information Session as well. Did you go in the morning or afternoon? I was there in the morning. Maybe I saw you there and didn't even realize! I really liked the school as well. The students seem happy and they seems to have state of the art facillities, as well as helpful instuctors. It also seems like all the students know each other, which is a plus if you need help for classes, test, etc. I am going to apply for March admission, and I'm taking the PSB test November 21. I am also going to Mercy's Open House next Saturday at noon....We'll see how they measure up with Shadyside.

My only hang-up with Shadyside is the $10,000 copay which may be $15,000 next year! I really wasn't anticipating taking out any more loans. I'm going to have to quit my job and I have a 4-month old and 20-month old at home to support. My fiance is going to have to work like crazy while I'm in school!

kbm318 · Oct 4, 2009

I was at the morning session as well so I'm sure we did see each other! Yea I liked the support groups they have if you need help studying or if you just aren't understanding whats going on they are there to help you. You don't have that at WVU where I am so it's a major plus in my eyes. Plus I'm also more of a hands on learner (kinda just thought of that while at the meeting haha) so I think after hearing them talk about how much they do stuff hands on it seems like the right fit for me. But i am also going to visit Mercy next weekend and compare the two. I like how you start clinicals your first semester at Mercy but you don't start them until your second at Shadyside. But, yea I still need to register to take it, I would have yesterday but I had to talk it over with my parents to see what they thought about the school and if I should go for it, which to my surprise they were all about it.

I agree I don't like how they might be changing it to 15000 but I guess its still cheaper than other places.

Sharawnda · Oct 4, 2009

I was also told that Mercy is going to be changing their semester format from 10 weeks to 16 weeks...I don't know if it is to keep in competition with Shadyside or other nursing programs. It seems like Mercy has even MORE clinical hours than Shadyside, and the last two semesters there appear to be quite difficult. Unfortunately, MErcy has a lower retention rate (40%) and graduation rate (66%) than Shadyside. Their NCLEX pass rate is also a bit lower. If they DO have full Tuition Forgiveness with no copay, that might sway me in the other direction...there is still alot for me to evaluate before I make a decision...assuming I even get in to EITHER school!

Bobsdaughter · Oct 7, 2009

You really should look into CCAC as well. The tuition forgiveness is alluring, yes, but Shadyside's option really isn't that good if you think about it. You have to sign a contract for 2 years yet still have to pay 10-15 grand? Mercy is a better deal, but there are MANY ways in which you can "default" from the loan.

Even though you have to "pay" for CCAC, you can explore FAFSA loans, PLUS, there is the Obama tax credit which (I believe), gives you a $2500 annual tax credit, (for the next two years, I believe).

Also, part of the two-year committment is not just working for UPMC, but it HAS to be on a 24/7 floor. Meaning, not all UPMC nursing jobs fall within the parameters of the contract.

Just some food for thought.

There are a lot of nice community hospitals out there, St. Clair, Jefferson, Ohio Valley, as well. They may pay slightly less, but have free parking, smaller facilities, etc. All things to consider when looking at the "big picture".

Sharawnda · Oct 8, 2009

You really should look into CCAC as well. The tuition forgiveness is alluring, yes, but Shadyside's option really isn't that good if you think about it. You have to sign a contract for 2 years yet still have to pay 10-15 grand? Mercy is a better deal, but there are MANY ways in which you can "default" from the loan.
Even though you have to "pay" for CCAC, you can explore FAFSA loans, PLUS, there is the Obama tax credit which (I believe), gives you a $2500 annual tax credit, (for the next two years, I believe).
Also, part of the two-year committment is not just working for UPMC, but it HAS to be on a 24/7 floor. Meaning, not all UPMC nursing jobs fall within the parameters of the contract.
Just some food for thought.
There are a lot of nice community hospitals out there, St. Clair, Jefferson, Ohio Valley, as well. They may pay slightly less, but have free parking, smaller facilities, etc. All things to consider when looking at the "big picture".

Thanks for the input. It is something to consider...do you have information on CCAC application process? Do they require transcripts, recommendations, essay, pre-entrance exam? Also, it is easy or difficult to get into? How is your experience going there so far?

Bobsdaughter · Oct 8, 2009

Well, I actually haven't started. I'm in the process of completing my prereqs right now. I was going to start at Mercy this past August, but the schedule was just too tough for me to work out, (I have three kids).

I applied to CCAC for the Spring 2010 term which will start in Jan.

From what I understand, if you have the prereqs and a qualifying score on the NET test, you are accepted. I believe they "weed out" many students, (as do most programs).

I was able to transfer credits since I have a bachelor's in a different field. CCAC's program is a little bit different from Mercy/Shadyside since it's actually an Associate's degree. As a result, you need Psych, Human Growth & Development along with an English Comp class, Math class, etc.

There's just more flexibility as far as scheduling which was very important to me. Once I figured the difference b/t the tuition reimbursement vs. just paying for CCAC plus factoring in the tax credit, it made more sense to go that route for me personally. Although, dont' get me wrong, the tuition reimbursement is a great deal, (for Mercy in particular since it's the full amount), if you are flexible and can adhere to their schedule.

Check out CCAC's website. Look under "Allied Health Programs/RN". It covers pretty much all of the information.

Good luck.