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Hi, I'll admitt I'm a little biased as I know nothing about Citizen's, but as someone about to graduate from Shadyside's program, you can't go wrong there. If may be a farther drive, but the amount of time you spend in direct pt care plus their impressive first time NCLEX pass rate (I believe it's around 96%) make it worthwhile. Plus when I started you could go for free with 100% tuition forgiveness if you agreed to work for UPMC (I'm not sure if this is being offered for incoming students still or not). I was originally going to go to nursing school out in Ohio, but I'm so glad I came to Shadyside. The clinical opportunities and training I've had while still in school has been quite impressive. I feel that Shadyside has done a very good job of preparing me for the "real world" of nursing.
I don't know much about citizens program, but shadyside is absolutely cutting edge when it comes to cancer treatment, and cardiovascular care. Just about everything I'm pretty sure. I believe that citizens is in or near new kensington isn't it? Not exactly the technology mecca (sp?) of the medical world. I don't know if distance or cost is an issue, but if you want the best experience, I'd go for shadyside.
You could always keep citizens as a backup "just in case".
I have a little experience with both programs. I graduated from Citizens General, and I have a family member who graduated from Shadyside. Both are quality programs with a high NCLEX pass rate. Citizens does their clinicals at AKMC, AGH, Torrance SH, among others. Shadyside uses UPMC facilities. I went to work in the SICU/Transplant unit at AGH after graduating from Citizens. I felt that CGH provided me with the clinical experience that I needed to hit the ground running. My family member did the same, but went to a UPMC facility. She did well also, but has since left UPMC. I know that both schools do informational tours/open houses. Check both of them out and pick the one you like best. You will have to live with your choice for two years (actually, much longer...).
ERN1187
5 Posts
I recently got accepted to Citizen's school of nursing as well as Shadyside school of nursing. I need a little advice on which school I should attend. I live closer to Citizen's, but I've heard that Shadyside has a better program. Help!