SueRN07

Shadyside is a great area to live especially if you are young, single or married however I'm not sure I would live there if I had children. UPMC is just a very short bus trip to Oakland and the bus line is very close. I acutally lived there at one time and I walked to Oakland from my apartment. Go to this site to read some more about Shadyside: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shadyside_(Pittsburgh) Good luck and welcome to the Burgh!

Yes, there are hospitals out there who will pay for your education. In return, you are required to sign a 2-3 year contract. Here's the kicker that a few nurses I work with have found out: once you are off orientation, the hospital starts to deduct a sum of money from your paycheck to cover "taxes and interest" which is around $200/month. Their student loan payment would have been less! I was not a part of this program so I am not familiar with all of the details. It's just something to think of prior to signing on the dotted line.

CB: Let me start off by saying: Yes, I was born and raised in Pittsburgh and I am proud of it!! I graduated from nursing school a year ago and I am very happy with my current position on a step-down cardiac unit. I interviewed with several big hospitals and was offerred positions following each interview. I currently live 5 miles away from work and the drive is very minimal every day. I do not have to pay for parking (that's a huge savings)! I work three 12 hour shifts a week and the chance for OT is endless. My rate started at almost $22/hr and has increased in the past year. While there are pros and cons with every job, you really need to think things through prior to accepting a position. I feel sorry for you because from your postings it appears that you have put more effort into 'why you don't like Pittsburgh' and not on 'why I want to be a nurse'..... If you are that against the Burgh, why don't you go back? Yes, we are declining in our population however we also have the largest Senior population and Dade County, Fl is second to us (did you know that....probably not). With that in mind, did you ever think that our population is declining because our Seniors are passing away? (yet again, probably not). As far as people leaving the region, I hate to tell you.....they almost always return! I know several people, some born and raised here and some transplants, who left and returned because they love the city. The weather in the Burgh is absolutely beautiful. Yes, it gets gray and gloomy at times but a true Pittsburgher gets through those days by going to Steelers games! Today is an gorgeous Spring day. I hope your thoughts do not deter others from coming to Pittsburgh. Nursing jobs are plentiful and our city is changing by the day; it all depends on what you want.

Don't do it! I graduated from CCAC Boyce in May. Although it took me almost three years to complete the program, it was well worth it. I saw too many good students not make it through the program because they were taking the pre-reqs along with the nursing credits. Take your time and you will do just fine. Good luck!