Ravenx2012

As a current student I can give you this "humble" opinion. Stick with your plans on going to Shadyside. Does the administration suck? Incredibly so. Once your in, it will feel like they are trying to fail out people weekly .... After the first two semesters you will likely have lost 15-20% of your class. Not all to failing, but many not being able to handle the stress. Sleep? What's that? You'll have time to sleep when you graduate 22 months later. So, why do I say stick with it? Because, it has some of the best clinical experience anywhere. The program is incredibly tough, but on the floor, it quickly becomes apparent who are past UPMC Shadyside grads, and those who have graduated elsewhere. 200 Level Shadyside Nursing Students are catching errors made by other nurses left and right. 300 and 400 level students are far surpassing the skills of many Licensed RNs they work with. How? Well because it is the hardest, but best program in Pittsburgh. Clinical instructors are constantly challenging your knowledge and helping you to recognize all the possibilities within your scope of practice. They don't stop with just reading a few chapters out of a book. Your not just a number to them, and your not just a nurse when you graduate. You will be a highly skilled individual and one of the best in your field. You will have a great understanding of the practice; and know how to think and rationalize as a nurse should. Too many of the nurses on the floors these days are paint by numbers certified. It is painfully obvious who these people are by the quality of care they give. So does the administration suck? Well .. Yea.. the points you bring up are just a few of the reasons why... but is it worth it .. Most definitely. Get in, keep your grades up, pay attention .. and the only time you will have to deal with admin is when your clearances are due, and when you graduate.