UPMC Mercy vs. Shadyside Nursing School

luvschoolnursing, LPN · Mar 8, 2009

Can't answer your question, specifically, I went to another local diploma program (Sewickley Valley), but I can tell you both are well respected programs in this area.

mommyjskns · Mar 9, 2009

I attend Shadyside, and I love it. It is a very challenging school, but the instructors are very good and I have learned so much. Also, we get alot of clinical time. I'm not sure about Mercy, but I've heard good things about it as well. Good luck with whatever you decide.

Nickat · Mar 13, 2009

I'm currently a full time student at Shadyside. I just started but so far I really like the program. All of the instructors are great and they really will do anything to help you succeed. They get right into the depths of nursing and all the different aspects of it. Right now I have one full day off, 2 half days and 2 full days, and we balance that between the SoN and Chatham university. Our schedule looks to have 2 sciences and 2 nursing courses per semester for the first year. Full time, you will start clinicals in your second semester.

One thing I don't like though, we attend Chatham university (a few blocks away from the SoN) for all non-nursing courses and it can become stressful because there is one shuttle that runs between the schools and your not allowed to park at Chatham so you have to make sure you get a long enough meter to park at back at Shadyside. So if you have your sciences done already, your schedule might not be as hectic.

A year or so ago I applied at Mercy's program and was put on hold because they didn't have enough instructors (or so they say). I can say their entrance exam was a little tougher than Shadyside's. A friend of mine had gone through Mercy's program and loved it. It's a pretty large hospital so you do most clinicals at Mercy alone. I'm not sure how they are with pre-reqs though.

But either way, they are both great programs with high passing rates. Good luck on whatever path you may take! :nuke:

r0b0tafflicti0n · Mar 26, 2009

I hope I'm not opening a can of worms by bringing this up, but you might consider whether reproductive rights issues are important to you. It may not affect the education you receive much (though the attitudes you encounter may be different), but Mercy is a Catholic hospital and, as such, does not believe in birth control including abortion, tubal ligation, or Plan B (including for victims of sexual assault).

Bobsdaughter · Mar 26, 2009

Interesting point. I was aware of the fact they didn't perform tubal ligations in the past but am wondering if they have "softened" their stance on that ,(and other reproductive rights issues) due to the merger with UPMC?

Your mentioning that has provoked thought as I do consider such issues relevant.

In any event. I am applying to both schools and waiting to see about acceptance. Unfortunately, Shadyside's tuition forgiveness program has changed dramatically.

danh3190 · Apr 20, 2009

One thing I don't like though, we attend Chatham university (a few blocks away from the SoN) for all non-nursing courses and it can become stressful because there is one shuttle that runs between the schools and your not allowed to park at Chatham so you have to make sure you get a long enough meter to park at back at Shadyside. :nuke:

When I was in your position 2 years ago I parked for free up on Murray Ave on the boundary of Chatham. Took about 8 min. to walk down to class or lab. In the nice weather I started just walking up from school which took about 25 min, about 18 if I was hurrying. I also lost some weight that semester.

r0b0tafflicti0n · Apr 27, 2009

Interesting point. I was aware of the fact they didn't perform tubal ligations in the past but am wondering if they have "softened" their stance on that ,(and other reproductive rights issues) due to the merger with UPMC?
Your mentioning that has provoked thought as I do consider such issues relevant.
In any event. I am applying to both schools and waiting to see about acceptance. Unfortunately, Shadyside's tuition forgiveness program has changed dramatically.

Unfortunately, no. UPMC employees who work for Mercy have a different health plan (no birth control, no domestic partner coverage) and everything.

When I talked to Shadyside, they told me that the change in the tuition forgiveness came down from UPMC, but I see on the St. Margaret and Mercy websites that they still have the old info up there. I don't know if this is because they are still offering the old plan, or if they just haven't updated their websites. Sooooo. . .it's something to consider. I had only applied to Shadyside before finding out about the changes in the tuition forgiveness changes (and assuming it would affect every school across the board--fairly), I think it's probably too late for me to apply anywhere else so it's moot for me.

Sharawnda · Sep 29, 2009

Unfortunately, no. UPMC employees who work for Mercy have a different health plan (no birth control, no domestic partner coverage) and everything.
When I talked to Shadyside, they told me that the change in the tuition forgiveness came down from UPMC, but I see on the St. Margaret and Mercy websites that they still have the old info up there. I don't know if this is because they are still offering the old plan, or if they just haven't updated their websites. Sooooo. . .it's something to consider. I had only applied to Shadyside before finding out about the changes in the tuition forgiveness changes (and assuming it would affect every school across the board--fairly), I think it's probably too late for me to apply anywhere else so it's moot for me.

I am currently applying to both UPMC Shadyside and Mercy under the assumption that I would be able to take full advantage of the Tuition Forgiveness Program. What are the changes that have been made? Are they still offering the program. According to the website, Tuition Forgiveness is available in exchange for two years of work at the hospital following graduation. Is that no longer the case? Thanks.

psugirl2 · Oct 8, 2009

I am currently in my 2nd year as a part time evening/weekend student, and will be transitioning to full time in the spring. I can tell you that the tuition forgiveness program is still available in exchange for two years of service (you must retain the same position during that time period). The tuition costs have gone up since I started. It is a very difficult program, but well worth it. I have friends that got their BSN through universities and tell me they didn't have half the clinical time as I have as a 2nd year, so you do get a lot of hands on experiences. The instructors and administration are wonderful and they really will do everything they can to help you succeed. One really great thing about SSoN is that once you pass the NCLEX and are registered, you can get your BSN with an additional 26 credits ONLINE from Chatham. It is not free, but as a UPMC employee you will receive tuition assistance. I have a degree in finance and have done a complete 180. If I can go through this program than anyone can...it just takes hard work and determination.

Also, if you're looking for more information on SSoN, go to the UPMC website and in the "search" box type in SHADYSIDE SCHOOL OF NURSING. They have updated their website with new information, but have moved it to a new URL.

Sharawnda · Oct 9, 2009

I am currently in my 2nd year as a part time evening/weekend student, and will be transitioning to full time in the spring. I can tell you that the tuition forgiveness program is still available in exchange for two years of service (you must retain the same position during that time period). The tuition costs have gone up since I started. It is a very difficult program, but well worth it. I have friends that got their BSN through universities and tell me they didn't have half the clinical time as I have as a 2nd year, so you do get a lot of hands on experiences. The instructors and administration are wonderful and they really will do everything they can to help you succeed. One really great thing about SSoN is that once you pass the NCLEX and are registered, you can get your BSN with an additional 26 credits ONLINE from Chatham. It is not free, but as a UPMC employee you will receive tuition assistance. I have a degree in finance and have done a complete 180. If I can go through this program than anyone can...it just takes hard work and determination.
Also, if you're looking for more information on SSoN, go to the UPMC website and in the "search" box type in SHADYSIDE SCHOOL OF NURSING. They have updated their website with new information, but have moved it to a new URL.

Thanks alot. I attended the Information Session on Saturday and learned alot. Students are responsible for the first $10000, and that may go up next year...we'll see...

Ert2Rn · Sep 10, 2010

hi, im going to hvsson in october, and i was wondering what you thought of it- i cant seem to find many people who have gone there, and they dont have a facebook following, so....i just want to know what im getting myself into! thanks!!