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UPMC Nursing: Exceeding expectations

UPMC nurses exceed the highest of standards while providing the best patient care possible. UPMC employs more than 11,000 devoted and talented individuals as nurses. Some of these skilled nurses began their careers by enrolling in one of UPMC’s schools of nursing. UPMC has three diploma schools of nursing: Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing, and UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing. All offer programs to students passionate about joining the field.

In 2009, UPMC nursing graduates received the highest scores on the National Council Licensure Examination–Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) among 17 local and regional colleges and universities from which UPMC frequently hires new nurses. Graduates of UPMC’s three schools of nursing had success rates of 95 to 100 percent when taking the NCLEX-RN exam for the first time. This is an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects the quality of UPMC’s nurse educators, program curriculum, and future nurses.

All nursing students must pass the NCLEX-RN to be licensed as a registered nurse. These
examinations are essential to the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry level.

In a further demonstration of excellence in educating nursing students, one of the UPMC schools of nursing recently was recognized for creating an environment that enhances student learning and professional development. The UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing was designated on Sept. 25 as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing (NLN). Only five nursing schools in the United States were honored with this prestigious designation at the NLN’s annual Education Summit in Philadelphia. “The UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing strives to teach its students to use critical thinking, problem solving, and communication to learn and adapt to the health care demands of the future,” says Linda Kmetz, PhD, RN, director, UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing.

Expectations are high for new nursing graduates who may become employed at a UPMC facility. UPMC nurses frequently are recognized for their specialized knowledge, accomplishments, and dedication to the nursing profession, with this work often receiving national recognition.

This past summer, UPMC Shadyside received recognition for its dedication to patient care. In June, the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at UPMC Shadyside received the Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) has given this award to only 186 of the nation’s 6,000 critical care units since the award was created in 2003.

UPMC congratulates and thanks the nurses who dedicate their time, talent, and efforts to provide exceptional patient care across the organization. Learn more about UPMC Nursing online.

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