UPMC Nursing

Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) is a national leader in diagnosis, management, and treatment of mental health and addictive disorders. WPIC is a university-based psychiatric care facility located in Pittsburgh.

Nursing highlights

WPIC embraces the principles of recovery and relationship-based care. Psychiatric nursing is the specialty of nursing that cares for people of all ages with mental illness or mental distress, such as adult mood disorders, geriatric psychiatry, eating disorders, developmentally delayed populations, co-occurring substance abuse disorders, schizophrenia, child and adolescent psychiatry, and diagnostic and evaluative psychiatry. Nursing at WPIC includes use of psychological therapies, building therapeutic alliances, and administration and assessment of psychiatric medication treatments along with medical interventions.

Our nurses are empowered to actively participate in innovative ways of providing care through the Professional Practice Council (PPC). They participate in PPC at a corporate, hospital, and unit level. Additionally, nurses are involved in evidence-based care research to enhance care and provide patient and caregiver satisfaction.

WPIC nurses engage in a peer review process and a professional development program for nurses to build on their strengths and interests in nursing growth. All nurses have the opportunity to be members of various hospital committees and projects. The focus of individual development includes clinical, administrative, research, and education career advancements.

WPIC’s hiring practices ensure a diverse workforce of experienced clinicians as well as recent graduates of nursing programs.

Our orientation programs are tailored to meet the needs of nurses at any point in their career. Graduate nurses or experienced nurses receive an orientation that targets central learning and unit specific orientation.

Before your interview

If you have questions or need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, contact our Human Resources Department at 412-647-2017or nurse recruiter.
On the day of your interview, parking is available on the fifth level in WPIC’s garage. You may pre-arrange this the day before your interview.
Proceed through the entrance to room E-521.
Dress is business casual. Bring a copy of your resume and reference letters, ACT 33/34 clearances if less than one year old, and proof of CPR certification.
Your interview will begin by interviewing with the nurse clinical managers from the specialty units in which you are interested. You will receive a tour of the units and may meet with the director of Inpatient and Primary Care Services.
The length of the interview process varies, but you can expect to spend approximately a half an hour on each unit on which you interview. This can be followed by a more extensive shadowing opportunity when you have identified a program where you would like to be considered for employment.

After accepting an offer

You are required to bring a copy of your ACT 33 clearances within 30 days of your start date.
Prior to your first day you can expect a welcome call from your clinical coach (preceptor). Your clinical coach will help to guide you through your orientation.
Your first day will be Human Resources new hire orientation. This will be held at the Herberman Conference Center on the UPMC Shadyside Campus starting in December 2008. Check with your recruiter for the exact location prior to your first day. Your recruiter will provide information including directions, hours, and parking for this day. New hire orientation consists of information about benefits, safety, infection control practices, and compliance procedures. Dress is business casual.
Your second day of orientation, you will begin your two week central orientation. This is held on the third floor of WPIC in the training suite.