12/21/2023
PITTSBURGH — This month, the UPMC Schools of Nursing celebrated commencement ceremonies for the graduating classes of 2023 with 197 new nurses ready to take the next steps in their careers following their license exams.
Of the 197 graduates joining the workforce, UPMC has welcomed at least 119 new nurses to positions across UPMC. UPMC aims to strengthen the nursing workforce by increasing the number of clinically trained nurses who are essential in improving health outcomes and delivering care across all clinical settings. With each class, UPMC’s six hospital-based nursing schools combine clinical experiences with exceptional academics.
“I’m very proud to celebrate our graduates who have so worked hard to join the nursing field and create a bright future for health care,” said Maribeth McLaughlin, chief nurse executive at UPMC. “A nursing career is one of the most rewarding opportunities that provides a chance to make a difference in the lives of those you care for.”
Ceremonies were held for UPMC Jameson School of Nursing at UPMC Hamot in Erie, UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing at UPMC Harrisburg’s first graduating class, and UPMC Mercy, UPMC St. Margaret and UPMC Shadyside Schools of Nursing at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh.
“When we started this nursing adventure, we all questioned if we were able to go the long haul, but we did it,” Ta-Liah Jones, nursing graduate at UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing at UPMC Harrisburg, shared with her peers. “We made history, now go out there and continue to make history and be the change.” Jones was chosen by her peers to represent her class during Harrisburg’s inaugural ceremony.
UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing and UPMC Jameson School of Nursing will have graduation ceremonies in the spring. The second graduation ceremony for UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing at UPMC Harrisburg will take place in August, continuing to bolster the number of prospective nurses entering the workforce in each of the regions we serve.
Students can apply to any of the six UPMC Schools of Nursing campuses by June 1 to begin classes in fall 2024. UPMC Mercy School of Nursing is offering a limited summer 2024 start with an application deadline of Feb. 1. UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing offers an LPN-RN advanced track program with an application deadline of Jan. 5. UPMC’s nursing schools provide the opportunity to pursue a rewarding career in nursing through an affordable, accelerated program. The schools also provide a nursing tuition loan forgiveness program for students who enroll and successfully complete their first semester and meet academic requirements. Learn more and submit your interest at UPMC.com/SON.
PHOTO DETAILS: (click images for high-res versions)
First photo
CREDIT: UPMC
CAPTION: Nursing graduate Ta-Liah Jones speaks during UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing at UPMC Harrisburg's ceremony.
Second photo
CREDIT: UPMC
CAPTION: Graduates from UPMC Jameson School of Nursing at UPMC Hamot.
Third photo
CREDIT: Justin Aller / Clark's Studio Photography
CAPTION: The graduating classes of UPMC Mercy, UPMC St. Margaret and UPMC Shadyside Schools of Nursing.