Pros
UPMC is on the cutting edge of technology, so electronic documentation is state of the art. Cancer care is good, as well as cardiac care ( caths and EP).
Cons
Because it is a monopoly in the city, the pay is poor. Nurses in ancillary departments locked into low wages, yet it's imperative to possess advanced knowledge. Some very senior staff nurses have reached the top of the pay scale and that is it...no bonus or anything. There is no way that RNs can go to any conferences, Grand Rounds, Library Services how-to do sessions, etc. unless they take that day off. Management seems to rule through fear. I have seen lots of good talent leave the system because they were never recognized for accomplishments or given a chance to advance (i.e. getting MSN and applying for Clinician position, but outside person brought in who does not have advanced degree). One is never given a chance to redeem themselves because nothing is ever removed from employee file, so employee may have improved self (not been in "trouble" for several years), but is still pigeon-holed in some position. Lots of positions go to friends, fiance's /-cee's of sons or daughters of higher ups. If RNs from ancillarys do OT, the pay is not brought up to what floor RNs make, but is based on current low pay. Tuition reimbursement could be MUCH better. Employees are not given discount for co-pays for diagnostic tests/ procedures or ER visits. Shadyside obtained Magnet Designation, but CNO took all of the credit. Nurses are not appreciated: no special meal or pin or activities for nurses. Last year even visitors got in line for the poor meal we were given. We were told that to celebrate us for Nurses' Week would be exclusionary, yet, Physicians Day is coming up and they are getting a special exclusive meal expressly for them.