Professional Socialization

This section describes professional expectations and opportunities for students of The Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh, Pa. Founded in 1892, the School is one of the oldest in the nation and one of the first to be accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Center.

On December 7, 2006, The Western Pennsylvania Hospital became the first and only hospital in Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania to achieve Magnet recognition status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).  This 4-year designation for facilities providing the highest level of excellence in nursing services has been achieved by only 4% of all healthcare facilities in the nation.

Student Government

The School of Nursing's student government coordinates the interests and activities of the first- and second-year classes and provides a means for developing leadership skills, self directedness and cooperative action.

Faculty Organization Committee Representatives

Students are encouraged to serve as active members with voting privileges on the Admissions and Progression, Curriculum, and Program Evaluation committees of the Faculty Organization.

Professional Conduct

The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, Pennsylvania Professional Nursing Law, and the West Penn Allegheny Health System Code of  Ethics define professional conduct. Infractions are handled by administration and faculty on an individual basis and may result in professional probation or termination from the program. In addition, the Code of Academic and Clinical Professional Conduct of the National Student Nurses Association, Inc., has been adopted by the Student Council and faculty as a guideline for student conduct.

Electronic Devices

Students' usage of personal electronic devices is prohibited on the clinical units and in the classroom during examinations.  Usage is limited during classroom activity, as well.  The Student Handbook details the limits.

Professional Development

Students are encouraged to attend Hospital-sponsored inservice education sessions as scheduling and space permit.

Professional Image

In order to give a professional appearance there are limitations from the Hospital and School that must be followed while in the Hospital.  Some examples of these limitations are:

• Body tattoos are covered by clothing or appropriate makeup.
• Exposed body jewelry is not permitted (e.g., pierced "nose", eyebrows, and/or tongue).   There may be two (2) earrings per ear that are single studs or no larger than one inch in diameter.
• No artificial, multicolored, or decorated fingernails are permitted.

The entire Dress Code policy is found in the Student Handbook.

Student Nursing Organizations Professional nursing students are eligible for membership in the National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) and the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP).  The $35 application fee for SNAP is included in the Student Activity Fee that is paid each Fall Term.  Each student will complete the application during orientation.

Community Service

Inherent in the professional nursing role is a commitment to community service. In keeping with this belief, completion of four community volunteer hours is required each year.

Student Activities

The student government's Student Council, with a faculty advisor, plans school-sponsored activities. The School is located minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, which is the cultural hub of the tri-state area. There are numerous opportunities for sports, entertainment and leisure activities.

Substance Abuse Policy

Substance abuse, which includes possession, distribution, or consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs, is not tolerated at the School of Nursing. It is not permissible to use recreational drugs or prescription drugs for other than prescribed purposes. If illicit drugs are used, there are criminal penalties under local, state, and federal laws. In addition, there are sanctions under the Pennsylvania Professional Nursing Law. Substance abuse may be considered cause for termination from the School of Nursing program. Details of the School's compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) are included in the Student Handbook.