OHSU ICU

I work in one of the four ICUs at OHSU (trauma/surgical, medical, cardiac, neuro). As far as I have seen they haven't hired any ADNs since I have been there (2 years). Especially with the new Magnet designation there has been a big push for BSNs only and for internal nurses to get their BSN even if they want to transfer departments. I haven't worked at any other Portland hospitals so it may be different there.

Hello PDX.ICU.RN,

I was just admitted to OHSU Monmouth and another nursing program at a CC. I'd like to work at OHSU PDX after I graduate. Can you tell me if OHSU prefers OHSU grads or do the community college to OHSU BSN graduates fare the same? In your experience do the CC to BSN and OHSU grads have the same level of training? Thanks for any insight you can give me!

I also work in an OHSU ICU (but only for a few months, and only per diem). From what I've seen- they only hire BSNs. With your experience- you could try to apply to 12K- the cardiac ICU. I think it has 25 beds. But without a BSN (or evidence that you're at least in a RN-BSN program)- you might not get far.

As for the question about new grads- my unit only hires them if they did their senior preceptorship in the unit. From what I've seen those have been OHSU nursing students. But I'm sure the other units (outside of ICU) consider all new grads the same (at least I'd like to think they do)!

Hello PDX.ICU.RN,

I was just admitted to OHSU Monmouth and another nursing program at a CC. I'd like to work at OHSU PDX after I graduate. Can you tell me if OHSU prefers OHSU grads or do the community college to OHSU BSN graduates fare the same? In your experience do the CC to BSN and OHSU grads have the same level of training? Thanks for any insight you can give me!

One more thing- does the CC grant you a BSN or ADN? That is what I'd base my decision off of. Go to the school that gives you a BSN- especially if your goal is to work in a hospital that requires it. :) I did an ADN program to begin with and then immediately went to get my RN-BSN...wishing I'd just done it from the start.

That's the catch, they do offer a BSN but it's online only, so I'm not sure the benefit is as great as being taught in a classroom.

That's the catch, they do offer a BSN but it's online only, so I'm not sure the benefit is as great as being taught in a classroom.

The online vs on-campus is a large debate. It's pretty clear where I stand on the issue once you learn that I moved my family (hubby and 3 kids) 1,000 miles from home to attend OHSU's AG-ACNP program (instead of doing it online). :) I definitely think there is a place for online classes (did my RN-BSN online)...but I feel those classes should be mostly theory ones (or "fluff" as I fondly refer to them as). I feel the "meaty" classes - where you really learn what's needed to become a nurse (or NP) should be done face-to-face with an actual lecture (and not just discussion forum posts online). Just my opinion though! :)

A helpful tip since you're debating between 2 BSN programs- look up their NCLEX (or even program) pass rates. And then go to the one that has the highest pass rate- as I feel it's a pretty good indicator of a good program.

Hello PDX.ICU.RN,

I was just admitted to OHSU Monmouth and another nursing program at a CC. I'd like to work at OHSU PDX after I graduate. Can you tell me if OHSU prefers OHSU grads or do the community college to OHSU BSN graduates fare the same? In your experience do the CC to BSN and OHSU grads have the same level of training? Thanks for any insight you can give me!

I am an experienced RN coming from a prominent hospital however I currently only have my Associates. OHSU called me to set up an interview and to check my availability. She called back 5 mins later apologizing because they are only interviewing/hiring BSN nurses. She said re-apply as soon as I get my BSN.

Go for your BSN! Legacy and Providence have a push for BSN by 2018 and Kaiser won't interview nurses without their BSN.

Thank you SNIXRN, I do intend to do the BSN but was wondering if the CC-BSN's are hired less than the straight-BSNs.