OHSU or Linfield

Hello all. This is my first post so please bear with me.

Over the last two years doing prereqs, my ultimate goal was always OHSU. I only applied to other schools so I would have a back-up if necessary. Well I got into both OHSU and Linfield (I actually got into UP as well but decided to pass) and now I am completely conflicted as to which program to attend. I have gotten some good feedback from both but a friend recommended this site so I thought I would give it a try. Just to clarify I am talking about the regular BSN programs.

I really would love some input, good and bad, about anyone's experience in either program. I am aware of the obvious such as length of program, etc. I am a single mother and want to be sure I make the best choice. I am extremely thankful to have such a choice and know I will be happy either way but would appreciate some additional info.

Thanks!

Hi and welcome! Congrats on the "Triple Crown" of nursing acceptances. That is no small accomplishment.

As far as Linfield vs. OHSU I have a couple of thoughts. First of all if you haven't already done so, try doing some searches on allnurses regarding both schools. I think you will probably find a lot of helpful, firsthand information. Secondly, What type of nursing to you forsee yourself going in to? The reason I ask is that I have gotten the feeling from posts that I have read and students/nurses that I have spoke to that Linfield and OHSU have different focuses in their respective programs. I have heard it said that Linfield does a great job of preparing students for community health type nursing. Whereas OHSU takes on more of a hospital critical care focus. I am not sure if that is true or if I am wording myself correctly but it is something to consider.

Lastly on a more personal (and perhaps selfish) note: Being that I made the alternate list for OHSU, I am hoping you opt for Linfield. :loveya: (Although, I am an alternate for the Monmouth BSN program, not for Portland. So if you were accepted to Portland it probably won't make a difference for Monmouth alternates)

Good luck on your decision!

I agree that Linfield has a stronger community health program -- In general -- but I'm one person who graduated from OHSU and never worked in a hospital (well, until I did my recently completed palliative care fellowship, but that was different -- consulting service not floor nurse).

One thing to think about -- if you are at all interested in gerontology, OHSU has the Hartford Center for Gerontological Nursing Excellence, an incredible cadre of gero nurses and researchers and really good support & collegiality for anyone showing an interest in older adults. That includes a bunch of us end-of-life folks so if you have any interest that way, you'd be well served.

as far as linfield vs. ohsu i have a couple of thoughts. ... secondly, what type of nursing to you forsee yourself going in to? the reason i ask is that i have gotten the feeling from posts that i have read and students/nurses that i have spoke to that linfield and ohsu have different focuses in their respective programs. i have heard it said that linfield does a great job of preparing students for community health type nursing. whereas ohsu takes on more of a hospital critical care focus.

when looking at linfield i heard the same assumption, which made me worry i would not get critical care experience. so i asked a recent linfield grad and he said:

"i'm not sure where the community health focused rep came from. 213 is really the only class where you delve into it with any depth. i guess linfield may have you spend more class time learning about it than other places but there is still a definite acute/chronic care priority."

this linfield grad now works at an ohsu's icu. this would lead me to believe that the community health focus is a false assumption. like he said, linfield probably goes into more depth for community health than other programs, but critical care training is still a key focus. this has been confirmed by a few other linfield grads as well. but like all schools, you have a choice on your focus area, and from there your instructors will do their best to help you reach that goal.

besides ohsu, linfield is one of three schools in the area with a hospital on site. in this case legacy good sam. the other being walla walla partnering with portland adventis.

outside of the school itself, i am also looking forward to the nw neighborhood, easy access to transit (max and the street car). i have no desire to try and commute to the hill with the thousands of other people every day. at least with linfield we get commuter parking as well.

i think any choice will be fine, you got into school that's the main thing!

Yeah. I think my mind is made up on Linfield. I always thought my ultimate dream was OHSU but I guess things change right? Hopefully I'll be making a waitlist person very happy.

I appreciate all of your help. If anyone has anything to add I still welcome the input. I won't officially decline my OHSU offer until the 20th.

Yeah. I think my mind is made up on Linfield.

Cool a fellow Wildcat, congrats! You begin in Fall right?

I actually start in February which is a good thing for me because the spring cohort does not attend summer sessions so I would graduate at the same time from either school. As a single mom to a three year old, having the summers off is really important. So, I am sure we will meet but will not be in the same class. Good luck to you in the fall!

I would choose OHSU from a pure monetary standpoint. They are both good schools though, so wherever you go just don't stress out and try to enjoy it!

I would choose OHSU from a pure monetary standpoint. They are both good schools though, so wherever you go just don't stress out and try to enjoy it!

What is the monetary difference? I thought that the tuition for Linfield and OHSU were pretty comperable. Maybe I am thinking of out-dated info.

Linfield tuition is about $35K per year. OHSU is at least half that depending on the term. Out of state probably makes them very comprable because the OOS tuition at OHSU is almost twice the in state.

Linfield tuition is about $35K per year. OHSU is at least half that depending on the term. Out of state probably makes them very comprable because the OOS tuition at OHSU is almost twice the in state.

I was told it evens out in the long run. If you take OHSU's OCNE Program, that's three years and they may raise tuition every year. (They do) It said so in the acceptance letter I received.

And where did I read or hear about some suit they have??!? Let's hope they don't add on extra student fees to offset costs.

I was told it evens out in the long run. If you take OHSU's OCNE Program, that's three years and they may raise tuition every year. (They do) It said so in the acceptance letter I received.

And where did I read or hear about some suit they have??!? Let's hope they don't add on extra student fees to offset costs.

It's not a suit, the court abolished the tort cap for OHSU, but also for other "public entities." Of course, the place that gets sued the most is a hospital. The cap was absurd: $200,000, but removing it completely meant they needed to cut $30 million from the budget. Every part of the institution has been hit (remember, OHSU consists of several schools, the hospital, clinics, and research facilities). You can read more about it here and here

You know, I often wonder what kind of effect the tort cap loss has on all students of OHSU. Now that OHSU can now be sued for any amount of money until a new tort cap is put in place, it makes me wonder if any kind of a drawback on the amount of hands-on work for students occured due to fear of lawsuits? I could be completely wrong about this, students may not have much hands-on clinical experience to start with due a lack of experience. I just wonder if there is any other affect on students besides tuition increases and a decrease in the med school class size.