KrisPDX

Where exactly in AZ are you referring to? It is a large state with great deal of variety as you move from south to north. Personally, I'm from Tucson and live in OR now, but AZ is unique and I miss it alot. If you are looking for character (and this is strictly opinion), metro Phx is not really going to offer it, although it is the biggest city with the most job opportunities. I really am not a fan of Phx...its too big, too suburbanite, too LA-ish wanna be. If your idea of "culture" is fine dining, resorts, and fancy shopping areas, Scottsdale is your place. On my end, I really feel out of place in Scottsdale and prefer the laid back feeling of Flagstaff and parts of Tucson. Some of the smaller towns in AZ (like Bisbee, Prescott) have tons of character, but jobs? And "good" hospitals? Not so sure. I think you first have to narrow down whether you are going to live in a city - Tucson, Phx, Flag - or in a smaller town. Tucson is growing rapidly and near the UA it is pretty much the college party feel, but there are some neat parts of Tucson that are growing such as the downtown area and N.Tucson. I think central Tucson still has its charm in a way, once you get to know all the nooks and crannies, cool hangouts, great Mexican food, etc. But if you are looking for a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Tucson isn't it. Phx is trying, but AZ in general will always have its own desert flavor. If you appreciate the desert and enjoy its natural beauty, you'd really like the accessibility Tucson has to offer by means of hiking, biking, climbing, etc. But yeah, the height of the summer sucks. I used to drive up to Flag pretty much every weekend just to get out of the heat! Good luck with your decision.... Kris

Clogs-N-More has several locations in the Portland metro area. Tanasbourne out in Hillsboro, one on Hawthorne/35th, and one downtown on Alder are the ones I know about. They specialize in Danskos and are probably your best bet at finding the white clogs you need for nursing. REI has a few Dansko models but not the white professional ones. As far as other plain white nursing shoes, I have no clue, but maybe one of the uniform stores can better direct you. Life Uniforms on Hall Blvd near Wash. Sq. for example. Good luck!

Hey Evan - have you spoken to any students in your class who didn't get the scholarship and were able to go to UP with a financial aid package? I am trying to figure out how I can still go to UP if I get rejected for the scholarship. Id hate to have to forfeit my position in the program due to finances, but it is a pretty expensive school. Just wondering....

I am pulling my hair out - literally.

Evan - do you know how many scholarships were awarded the year when you applied and received one? I heard that the numbers of scholarships awarded this year is at an all time low...something about the contract expiring or something...know anything about this?

Tofutti - you got accepted and already started! That was really fast! Congratulations!!!! There are definite benefits to going to ADN-OHSU route, I agree, do you mind if I ask where you are going? Im still waiting, trying not to get my hopes up, but they've been up for awhile now so its hard to break that. I really want to go to UP because Ive heard great things about the program and Providence seems like a great organization to work for. If I don't get the scholarship, I don't think I can afford to go to UP, although I really wish I could. I also applied to Linfield and OHSU, so we'll see. But UP is really my top choice. Evan - so you are just finishing the program? but you have already been placed in a department? how does that work? also, has your class already taken the NCLEX?

tofutti, I've become quite the stalker myself...the not knowing is killing me... I was thinking the same thing on interview day. Everyone looked so qualified and polished...Im sure everyone's interview went great. So how in the world are they going to decide? I know that the interviewers kind of handed in their notes to the panel who will make the decisions - so hopefully our interviewers took good notes! I called the nursing office the other day and they said "within 2 weeks" you'll have a letter. But thats what they said the day of the interview! I am so nervous.... Well, best of luck to you! Did you apply to any other programs?

Anyone heard anything yet about the results of the Prov scholarship? This year they are only giving out 20 scholarships:uhoh21: .....seems like the interview was a year ago, yet it was only a little over a week ago - funny how anxiety warps time. Anyone gotten "the letter" yet? Thoughts anyone?