airbender

kmd, I sent you a private message!

Oh! Well, thanks for the heads up. I was waiting to receive an email saying that the training was available, and waiting for a training to show up with the title of what they said it would be. I looked through that training, and it seems like it's definitely geared for the lab setting... But I'll do it! Thanks for the info!

Dan, That's strange.. I can't find it on Big Brain anywhere. I did all the other required training months ago, but the only thing on there I see that relates is the Bloodborne Pathogen training for Research Laboratory. I guess I'll call them on Monday...

Cinquefoil, they changed it this year! I guess it's going to be on Big Brain now.... But it's not there yet! Yes, LLH, Portland campus. See ya at orientation!

I'm in the OCNE program, and I believe kmd is, too.. But we'll be in some of the same classes! Are you starting in the Fall term accbac?

kmd, Yes! I'm so excited to start...Have you heard anything about the Bloodborne Pathogen training? I got an email a month ago saying we'd need to complete it online, but never heard anything else. I want my American Data Bank to say "compliant"! See ya bright and early on the 15th!

Congrats! I was on the Linfield waitlist, and never heard anything.. Luckily, I got accepted to OHSU, so I never followed up with Linfield. I find it surprising that they don't maintain a ranked waitlist, though... Huh. This seems like good info for future waitlisters to keep in mind. Either way, congrats again and enjoy Linfield!

I'm 5'2" and petite... I just tried on a ton of styles at a uniform store. The Grey's Anatomy (in junior sizes, not missy) definitely ran more like street clothes sizing. The size chart was accurate for me. I bet you wouldn't be sized out of the junior styles. The Cherokee scrubs were a little cheaper, but really soft, and ran big. But... every pair of pants was still a little long; I'm probably going to hem them after I wash 'em. It's a fact of life being short - even "petite" pants are usually too long!

Congrats on the test! I learned dimensional analysis (unit-factor method) in chemistry - it was a little awkward at first, but with practice, it is a "fail proof" way to calculate dosages with the proper units. The units of the dosages and rates guide the problem set-up, and the desired result is also examined before setting up the problem, which I think is helpful, and cuts down on silly mistakes. I plan on using it for dosage calc tests! Check it: http://www.alysion.org/dimensional/fun.htm

People definitely get in with 3.6 - 3.7, but it's certainly no guarantee. Your best bet would likely be at the BSN programs - they tend to evaluate applicants on essays and life experience that is not quantifiable by points. I'd be sure to get all A's in the A&P series, and do well in other science and math courses - they are indicative (to admission committees, anyway) of likely success in a nursing program. It's definitely doable - I got into OHSU and PCC, but was wait listed for Linfield and U of P. People with lower GPA's than I had were accepted into Linfield - they have a reputation for choosing well-balanced applicants. Sometimes, there doesn't seem to be a rhyme or reason, but strong grades in pre req sciences and good essays definitely are crucial. If it's what you really want to do, then go for it!

I try not to get too controversial on this message board. But really, I do think nursing school should be a little exclusive. I do think potential nursing students should excel academically, and have life and work experience that support critical and independent thinking, scientific inquiry, and common sense. I want nurses who care for my family to be sharp, well-educated, and resourceful. I don't care where they went to school one bit. But I do think a rigorous application process gives Portland area medical facilities some great nurses, as well as a ton of new grads who can't find work. I'm sure ITT can turn out fine nurses, but it comes at great expense to the student. I think that's what Kamaboko was saying; with so many schools, a new tech school that lacks accreditation by the state is not going to be as competitive. That is just information sharing to me, and not meant as an attack on anyone's decision. For me, that is an important piece of information as I decide where to spend my hard-earned money and precious time. I'm not sure the what the criticism of the OCNE programs are; I certainly don't think they're the end-all, be-all for nursing programs. You can find out pass rates on the Oregon Board of Nursing website. It looks like they're above the required standard to stay NLN-accredited. Also, an interesting study was published last year, about prospective nursing students in Oregon, and the exaggerated competitive claims. Check it out: http://www.ocnnursingdiversity.org/documents/NSAD2010Report.pdf Good luck to everyone in their nursing career. I think there is room enough for everyone. As a future OHSU student, I've read (and heard) a number of people in this forum, as well as in my classes, saying that attending OHSU was a waste of money when you could attend a community college and bridge in. Honestly, I could care less what others think of my academic and professional choices - it's a liberating feeling!

I third the "say yes", then decline if the job comes through. People do it all the time; it's why schools have so many alternates!

And yellow, I believe they said they take 50 alternates. And I declined my seat! I think once they letters are due, which is June 15th, the list will really open up... Good luck!

I got to talk to an OHSU student yesterday who really clarified the parking issue. I don't know, it just isn't daunting to me, despite having two school-aged kids and being pretty busy. There are free shuttles that run from all of the campuses, including downtown, the tram is free, and there are many, many bus options to get to school. And a bus pass is 300 dollars for the school year, which is not bad, considering the price of gas. For the first term, only 1 day is spent of the Hill, since the skill lab is at the center for health and healing. I'll miss the convenience of driving, but it's worth it to me to attend OHSU! I'm glad you feel good and settled on CCC!

I'm worried about parking, too. I found a free shuttle that picks up from all the OHSU campuses, including the one downtown, and stops at the main Marquam Hill area, so I'm interested in exploring that. I found out about it from the OHSU transportation website. Also, I believe that students and employees receive free tram passes. Taking a bus is not really going to work for me, either. I am not considering going to another school because of this issue, but I am definitely going to find the easiest and cheapest route to get there...

Oh, K - that's a tough spot. For me, I chose OHSU's higher tuition (I have another degree, too) for the benefits that graduating their BSN program will offer, including attending a top-ranked nursing school, good health insurance, and a doctorally educated staff and an extra year of clinical time, versus the mostly-theory year for the RN-BS year. It's a trade off, and I completely agree that you get out of any program what you put in - the community colleges in the area have great reputations. Good luck to you on your decision!

Jessica, not sure about the waiting list. I'd say there is always hope, as people shuffle around and figure out where they want to go... Give it another month! I mailed my acceptance in last week; starting to get the criminal bacground check and immunizations figured out. Can't wait to meet you guys!

Oh, kamaboko, you got into PCC!! I know it. And if not, I'm declining my spot I was offered - 1 more off the waitlist! Congrats to everyone...

For the pre-reqs (45 credits), I had them all complete and a 4.0. I agree with the other posters, I think the essay is the only other way they evaluate applicants, so it's crucial to use that to explain what you have to offer nursing as a profession, and OHSU as an educational institution - as opposed to focusing exclusively on why you want to be a nurse. I researched OHSU's core values and nursing mission statement before the essay, and wove in what I would bring to the community. I highlighted my qualities and experiences that would make me an effective nurse and student. Things like common sense, love of learning, and ability to deal with many different types of people, etc. I'm a pretty confident writer, and the essay was nerve-wracking. For applicants who have issues with grammar and self-editing, I would recommend writing several general practice essays, and have them critiqued, to get down the flow and structure of the essay. But in the end, who knows? I'm sure many qualified applicants are turned away. I would guess they construct a balanced cohort with people who have divergent experiences, and are strong academically. I am shocked I got accepted, honestly. I hope to use that feeling to motivate me to do really well in the program! Good luck to all... The CC notices should be coming out soon!

Update for people hoping for a University of Portland waitlist offer: They just called me and offered me a spot from the waitlist - I was #21, (and declined!) so I'm sure some people will be very happy!

I'm still in dreamland... Can't wait to start this journey! About the child care, I looked at the schedule for last year sophomores, and it was 1 lecture day 9 to 1, and two long clinical days. It's on the SON website, somewhere. Yay! That's all I got :)

Congrats Grasshopper and Kanga! It's so exciting... I can't stop smiling. I bet our class will be great; I'm so grateful for the opportunity to attend OHSU.

Aw, all of our hard work paid off! I'm so elated. Off to celebrate Mother's Day - even my kids are impressed I got in! I'm hoping a few mimosas will take my mind off the incredible amount of paperwork, faxes, immunizations and logistics that need to be done... Just for today, though! Congrats guys. If anyone wants to get together for a study group ( A&P refresher stuff) over the summer, I'm down.

Hey, me too! I got the mail at 10:30 this morning, and have been walking on air all day! Are you going to Portland campus? Guess we'll be classmates... A current student was nice enough to email me about the program and how awesome it is, and she told me they cut the cohort down to only 24 students... Pretty crazy. Congratulations!

Congrats, Al! I got my acceptance to Portland campus today - after being wait listed at U of P and Linfield, I'm in ecstatic, stunned disbelief!