yogamom

Congrats!!!! That's my dream job! Did you do an immersion year there or an internship? If you have any tips on how you landed such an amazing first gig, please share! Congrats again!

Hi Art, I don't commute from Salem but I am a current student there. I don't think anyone from my cohort commutes from Salem either, but I'm sure in one of the classes someone does!! My advice to you would be to call the School of Nursing and ask if it's possible for them to put you in touch with a current student from Salem. Best of luck to you!

I have a few questions for experienced OB nurses and was hoping someone would be willing to share their thoughts with a nursing student! I went into nursing school with the full intention of becoming an OB nurse. Once I started school, I saw that not only was I not alone in this dream, it seems to be almost every nursing student's dream! I don't want to give up my dream, but admittedly I'm concerned about the sheer number of people clamoring to get into this specialty. Given the current economic climate, I'm concerned about securing ANY nursing job when I finish school. I am very concerned about adding to this by choosing such an extremely competitive field. That being said, I'm not one to give up my dreams for fear of competition. Then again, I have a family to feed...so this is my dilemma. My question for those in the field and seeing how the job market is today, is should I pursue OB nursing our should I try to start on Med-Surg or some other floor to get more experience first? I have been considering doula training in the summer to make myself more competitive. Is this valid or worthwhile? What else can I do to make myself more competitive if this is the route I end up going? I will need to make a decision sooner rather than later as I have a three term senior practicum to think about. Thanks so much for taking the time to read all of this. I would be grateful for any thoughts!

You're welcome! It sounds like you're in a really good position right now! Nothing to do now but cross your fingers and wait (so much easier said than done). As far as acceptance goes, it varies from year to year depending on how many applications they get and how long it takes to make the decisions. Last year, they sent an email out the last Friday of April. Actual letters came about a week later. After that, you have a few weeks (maybe a month, I can't remember) to either accept or decline. I'm not sure how PCC works, but at Linfield and OHSU, to accept your spot you must pay a depost (around $300 if memory serves). After you accept and they get your money, get ready for paperwork galore. Over the summer you will be getting your background check, working on getting immunizations sorted out, getting your books, and generally chewing your nails off. It's a pretty exciting time. Again, best of luck to you and don't hesitate to pm me if you have more questions about the process or the program!

kmdguy, I've been exactly where you are and I know that this part, the waiting for answers after you submit your apps is the worst!! Here's what I can tell you. I am also working on my second career, as you are. I also put everything else aside to focus on school. I was also horrified at the thought of having to go through the application process a second time. Everyone told me (as they are telling you) that going through the app process for a few years is to be expected. Well, not really. I think out of all my pre-reqs, listening to the "you'll never get in with JUST a 4.0" is the WORST part of the whole thing!! Here is my story for what it's worth. I have no prior degree. I do not have a CNA. I had a 4.0 and all of my pre-reqs completed. I was accepted at OHSU Portland campus, PCC, and Linfield all in my FIRST YEAR of applying. (I had 60 points at PCC. I know everyone gets worked up about points). OHSU, despite being an OCNE school doesn't really have their point system published. I can tell you that what is crucial for them is to have ALL of your pre-reqs done when you apply. Write an essay from the heart, one that means something to you. You will be just fine. I ended up choosing OHSU and couldn't be happier with my choice. My cohort is 32 people, and I think just over half of us had previous degrees. That's lots and lots of people WITHOUT prior degrees. And yes, there are several CNAs in my class, but many more people that are not. So, no one can guarantee you will get in. What I can guarantee is that is listening to all of the naysayers telling you that you won't get in before the end of the next decade will do nothing but stress you out. Wishing you the best of luck and if you have any questions, please feel free to pm me!

I love the plan, but there may be a hitch. I'm not sure where you are doing your pre-reqs, but at PCC, A&P I (BIO 231) is a pre-req to get into nutrition. Nutrition is much more difficult class than it sounds like it might be. So, you need to take Bio 112, then A&P I, and then you can take nutrition. You are at least three terms out of being able to take it. Having some A&P under your belt before that class makes all the difference though. You can always throw in an online SOC class with your fall term. That's a really easy class and is required as part of your social sciences anyway. It's a great filler class that is very useful in the application process. I would also recommend that you apply to Linfield along with the OCNE schools your first year of applications. Although it looks like their requirements are quite different, they really aren't. You can apply to OCNE and Linfield and then complete Linfield's extra requirements if you get accepted. That was my plan and it all worked out. I was accepted at Linfield with only OCNE pre-reqs done but in the end turned them down in favor of OHSU. Had I chosen Linfield, I would have had plenty of time between acceptance and start time to complete the extra classes. Doing that saves a ton of time, money, stress :) Keep up the great planning and if you are at PCC, meet with the Health Administration Office advice counselor regularly. Melissa Stark was in charge for years, but I believe she is out on maternity leave. Another little nugget of advice; do not just see any advisor. Nursing requirements are so specific and you will get very confused if you meet with the general advisors. Meet with only the advisors that work in the HAO and you will save yourself a ton of undue stress and possibly some classes you don't need.

You can absolutely retake Nutrition and Human Development again and have them override the previous grades. In fact, it's highly recommended that you do so. As far as financial aid and if they will pay, I honestly don't have any idea. I didn't have that situation, so I'm not sure how that works at all. Even if you have to pay for them out of pocket though, it's worth it. Your GPA is crucial to getting in and those two classes may make the difference between acceptance or not. When I did the A&P series, I was taking a full 12 credit load. I took A&P with math, writing, spanish, etc. I had to take 12 credits for financial aid, but also wanted to finish my pre-reqs sooner rather than later. It's definitely possible, but you need to be committed. Study for A&P every day. It's not the kind of class you can just do the minimum and still get an A. It's tons of memorization so studying every day, without fail will make a huge difference. I have two small children and managed A&P with a full course load so it is possible. As a side note, human development is an incredibly easy class and you take it online. With a bare minimum of effort, you can easily get an A. Navigating through all of this type of stuff is half the battle and you are doing quite well for yourself with asking great questions and seeking advice. I think you'll do just great!

In rereading my response, I realized I probably wasn't as clear as I could have been. What I was getting at with the pre-reqs is that there is a big difference between what is required to apply, and what is required to start. With OCNE schools, it's really important to have all the requirements done by application time. You get an additional five points for having them done so it makes a big difference. Micro, anthro, sociology and classes like that are required to enter the program, but you get no additional points for having them done, so it's best to do those in spring and summer term, while you are waiting to hear if you got in and/or waiting to start the program. I hope this all makes sense! If you have any questions, you can always PM me :)

Oh Lisa, I'm so sorry. That's horrible. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that something else comes along for you. I'm so sorry.

You are not alone! It's very nerve wracking when you are just starting to tackle the pre-reqs and application process. A&P is hugely important, make sure you get all A's. Your GPA is paramount in getting noticed so if you need to repeat any other classes (such as writing or math) make sure you do so. I would recommend not taking micro as part of your "pre-reqs". Yes, it is required to start the program, but it is not required to apply. Therefore, put micro off until the application process is complete. I didn't apply to UofP, but I did apply to OHSU, PCC, and Linfield and was accepted at all of them. I focused my pre-reqs on PCC and OHSU since focusing on the OCNE schools will give you the most options. The schools love to see pre-reqs done, rather than in progress. This means A&P, WR, Math 95, PSY 215, Nutrition etc. You also get additional points for having foreign language so if you can squeeze that in, it looks great. Know the OCNE requirements inside and out and be able to recite them in your sleep. As far as Linfield goes, you really only need the same basic requirements as the OCNE schools to apply. You just have to show at application time that you CAN complete the additional requirements by the time the program starts (you need anthro, additional bio, and a few others...again comb their website extensively). After that, it's all about the essay. As Sara said, find something that sets you apart. Volunteer, get your CNA, do something that makes you stand out. OSHU and Linfield are really big on community service. Try to find something that you can get involved in that will show your commitment to community. Lastly, do your homework. Comb the school websites and find out exactly what they want to see in an applicant. Each school says specifically what an ideal candidate encompasses. See what qualities they are looking for, and make sure your qualities are inline with what they are seeking. Good luck to you and remember to breathe!! It will all be done before you know it!

They denied you for a personal loan or an alternative student loan? They have very different approval rates. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you!! It's my understanding that even with very poor credit, alternative student loans get approved. If you do it online, you get an immediate response. Sending you "approval vibes" and keep us posted!! Good luck!

Weird...the link isn't showing up. Go the wells fargo website, click student loans, then "professional students" to find info on the MedCap loan. Good luck!!

Hi Lisa! Congrats on your acceptance! When you applied for the loans, were you trying to just get standard personal loans? Personal loans are more difficult to get. Students loans (also known as alternative loans) are much easier. They have a decent APR and you get approved much, much more easily. Wells Fargo has an excellent, easy to use site. They will approve you instantly, pending certification from OHSU on the amount. They have a MedCap loan that is specifically for nursing and med students. Give this a try: Browser Warning I hope this helps!! I know how frustrating this all can be. Hang in there!!

Congrats on graduating from UofP!! I'm in Portland also and know what a fantastic program that is. I'm just starting the BSN program at OHSU I lived in SLO for a few years and just wanted to add that you should check out French Hospital. I did clinic work when I lived there and often went to French with the ophthalmologist I worked for to observe surgery. It's a great facility. Best of luck with your move to warmer lands!!

Hi John! I know I'm a little late, but I just came across your post and felt compelled to reply. I'm a COT and have over 15 years experience in ophthalmology. How long have you been a tech? Are you certified? Being a tech is a fantastic job and gives you invaluable experience. If you don't like your supervisor but like your job, I think you should continue on the tech track and pursue your RN, since that's what you really want to do. Being an LPN is great for some people, but since it's not ultimately what you want, I think you should skip it. You're in a pretty sweet spot having a good job with patient care. If you aren't certified, get certified quickly. Getting your COA is a snap and with minimal experience, you should pass the test easily. If you have your COA, get your COT. Once you are certified, you can literally write your own ticket. Get a job with a different clinic. Contact all of the large clinics in your city. Ask to speak to the technician supervisor and explain that you are looking for a new position. Even if they aren't actively looking for techs, you are likely to get an interview. Large clinics ALWAYS need talented, skilled staff. I strongly recommend getting into the largest possible clinic for the following reasons: 1) They will support you going to school 2) You can likely get time in the ASC. Most large clinics have their own ASC. You can get very valuable surgical experience this way. It's huge when you are applying to nursing schools. 3) You will work with a large base of doctors with many different personalities. This will help prepare you for your nursing career. You'll get use to speaking to docs and bringing things to their attention when you notice something wrong. 4) In a larger clinic you are more likely to be able to switch days/times of work accommodate your nursing school schedule when the time comes. In addition to all this, you are doing yourself a HUGE favor. We all know the job market is not great for nurses right now. If that trend continues, and you have several years of ophthalmic experience, you can easily work as an RN in any ophthalmic setting whether it's clinical, surgical, or management. Knowing this may help ease the financial burden your fiance feels. I know it makes my husband feel better knowing there is a definite light at the end of the tunnel. Best of luck to with your decision. If you have any questions about the tech world or certification track, don't hesitate to email me. I'm getting ready to start a BSN program next month and am currently working as COT so I know exactly how you feel!! Just try not to fall asleep while you are counting to two all day