khazel2002

Hi Shelbel - I was in the 18-month accelerated program. graduated in Dec 2006. I got engaged in Feb 2005, and had planned to get married in August 2005. When I was accepted to school, I learned that we had competency assessments the Monday after my planned wedding date - not the best scenario. So we delayed the wedding for the following August. Because we had a few weeks off from classes, it worked. However, I had already done a lot of planning prior to my getting accepted to school, my mom was able to help out a lot. We also decided to really tone the wedding down, just to keep it simple. Actually, the planning that I did do during school was a nice distraction for me. So, this really worked for me. If you are aiming for a large elaborate wedding, I wouldn't advise trying to do it during the program. But, don't underestimate the need for distraction from school - so maybe planning a wedding would be a fun, non-school-related activity. (You will need these, I promise!) Good luck!

I have to agree with the previous 2 replies. I graduated from Linfield in Dec 2006. Got a job working on a med/onc floor in Jan 2007. Worked nights for about 14 months, and I felt like a typical new grad. I was constantly learning, but was right about where I was supposed to be in terms of knowledge and skills. One of my greatest strengths was that I could always identify and utlize good resources when I needed them. (And, while I don't attribute that strength 100% to Linfield, I do think that my experience there taught me a great deal about thinking my way through things...) After 14 months on the floor, I was asked to step into an education/staff development coordinator role. When discussing this shift of duties, I asked the manager and director what made them think of me for it. Apparently, they too felt that though I didn't know everything, I did a good job of getting the info I needed to get a job done. What I'm saying is that I personally feel that Linfield directly influenced the type of nurse that I am, and influenced my ability to be in the position I am currently in (which I love, by the way!) Nursing school is what you make of it. You are directly responsible for getting the best experience you possibly can - this is the start of a professional career, and thus only the beginning of many, many educational opportunities. I wish you the best of luck!

Hmmm...this sounds like a ILA from Nursing 413:Stewardship...

Congrats for getting into Linfield! I know the post is intended for Spring '09 cohorts, but I had to reply anyway. I graduated from the accelerated 2nd degree program at Linfield a couple of years ago. I got my acceptance in Apr '05, and started that June...and for those 2 months I was nervous, apprehensive, terrified, and constantly second guessing myself. I kept telling myself that I would feel better and more at ease after orientation, because then I would at least have an idea of what to expect. The first day of Orientation was interesting and incredibly overwhelming at the same time. I can tell you, I didn't really feel any better....EXCEPT that there were 40 other people with me, all in the same boat. Once the term got going, I found myself settling into the routine. It wasn't a walk in the park. There were certainly times that I was incredibly frustrated. You probably will be too, but, hey, that's part of nursing school! Will it be easier than you expect? Quite possibly, it was for me...and for many of my classmates. I think that we all built up nursing school so much that we were pleasantly surprised. That's not to say I didn't work hard. But I was able to play hard too. I don't have kids, but classmates of mine did, and they made it work. Hey, I even had time to plan a wedding and get married during our short summer break! As for Linfield. I liked it, despite some of my classmates arguments that there was more of a community health emphasis. I think I got plenty of med/surg knowledge. After graduation, I went to work on a med/onc floor, and felt I was adequately prepared. I will say this - there are some pretty amazing professors and instructors there - you will quickly learn who they are. The location is awesome. Lots of stuff going on around NW 21st and 23rd. While you wait for the term to start: Just try to have some fun! Or, if you really want to get a start on your nursing career, I would just get into the groove of nursing...There are some great magazine/journals out there that have really good info. Read Nursing2009. Or, for some basic, fun, and very easy to read tips, Nursing Made Incredibly Easy is a good source. You could get a start on the required course reading, but you might as well just wait...there will be plenty of time. Again, congratulations, and good luck at Linfield!

I went to Linfield, which was a great program for me, but may not be so for everyone. I worked at OHSU for 7 years (before nursing school) and the reviews I heard from friends who went there were not so favorable - and, I may be wrong, but isn't the high ranking from U.S. News & World Report for OHSU's Master's Program? I have to say that out of all the people I've spoken to, both recent grads and seasoned nurses have said that grads from U. of Portland are notoriously well-prepared for both the NCLEX, as well as working in the "real world". The bottom line is to look into all programs you are interested in, talk to current students, look at NCLEX pass rates, look at the class descriptions....basically the whole package. You'll find the program that's right for you.

As a recent new grad (Dec 2006) of a BSN accelerated program, I have to say that I too had serious fears of getting a job. Don't let what you read on this website discourage you...there are quite a few opportunities out there. I ended up doing the Legacy internship, which is available a couple of times a year. Also, the Providence system will also take some new grads, as will OHSU, and the Veteran's Hospital. Sunnyside Kaiser also has an internship program for new grads that is offered 1-2 times a year, I think. The first place to start is to look up these hospitals' websites and contact the HR, asking about opportunities for new grads. Just looking at the joblistings may or may not provide the info you need. Good luck!

I would recommend applying everywhere you possibly can. Both Linfield (Portland Campus) and University of Portland have accelerated programs for RN-to-be's who already have a previous Bachelor's degree in another field. I just graduated from Linfield, and liked the program, and have heard good things about U of P as well. Good luck!

I hope people keep posting more tips, but I just wanted to say "THANK YOU!!" for all your feedback. I just got married in August, and spending as much time with my husband (who works days Mon-Fri) is very important. :smilecoffeecup: I think I have a good idea as to how to make this work! Thanks again! -K

Hi there, I'm soon to graduate, and will be going to work for a Med-surg floor during the night shift. I've worked nights before, years ago, but now I tend to be an early morning person. Does anyone have sugestions on how I may prep for the night shift? (Stay up all night, go to bed at noon, etc...) Thanks!

I want to put my two cents in: #1 - I agree about the interview and the streamlining of pre-reqs. It would make applying sooo much easier. #2 - I have no doubt that the info you passed on about the GPA is what you were told. But I have had a different experience. I already have a Bachelor's degree. My overall GPA was a 3.4 (this is the 1st BA and the Post-bacc pre-reqs combined) and my science GPA was a 3.3. I got into a great BSN program, in Portland, on my 1st try (I got into 2 programs, by the way). No, I'm not trying to brag.....I have a point. So what was my edge? I have no idea. But I did write a passionate essay, and I had also had somewhat of a clinical background (clinical research), but I also think that a CNA, Med Asst, or even volunteer work would have done the same thing. The only reason I wanted to pass this info on is a memory of last year, about 2 weeks after I submitted my applications. I had recently found this site, and started reading the (numerous) negative posts about how hard it was to get into nursing schools, and how nobody gets in with a GPA of less than 3.8, and it was really just a hopeless cause...I was so depressed, I wished I could turn back time and get my applications back. It turned out well for me. I would hate for anyone else out there to give up their dreams like I almost did. Please, don't give up hope.

That's strange. Check out: http://www.linfield.edu/portland/nursing/index.html -or- http://www.linfield.edu/portland/admissions/transfer-prereqs.html I received my BA degree in 1998....in 2002 I decided to go bck to school for nursing. Along with my the classes I had for my 1st BA, I needed a full year of anatomy and physiology, a year of chemistry (both with labs). Also, a microbiology +lab class, statistics, anthropology, nutition, developmental psychology, etc... I took 1 class at a time, all at Portland State University, and my pre-reqs took me 2 1/2 years. I was working full time, and it was incredibly tough. But I made it. And now I'm so incredibly happy! Linfield is challenging, but the professors are amazing, and I feel like I'll get the best education I could possibly get. As for other programs. OHSU is ranked way up there - it's a great program. I didn't apply there, because I knew that it wasn't the best for me. But I urge you to talk to people there - also, check out Walla Walla College, which also has its nursing campus in Portland. Also, look at University of Portland, which has a scholorship program through the providence hospitals - they pay all or at least a large chunk (I'm not sure which) of tuition if you work for one of their programs. Check out previous threads on this site for more details. Also, there are several Associate Degree programs here through community colleges - I have a few friends who have gone through them and have really good things to say about those programs, specifically Clackamas Community College, Mt Hood Community College, and Portland Community College. Anyway...I wish you the best of luck. The only other advice I have is that when you look through previous threads on this site, ignore the negativity. I had just submitted applications when I first discovered this message board, and after 20 minutes of reading previous threads, I was convinced I would NEVER get in anywhere. Obviously, I was wrong!

Not true. I am in Linfield's accelerated program. I started in June (2005) and will get done in December 2006 (18 months). It is designed for people who already have a bachlor's degree, but they have other curriculums for sophomore-entry and junior-entry (no prior bachelor's). Their main campus is in McMinneville, but all nursing classes are done at their Portland campus. I highly reccommend the program....it's a little costly, but with all the financial aid options (there are a TON of resources for that) it is very affordable. Good luck!

I too had been thinking about nursing for awhile...I was working in a clinical setting, loved working with the patients, but hated the the fact that I had no way to advance in my career without another degree. I finally decided to start working on the nursing pre-reqs, and just see where it led me. I applied to both BSN and Associate Degree programs. The application process was grueling, partly because I knew so many people who were applying, and felt there was no way I had a chance. But I took a deep breath, and made the plunge. I'm glad that I did - just started Linfield's accelerated 18-month BSN program for students who have a previous BA/BS degree. The associate degree programs are less expensive, but if you want to go into management or get a higher degree, you will want the BSN. There are many schools that offer an RN to BSN program, so that's always an option. I have two pieces of advice: #1 - yes, do whatever you can to get some kind of clinical experience, whether it's becoming a CNA, or volunteer work, or whatever (or all of the above). Out of ~850 applicants to Linfield's programs, only 140 were accepted. Most of the people I've talked to have some level of a clinical background. (Also, a letter of reccommedation from a clinical source looks really good!) #2 - don't let the cost of a BSN program discourage you. There are a TON of financial aid opportunities, some specifically for those of us who are going back for a 2nd degree. If you are thinking about a school but are worried about the cost, contact the financial aid office even before you apply. Good luck!!

Congrats! I also got an interview at Clackamas, but declined as I was accepted into another program, and just couldn't bear another rejection! I spoke with a friend who went to Clackamas, and she said that the interview process, at least the oral part, is mostly asking how you might handle certain situations; meaning - they want to know your logic, maturity, and problem-solving skills. It's in a panel, with 3 or 4 other interviewees, and the ask a question, then go down the line. She encourgage showing creativity, and be yourself. You're trying to impress, but don't be afraid to answer in a manner that makes you unique and stand out from the crowd. Best of luck to you...can I ask, do you have any kind of background in a clinical setting? I've heard that it can make all the difference in the world. Best of luck to you!!!