Relocating for NP school

msdt37767 · Mar 28, 2015

I went to undergrad at OHSU and still have a house in Portland, great area, great school. If you like a laid back metro experience with plenty of access to mountains and within 70miles of the pacific coast with plenty of 20somethings it is worth going to live. With that said I am currently living in San Antonio and wheenever I miss Portland I go up to Austin. They have a similar vibe, but Austin is further from salt water and real mountains but the area still has wonderful access to the great outdoors. I have a few workmate who attended Nursing grad work at Austin and they all liked the program. UT Austin is much cheaper, if cost is any consideration (for myself it is though not number one definitely a tie breaker). Hope this helps some.

elkpark · Mar 28, 2015

I relocated for grad school, and would encourage you to choose a school without getting sidetracked on the living issues. You can manage to put together a satisfying life wherever you find yourself, and, if that turns out to be really impossible, it's only for a limited time. But the school is the school. If you're going to the expense and effort to relocate to attend school, IMO, you should spend that money and effort on attending the school that is really the best choice, academically and professionally, for you and your future. To me, that's the top priority, not the community and your living situation. Best wishes for your journey!

hakhama · Mar 29, 2015

Thank you both for the helpful comments!

Elkpark, how do I know which school would be best for me academically and professionally? Oregon has a great NP practice environment, its PMHNP program is highly therapy-focused (an interest of mine), and they have good clinicals. Would you say these are good factors to consider?

Msdt, did the climate in Portland vs. Texas make any difference to your happiness?

msdt37767 · Mar 29, 2015

The climate in Portland is actually pretty mild but the gray does get to you by Feb/March but I am partial to the greenery of the Northwest and will be returning this fall to Seattle for my DNP at UW.

As an OHSU alum and considering one of my favorite classmates is now an associate PMHNP professor I am very partial to the school.

hakhama · Mar 29, 2015

Awesome! That's great to hear. I'm strongly leaning toward OHSU over all the other schools I applied to. Congrats on UW - an amazing school as well!

I'm from the upper Midwest and just want a more mild climate. Originally I thought I wanted sun (hence Texas) but mostly I just hate the harsh winter. It sounds like Portland would fit the bill.

Nurse_Roz · Apr 1, 2015

The most important factor should be the school. More specifically, you need to think about the preceptorships. If the school you choose finds your preceptors for you, then relax (sort of - it's still grad school). On the other hand, if your school only "helps" you find preceptorships, then you need to think about availability. Boston, for example, has a huge medical community, but that medical community has led to a HUGE number of NP students looking for preceptorships. If you don't know anyone, finding preceptors can be difficult. It's something to think about, because the last thing you want is to delay graduation due to a lack of preceptor hours.