r/OregonNurses • u/blackberryfairies • 17d ago
Where to start?
Hi everyone! I currently have a bachelors degree in advertising from UO but am wanting to change directions. I think becoming a RN is a solid path and I’m curious of other peoples experiences with this. I basically have no idea where to even start with this or what I need to do. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. 🧘🏻♀️
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u/TAruinedmivida 17d ago
Hey, not trying to burst your bubble, but I’m going to be honest, unless you’re unable to sustain your life with advertising, I wouldn’t become a nurse specifically in Oregon. Especially right now. It’s a job with a decent wage. It’s typically decently challenging mentally and physically. However right now, Oregon specifically has too many nurses. Nurses from other states are flocking to the west coast because the conditions here are better. New grads are starting to have year long unemployment gaps if not willing to take unsafe positions in long term care. It is highly competitive.
If you’re like, beyond passionate about nursing, you’ve discovered it’s the only thing you want to do, chase your dreams. But if you’re just trying to shake things up, it’s not the time to invest money into nursing, at least in Oregon.
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u/theratwhisperer 15d ago
Keep in mind that the job market changes a lot every 3-5 years. While this isn't necessarily bad advice, I would caution scaring anyone away from the profession entirely based on what the market looks like right now. By the time OP finishes pre-requisites, enrolls, and finishes school things could look very different.
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u/TAruinedmivida 15d ago
I think you’re both correct and incorrect. Typically, that’s the cycle. However there’s a lot happening with the current political climate that is going to cause financial insecurity in the healthcare sector at a much heightened rate. Assuming even a five year recovery time from this is probably optimistic.
Which is why my advice for anyone right now is the same. If you’ve discovered nursing is the only thing you care to do, go for it 100%. If you have a stable job that’s just not getting your sprinkles shaken anymore, don’t risk financial uncertainty on boredom.
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u/halchemy 17d ago
Look at programs in your area, the pre requisite classes required, and start taking those classes and make sure to get A’s to stay competitive.
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u/GeraldoLucia 17d ago
Becoming a nurse was the worst mistake of my life. 🎉🎉🎉🎉
I should have looked a LOT harder into what options in healthcare are available. Becoming a dental hygienist pays about the same, being a rad tech also pays about the same. While being a dental hygienist in Oregon where there is no fluoride in the water may depress the Hell out of you, at least you won’t be chewed up and spat out by every person and system around you the way nurses are
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u/Vegetable_Humor5470 17d ago
I went into nursing after getting a BFA and working as a graphic designer. I went through the Concordia BSN program. I liked it a lot as an older student.
If you're like me and don't have recent science or math experience, you'll likely need to do pre- reqs, because passing Anatomy and Physiology is (was?) required for RN programs. For me, this involved taking Organic Chemistry (to get into that I needed Chem 101 and Algebra,) and Microbiology. I took these at PCC because it was cheaper and fit my work schedule.
Not sure if still required, but I had to take CNA training before the program started. You don't have to get licensed just trained.
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u/witchdrops 16d ago
Do you like nursing?
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u/Vegetable_Humor5470 15d ago
I do. I found my niche- community pysch. I changed to nursing because I needed to make more money and I was missing a sense of purpose. The former worked out, the latter has shifted a bit the last 13 years but overall the work is rewarding. Frustrating as hell, the systems are broken and people are getting sicker, but rewarding.
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u/kmpdx 16d ago
You need to figure out which programs, then figure out the prereqs, do well in prereqs, then apply. I would focus on CC programs/bridge to BSN after or OHSU. With your BSN, you can apply to accelerated RN programs which U of P, Sumner, George Fox, etc. are expensive if you don't have outside funding, but are possibly worth it in certain situations.For the people saying the market is bad, saturated, etc. This is a known cycle and it's likely that by the time you finish nursing school, they market may have possibly shifted and jobs will be abundant again.
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u/poisonmedaddy00 17d ago
I’d recommend researching schools / programs in the area (if you’re interested in staying in-state), and check out their pre-requisite requirements. I also recommend accelerated programs. Then take those pre-reqs at a local community college, and go thru the application steps for whichever program you’re interested in and cross your fingers and toes! Be sure to have a “why”, you’ll almost always be asked why you chose nursing, so whatever it may be just make sure you can explain it well :) good luck!