At the end of sophomore year, nursing students seem to suddenly vanish. However, they aren’t going to another school or giving up on their studies but are simply off to complete their junior and senior years at the Portland Nursing Campus.  

That’s right – Walla Walla University has several other campuses. While most instruction takes place in College Place, there are a number of other locations where instruction takes place. From the Marine Biology Station in Anacortes, WA, to the Schools of Social Work and Sociology in Missoula and Billings, MT, there are many unique needs for WWU’s vast variety of programs that these locations support. [1]  

The nursing campus, located in southeast Portland, OR, is made up of a residence hall – Hansen Hall – and the nursing education building, which has a library, simulation labs, practice mannequins, and classrooms. There are approximately 60 students in each graduating class, some residing in the dorm and many living in the area around the school. [2]  

Classes take place on Mondays and Tuesdays, leaving the rest of the week available for clinical placements at hospitals across Portland. Depending on the quarter, students may be placed at Adventist Health right across the green from Hansen Hall, or at any number of hospitals, clinics, and schools up to an hour away. [3] 

While Portland is known as a rainy city, there is much color to be found there. Cosy cafes, food truck parks, nature reserves and parks, art museums, and even colorful neighbourhoods bring life to the city when students break away from the books. Mount Hood can be spotted in the distance on a rare sunny day, Mount Tabor and Powell Butte provide a natural respite within the city, and many quaint seaside towns are only a couple hours' drive away.  

As you go into this new year in College Place, be sure to take some extra time to hang out with your nursing student friends, as soon they’ll be on their way to becoming nurses in Portland. If you are a junior nursing student, welcome to the city, and remember to peel your eyes off the page for a moment to take in the views!  

As you go into this new year in College Place, be sure to take some extra time to hang out with your nursing student friends, as soon they’ll be on their way to becoming nurses in Portland. If you are a junior nursing student, welcome to the city, and remember to peel your eyes off the page for a moment to take in the views!  

References 

1. Walla Walla University Facts. (n.d.). Walla Walla University.
   https://www.wallawalla.edu/about-wwu/general-information/key-facts  

2. Learn Skills at the Forefront of Healthcare. (n.d.). Walla Walla University.
   https://www.wallawalla.edu/academics/areas-of-study/nursing  

3. Ibid. 

 

Photos 

1. NrsgDedication2022. Nursing dedication ceremony for junior nursing students, taking place November 14, 2022. From the Walla Walla University School of Nursing Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=657360112568265&set=pcb.657361955901414