Senior Synthesis FAQs

Where will I be placed for my synthesis clinical experience? 

All synthesis placements will be within commuting distance of campus, which is defined as approximately 2-3 hours driving time.  Students are expected to attend their classes throughout the semester and participate in all class-related activities on campus.  Clinical faculty will travel to visit all synthesis students on site to ensure that all placements meet SON standards for providing our students with a quality practicum experience (This may be adjusted during COVID due to restrictions).  The majority of placements will be made in the greater Portland metropolitan area. This may span from Salem, OR to Longview, WA.   

What if I cannot work nights? 

Unless you have a medical reason with an accommodation plan in place with Accessible Education Services (AES), then you will need to work whatever shift your preceptor works. This may include working night shift. 

• If you have an accommodation plan be sure to make an appointment to see Pat Alderman. 
• If you have special family issues (ie, childcare concerns), please indicate this in the comments section on the request form. If possible it will be taken into consideration but cannot be guaranteed. 
• Students will not receive their synthesis schedule until summer session.  

 I don’t have a vehicle, so I need to take public transportation. Can I have a day placement? 

Not necessarily. As a UP nursing student, you are responsible for making arrangements to get to your clinical site for your shift assignment. Plan ahead for this experience. You are responsible for meeting requirements to complete your nursing education. 

  What kinds of non-acute care synthesis placements may be available? 

• Post-Acute Care    
• County Health Department 
• Nurse Family Partnership 
• Corrections Health  
• Outpatient Clinics: Peds, OB, family practice, oncology  
• Wound Care Clinics  
• Migrant Health Clinic  
• Reproductive Medicine Clinic 
• Hospice 
• Home Health (hospice, palliative, infusion, pediatric special needs, general) 
• Long-term care (adults or children) 
• Head Start 
• School Nursing 
• Addiction Health 
• Anything that is not an acute care setting where RNs work may be an option.  

What kinds of acute care synthesis placements may be available?

• Perioperative/OR  
• PACU 
• ICU/CCU 
• Cardiac/Tele 
• Day Surgery 
• Rehab 
• Surgical unit 
• Behavioral Health
• Orthopedics 
• Medical unit 
• Neurology 
• Oncology
• Perinatal/OB 
• NICU or PICU 
• Pediatrics 
• Burn Center 
• Emergency Department 
• Wound Care
• Float Pool 
• Any kind of in-patient unit in a hospital 

Do I get to choose the facility or preceptor where I want to be placed? 

No. We work with a local consortium of 15 nursing schools and practice partners to secure practicum placements months in advance. You can opt-out of one of the following placement types, if you chose: OB, Pediatrics, Critical Care/ICU, and ED. Placements will be made by a team of SON faculty and will be based on where students opt-out, available placements, and other multiple factors.  

 What hospitals might I be placed in? 

• Legacy Emanuel Medical Center/ Randall Children’s Hospital 
• Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center 
• Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center
• Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center
• Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center 
• PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center
• PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center
• VA Portland Health Care System 
• OHSU Hospital/Doernbecher Children’s Hospital 
• Providence Portland Medical Center 
• Providence St. Vincent Medical Center 
• Providence Milwaukie Hospital 
• Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center 
• Providence Newberg Medical Center 
• Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center 
• Kaiser Westside Medical Center 
• Adventist Medical Center 
• Tuality Hospital 
• Silverton Hospital 
• Salem Hospital 

What if I am interested in a high acuity synthesis placement? 

The Synthesis Placement Team will consider evidence to guide decisions in placing students in ED, Critical Care, OB, and Pediatric settings.  

Should I get additional certifications to be placed in certain settings? 

Additional certifications such as PALS, ACLS, NRP, etc. are not required for ANY practicum placement and as such are not a factor in the capstone placement process.