50 Years of Linn-Benton Nursing Department - Students at Clinic

 Since 1972 Linn-Benton Community College has offered nursing training. This two-year program requires prerequisite courses. With a limited number of students accepted, applications must stand out from the competition. 

Once a year applicants with a Certificate of Nursing Assistant either get to begin their path to an Associate Degree in Nursing or are encouraged to apply again next year. 

Students come from all backgrounds but all seek a career in care. Most of the students interviewed had children, natural care providers from experience now seeking a professional environment. 

There is a national shortage of registered nurses so the demand is high. 

“A professional RN works with healthcare providers and patients in a variety of settings,” according to the Director of LBCC’s Nursing Program Bonnie Larsen. 

“Our graduates are in so many healthcare settings; all three acute care hospitals in the area employ our graduates as well as many other facilities in the state and other states as well,” said Larsen 

Students acquire clinical experience from instructors such as Heather Peacock, who leads her students at Albany Samaritan Hospital. 

Peacock has an Associate Degree from LBCC, then went on to her Bachelor’s Degree and now has a Master’s Degree. She is currently working towards her doctorate in nursing. 

Peacock said she loves learning to further her education, which opens more doors for her career to grow. She fell into her dream job – teaching, molding the student nurses at a pliable stage. She said she feels like a mama duck, guiding them in the correct way to do things, which keeps the medical field safe in a structured way. She also works in labor delivery. Networking with faculty colleagues she happened to give teaching a try and found her passion.

Peacock said she adores learning and reading, riding her Peloton, being with her two young children, riding horses, and anything outdoors. She has four horses, four cats, two dogs, 10 chickens on 22 acres. She has been a nurse for 10 years. 

“You should surround yourself with inspirational people because you are only as stagnant as the weeds around you,” Peacock said.

“Because of COVID many classes are now online and it gives flexibility but lacks the bond of classmates,” she said. In clinical studies each student has one 12-hour session a week in either Lebanon, Albany or Corvallis, where they do rounds or observe surgical operations. 

For students with ambitions to achieve their master’s and doctorate, Linfield College in McMinnville and Bushnell University in Eugene have an articulation agreement with LBCC. 

Registered nurses can expect to begin at $39 per hour and with specialties such as midwife, anesthetist, and general nurse practitioner the wage increases significantly. 

‘With the versatility of nursing, there are a multitude of places to go during a career. Nursing isn’t for everyone – future nurses must like the unexpected, to be on their toes, and be able to think critically,” said student Victoria Larsen.

Students in training find little time for anything else, dedicating most of their time to intensive learning. By graduation new nurses find a rewarding career and are prepared because of the education received at LBCC. 

At A Glance:

When to apply: From March 22 st to April 1st applications are accepted.

Where to apply: Apply online

How many students are accepted: 54

Graduation rate: class of 2019- 94%, class of 2021 - 72%

NCLEX pass rate: Aprox 96%

Prerequisites: 2022 Nursing Bulletin

15 Questions For The Band - Nomad Skyline

 

Interview with Nomad Skyline, a rock band based in Sacramento, California is releasing their first album “Open Road” on February 22. The four members include Linden Wood, a Corvallis local who moved to California to focus on his life long talents in music. Because of Linden’s local ties with the music scene in Lost Tortoise, Azrael, and 30 Pound Test, the anticipation to hear his latest work has grown.

1.) Members of the Band. Who is Nomad Skyline?

Linden Wood (Vocals, rhythm guitar), Chuck Carrasco (bass), Joe Whitworth (lead guitar), Jason Weisker (drums).

2.) Band history, how did you meet?

Jason and Chuck were in a band together that dissolved. Linden, who had auditioned for vocals with them had moved to Sacramento from Corvallis, was invited to join a new band with the addition of Joe on drums. Like in most music scenes, Sacramento’s is tight. Musicians share respect for talent and don't put up with arrogance. Nomad Skyline shows respect to each other's dedication to their music career. 

3.) Where did your appreciation of your music genre come from?

Though there is a difference in generations of the members in this group they all agreed two distinct eras of music influenced their lives, Punk and Grunge. Rock music has many branches, Punk touched into political anti-establishment lyrics in short, fast songs. Grunge is thought of as pondering bass solos with heavy distortion on guitars, bringing the slower tempos and intense dark lyrics. The evolution of rock can be defined in many ways but the journey for every artist is unique. Linden learned Hendrix by age 9 and chords from his big brother, Joe remembers AM radio in New Mexico and watching Van Halen in black and white tv.

4.) Tell me about your Album, when can we buy it and how?

"Open Road", will be available on February 22, (2/22/22) a date the band mates all find memorable. Digital release makes it widely available on Apple Music, iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, and more.

5.) How much have you invested in making this together, and in what?

Investments in studio time is well worth it to Nomad Skyline. The whole band considers it their “happy place”. Investment of the past makes this project happen, the members are all lifetime musicians who bring their knowledge and wisdom of Rock music. Jason said “We came into this band with all the right equipment” meaning they already invested in their instruments. “Time away from our families is the trade off”, said Joe. When writing music, recording songs, and meeting with the producer Brendan Duffey, it’s time that can’t be spent with friends and family but it’s worth creating this album, as the band agrees.

6.) What does marketing look like for you?

Marketing in this environment during the pandemic is less tours and live music and more social media and shares. The success of this album will be measured by “likes” and downloads. Marketing is spreading the word on Youtube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Nomad Skyline's producing team does a lot as far as content. Their animated music video is a tool they use to spread the song across a visual audience. 

7.) What are your thoughts on your PG13 music video?

“We will send you the director's cut,” said Jason. The band tells me the final version was too risque for them and had a few scenes cut. The animator team from Brazil clearly has a sexier vision when listening to “‘64 Fury” then the band wanted as the imagery.

8.) What are you most proud of and what is your next ambition? 

The guys are truly proud of Nomad Skyline and their EP (shorter album). They are looking forward to going on tour. Though they all have separate lives then simply “musician” so a documentary tour bus life isn’t in their deck of goals. Shorter two-week tours supplemented by the money made on the road is a realistic goal.

9.) What does the other half of your life look like?

Each member of Nomad Skyline has another life too. Joe is a history teacher for a local High School. Chuck claims to have a boring desk job that he now more comfortably works from home (thanks to the pandemic). And Joe is a man of all trades “I’m a modern renaissance man”. Linden had been working for a tile company but has saved some money and lined up gigs (paid shows) until next winter, so he will be quitting his “regular” job to be a full time musician. 

10.) What is your advice to other artists who want to be in your position?

“Speak softly and carry a big stick”, said Joe, they all laugh. “Kidding but I always wanted to say that, ‘stay humble’ and be genuine”. Jason’s advice is to find out why the fans are at the show and keep doing that. The bandmates listen to each other and nod in agreement. The mutual respect is obvious.

11.) Do you have a tour coming up? 

Nomad Skyline is setting up a spring and summer tour through the Willamette Valley and up to Seattle but dates are yet to be decided. 

12.) Solo career? 

Linden has an acoustic solo career that he continues. Having a variety of musical genres is helpful when booking venues folk, rock, alternative, and country. Linden Wood has his own songs as well as many covers by favorite artists through the decades.

13.) Will we hear you on the radio?

You will hear Nomad Skyline on the radio if you request them! IHeartRadio.com has their single tracks and can play when requested. So please request away!

14.) What is the biggest adjustment you as musicians have had during the worldwide pandemic?

Navigating their musical careers in this pandemic has been like “reinventing the wheel while the car is on fire” said Chuck. Because the music scene had to basically shut down for the first few months of the pandemic then soft open to bands who had the technological edge. Most bands and musicians had to wait for the ‘new normal’ to find acceptable ways to play they way they knew how. 2022 is providing the way to tour again and play live shows.

15.) What has been the hardest step in this Album creation?

The hardest thing has just been being away from family and quarantine. But the finished product has been well worth it. Playing live sets with our polished music is what the band has hoped for. They are all in their element when playing live, it's a feeling that can barely be described but rocking out with the crowd over your music is the reason worth the work.

At A Glance:

Nomad Skyline 

Rock Band located in Sacramento California

Members: Linden Wood (Vocals, rhythm guitar), Chuck Carrasco (bass), Joe Whitworth (lead guitar), Jason Weisker (drums).

Album: “Open Road” premiering 2/22/2022

Featuring: "'64 Fury"

Website:www.nomadskyline.com

Hometown Corvallis

 

Weatherford Hall, student dormitory in Corvallis. Built in 1928 and updated in 2004 now of the University’s most iconic buildings and arguably the most photographed. Starship delivery on the go, bringing food to students and staff across the more than 500 acre campus.

Greg Edward Little, owner of Squirrels Tavern. Open since November of 1974 located at 100 SW 2nd St. in downtown Corvallis. Squirrels Tavern is the local spot for beer, burgers, and good buddies.

Sunday Brunch in downtown Corvallis. After game day brunch is an essential for survival at Bellhop on Madison, between 1st and 2nd, or Wisecrack’s Cafe on 3rd St between Madison and Monroe. Waiting their turn as the list dwindles down, patrons check in.