Overcoming obstacles to nursing success

Sometimes the road to success has curves

When Natisha Ortiz Rodriguez ’24 talks about her journey to becoming a registered nurse, she’s quick to highlight the challenges she faced along the way — and how she overcame them. From failing a course to navigating the complexities of being a first-generation college student, Natisha pursued her dream of becoming a nurse with resilience, determination and community.

The Portland native and fourth-semester Linfield nursing student celebrates a major milestone this month: receiving her pin at the December Pinning Ceremony and starting her professional career as a nurse.

“Excited doesn't even begin to cover it,” Natisha said. “It feels completely surreal to think that soon I’ll have BSN, RN behind my name. I’m beyond thrilled to be joining the 7% of Hispanic nurses in the U.S. and to represent Linfield as I step into my nursing career.”

Finding a place at Linfield

Natisha started a nursing program in Colorado; however, once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she wanted something familiar to her. She decided to move back to Oregon.

“During that time, I shifted my focus to nursing programs in Oregon,” Natisha said.

Recent graduates shed light on the Linfield-Good Samaritan School of Nursing.

“Some alumni recommended Linfield to me. I was intrigued by what they shared, and looking back, I’m so thankful I decided to listen and make the move,” she said. “Coming to Linfield was one of the best decisions I could have made—it’s been an incredible experience, and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else as I finish this journey.” 

Support for first-generation students 

As a first-generation college and nursing student, Natisha faced unique challenges. She found the welcoming and supportive community she needed at Linfield’s School of Nursing.

“While being the first has come with its challenges, I’m incredibly fortunate that my journey at Linfield has been made much easier thanks to the support I've received,” Natisha said. “The First-Generation Club has been a huge part of that, offering a sense of community and a space where I always felt understood.”

As part of the First-Generation Club, peer mentors help students navigate college by offering guidance.

“I could text them at any time with questions or concerns,” Natisha said. “I didn’t hesitate to ask every question in the book, and they were always more than willing to help.”

Peer mentors also connect first-generation students to departments, staff members and other resources. 

“Linfield made it clear where to find the resources I needed, and they provided strong support along the way,” Natisha said. “However, it was also important to be proactive and willing to seek them out. I’ve learned throughout this journey that success requires both support and personal responsibility.”

A community of faculty support 

Natisha also received help and encouragement from the nursing school professors.

“There is definitely a strong faculty-student relationship at Linfield,” she said. “From the very beginning, I felt supported by my professors, and that connection has only deepened throughout my time here.”  

One faculty member, in particular, left a lasting impression. 

“Professor Truong went above and beyond to ensure I felt supported, especially when I faced challenges,” she remembered. “After exams, he would meet with me one-on-one to review the material, offering clear explanations and helping me understand where I went wrong.” 

Overcoming challenges and moving forward 

Natisha’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. One of her toughest moments came when she failed the NURS 455 Acute Conditions class and delayed graduation by a semester.  

“It honestly felt like the end of the world,” she said. “However, my passion and determination to become a nurse kept me going. I refused to let that failure define me or derail my dream.” 

Thanks to her resilience and hard work, Natisha overcame this setback and is proudly participating in the December pinning ceremony.  

She offers heartfelt advice for other first-generation nursing students: 

“My biggest piece of advice for other first-generation nursing students is this: It’s going to feel daunting at times, and you may feel absolutely lost at moments, unsure of what you’ve stepped into, but if you truly want this, it will be yours.” 

After graduation, Natisha will begin her career in the NeuroTrauma ICU at Legacy Emanuel.  

“The future is incredibly bright,” she said. “I can’t wait to make a difference in the field and in my community.”