Becoming A Nurse In Oregon + Requirements & Licensing

Oregon has a significant nursing shortage. As a largely rural state, there are many medically underserved areas where demand for nurses is very high. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that in order to attract more high quality.

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Oregon has a significant nursing shortage. As a largely rural state, there are many medically underserved areas where demand for nurses is very high. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that in order to attract more high quality nurses to the state, the salaries are above the national average, standing at $106,610, and rising. This makes it a very interesting state to get to work in as a nurse. So how do you become a nurse in Oregon?

ENTRY LEVEL PRACTICE NURSES

Becoming a nurse in Oregon is a 3-stage process:

DECIDE WHETHER TO TAKE THE LPN (LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE) OR RN (REGISTERED NURSE) OPTION

MEET THE PREREQUISITES TO BE ACCEPTED TO THE SCHOOL OF YOUR CHOICE

PASS THE RELEVANT NCLEX EXAM

ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES

To become an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) in Oregon, you must be authorized by the Oregon State Board of Nursing by meeting a number of requirements. This is a 4-stage process.

EARN A GRADUATE DEGREE AT MASTERS LEVEL (MSN) AS A MINIMUM

Additionally, the curriculum must include core courses in pharmacology, physical assessment, differential diagnosis, pathophysiology and clinical management. Finally, it must include 500 supervised clinical hours in that population focus. It is also possible to choose multiple population focus.

For a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist), the program must be accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Additionally, they must meet one of the following specifications:

  1. Graduation took place no more than two years ago; or
  2. Having taken part in 850 practice hours that included teaching, direct care, supervision, consulting and research in relating to the CRNA scope.

For a CNS (Clinical Nurse Specialist), the degree must be at least at MSN level and must be accredited by CCNE or ACEN. Graduation must have taken place in the past five years or you must have taken part in 960 practice hours in a CNS role in that same time period.Those with an NP or CNS certificate can apply for prescriptive privileges if they meet the at least one of the following requirements:

  1. 45 contact hours in the past two years in pharmacology.
  2. 30 hour pharmacology course and 15 CE (continuous education) hours in pharmacological management.
  3. CNS or NP program that included 45 hours in pharmacology and a full clinical practicum in managing pharmacological needs.

BECOME NATIONALLY CERTIFIED AS AN NP, CNS OR CRNA

APPLY FOR THE APRN CERTIFICATE AS PER YOUR SPECIALIZATION

  1. As an NP, you must complete the Nurse Practitioner Application, including the prescriptive authority form if you wish to apply for this. You must include relevant documentation and fees.
  2. As a CNS, you must fully complete the CNS application with relevant documentation and fees. Make sure you also include the prescriptive authority form if you wish to apply for it.
  3. As a CRNA, you must complete the CRNA application packet and include relevant documentation and fees.

RENEW YOUR LICENSE

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