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
It takes just one year to complete an LPN program, but job prospects and salaries are much lower. Hence, the common choice is to become an RN by either completing a 2 year associate degree (ADN) program, or a four year bachelor degree (BSN).
MEET THE PREREQUISITES TO BE ACCEPTED TO THE SCHOOL OF YOUR CHOICE
For RN programs in particular, you will generally be expected to complete a number of undergraduate courses in areas such as statistics and liberal arts.
PASS THE RELEVANT NCLEX EXAM
The NCLEX examination for LPNs is the NCLEX-PN, while the exam for RNs is the NCLEX-RN.
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
[hen-ui-text variant="b4" data-ek="hen-ui-text:3"]For Nurse Practitioners (NPs), the program must be accredited either by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Additionally, the program must emphasize a certain population focus, with a choice of :- Adult
Acute Care
Geriatric
Neonatal
Pediatrics
Psychiatric/Mental Health
Women Health
Graduation took place no more than two years ago; or
Having taken part in 850 practice hours that included teaching, direct care, supervision, consulting and research in relating to the CRNA scope.
45 contact hours in the past two years in pharmacology.
30 hour pharmacology course and 15 CE (continuous education) hours in pharmacological management.
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
[hen-ui-text variant="b4" data-ek="hen-ui-text:16"]The following national certification agencies are recognized by the Board:- The AACN (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses), which recognizes the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner.
The AANP (American Academy of Nurse Practitioners), which recognizes the Adult Nurse Practitioner and the Adult-Gerontology Primary Care NP.
The American College of Nurse-Midwives, which recognizes the Nurse Midwife Nurse Practitioner.
The ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center), which recognizes the Adult Nurse Practitioner, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP), Gerontological Nurse Practitioner (GNP), Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) and the Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP).
The NCC (National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Specialties), which recognizes the Women Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) and the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP).
The PNCB (Pediatric Nursing Certification Board, which recognizes the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in Acute Care and Primary Care.
The National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), which recognizes the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
The AACN (American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, which recognizes the pediatric critical care CNS, the adult critical care CNS and the neonatal critical care CNS.
APPLY FOR THE APRN CERTIFICATE AS PER YOUR SPECIALIZATION
- 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.
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.
As a CRNA, you must complete the CRNA application packet and include relevant documentation and fees.
RENEW YOUR LICENSE
In terms of continuous education (CE), the Board expects you to meet the requirements as set by your national certification boar. Additionally, an NP or CNS with prescriptive privileges must complete at least 100 contact hours, 15 of which are with pharmacological content. If you are a CNS without prescriptive privileges, you must complete 40 CE hours. 50% of all these hours must be structured, meaning that they are at advanced level and relate to your specialty.
17938 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd.
Portland, Oregon 97224-7012
Phone: 971-673-0685
Fax: 971-673-0684
