Renewal
How can I reactivate my RN or LPN license?
Reactivation is the process of reactivating an Oregon nursing license that has been expired more than 60 days. Generally, you are eligible for reactivation if your Oregon nursing license has been expired for more than 60 days, provided you are otherwise qualified. Specifically, you must meet the Oregon State Board of Nursing education, practice and legal requirements:
- You must have worked as a nurse, at the level for which you are seeking license or above, for at least 960 hours during the last five years. If you graduated from an approved nursing program with a degree appropriate for the licensure level you seek within the last five years, you are eligible for reactivation. Continuing education cannot be used to meet the practice requirement.
- All licensure and renewal applications are run through the Oregon Law Enforcement Data System and may be run through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing Information Systems and Disciplinary Databank. Including false or misleading information on your application may result in a denial of licensure, disciplinary action, and a civil penalty ranging from $100 to $5,000.
- Complete a national criminal background check.
All sections of the Reactivation Application Packet must be completed before licensure can be granted.
Practice
What is the practice of nursing?
The practice of nursing is a set of interactions that take place between the nurse and the client. The process starts with a detailed assessment of the client’s health care needs. The nurse interviews the client and sometimes the family to obtain the health history as well as the current health status. The nurse physically examines the patient and also reviews the client's medical record including important data such as the results of diagnostic tests. Nursing assessment is followed by developing a plan of care which address the client's ongoing health conditions. The goal of a nursing plan of care is to improve an individual's health status and to prevent future illness. The interventions outlined in a nursing plan of care may include support with activities of daily living as well as highly complex technological services such as ventilator support. It is the nurse's job to observe the effects of the services being provided to each client and to make necessary adjustments. The nurse should always be the patient's advocate and act in the client's best interest.
Licensure
Am I required to have multiple licenses if I accept a temporary assignment in another compact state?
When hired in a remote state for a temporary position or commuting to a remote state from the primary state of residence (usually an adjacent state), employers cannot require you to apply for licensure in the remote state when you have lawfully declared another state as your primary state of residence. Primary state of residence is based on where you pay federal income tax, vote and/or hold a driver’s license. The remote board of nursing cannot issue a license to a nurse who has declared another compact state as the primary state of residence, since the compact license from the home state applies to both states and having multiple compact licenses is therefore redundant. You have the privilege to practice in any remote compact state with your home state compact license.
Exam
Is the NCLEX pass rate history of a nursing program important?
The NCLEX pass rate is just one important factor in determining what nursing program you choose. A program which consistently shows NCLEX pass rates of at least 85% does indicate that students have been prepared well and that the program is successful in educating competent nursing graduates. Many states require that nursing programs maintain a certain minimum NCLEX pass rate annually in order to remain in good standing with the board of nursing. This rate may be different from state to state, but in general a pass rate of at least 85% is required. A program's licensing exam pass rate is influenced greatly by the number of students who take the exam that year. One or two individuals who do not pass the licensing exam can greatly influence the passing rate of a small graduating class. In order to accurately understand a nursing program's success, always look at how many individuals took the exam each year and then look at the pass rate.
Education
Who offers LPN training programs?
LPN programs are usually offered in technical centers, private vocational schools, and community colleges. These educational programs prepare individuals to function as entry-level nurses upon graduation. Graduates of state-approved LPN programs are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure examination and obtain a practical nurse license. Each state has its own licensing requirements and LPNs must be licensed before they can start practicing. Most full-time LPN programs require one year of study. There are schools which offer part-time programs and these may take two years to complete. Check with the particular school or technical center you are interested in to find out what options they offer, how long it takes to complete the training, and what it costs. Practical nurses have opportunities for career growth by furthering their education and becoming registered nurses with an associate or baccalaureate degree.
Career
Which jobs provide the most hands-on experience?
Gaining clinical experience and becoming comfortable with your role as a licensed practical nurse takes time, patience, and a willingness to learn. When nurse managers and nursing directors from various hospitals and other health care institutions were asked how much time it takes for a practical nurse graduate to become experienced and efficient in providing patient care, they all suggested obtaining between six months to one year of full-time nursing employment. The best LPN work experience is obtained on medical surgical units, rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities. These units have adult clients suffering from various health problems which require a large array of nursing skills. Being exposed to all kinds of health problems and learning how to react in emergencies will provide the work experience you need to succeed as a licensed practical nurse. Once you have a year of experience under your belt you can easily apply to other LPN jobs in which hands-on experience is essential. Many experienced practical nurses choose to work in home care, where they work independently, as well as in acute care units, which requires a higher level of nursing skills and knowledge than that of a medical surgical unit.
Organizations
Emergency Nurses Association
Originally aimed at teaching and networking, the organization has evolved into an authority, advocate, lobbyist, and voice for emergency nursing. ENA has 40,000+ members and continues to grow, with members representing over 35 countries around the world.
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service
NAPNES is the oldest association that advocates the practice, education and regulation of practical and vocational nurses as well as the organization that is responsible for the legislation that provides for the licensure, and education of practical nursing in the United States.