According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, out of the total 2,982,280 Registered Nurses working in the US in 2019, 36,660 were working in Oregon. In 2019, 697,510 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses were employed in the country with 3,750 working in Oregon.
If you want to become a nurse in Oregon, keep reading.
Should I Become a Nurse in Oregon?
Becoming a nurse takes a lot of determination and effort. Once you become a nurse, you should not only be prepared to work long hours but should also be ready to tackle a major health emergency crisis.
If you have aspirations of becoming a nurse in Oregon, read the following guide.
| Education Required | Depends on the nursing field you choose |
| License/Certification | Required |
| Experience/Training | Not compulsory but beneficial. |
| Key Skills/Qualities | Empathy, Physical Stamina, Emotional Stability, Patience, etc. |
| Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National | $77,460 (Registered Nurses)
$48,500 (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses) |
| Job Outlook (2018-28) | 12% (Registered Nurses)
11% (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses) |
| Annual Mean Salary (2019) – Oregon | $92,960 (Registered Nurses)
$54,740 (Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses) |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Outlook
As per estimates by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurses as well as censed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses will enjoy stellar job growth between 2018 and 2028. RNs are expected to experience an increase of 12% in employment opportunities whereas LPNs and LVNs will enjoy 11% job growth. The average job growth for all other occupations is around the 5% mark.
Steps to Become a Nurse in Oregon
- Get the Necessary Education
RNs have to complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college to start their careers. Advanced degrees will increase the prospects of getting a job and will also help in career advancement. LPNs can start their careers with only a postsecondary nondegree award. A lot of employers however are now preferring LPNs to have at least an associate’s degree.
- Clear the NCLEX
Registered Nurses have to clear the NCLEX-RN exam to apply for licensure. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses have to pass the NCLEX-PN test to get ready for the licensure process. These are mandatory tests regardless of which state of the US candidates want to work in.
- Get the License
Once candidates have completed the required education and cleared the NCLEX, they are eligible to apply for their licenses. To get the license, they have to apply to the relevant state board or authority. Candidates might also have to submit their background history and fingerprints for verification. Once they clear all these steps, they will get their license to work.
- Start Job Hunt
With a license in hand, nurses can start to look for jobs. Getting the right job might take some time, so patience is very important.
How long Does It Take to Become a Nurse in Oregon?
It takes candidates around 1 to 2 years to become Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses, whereas the duration for Registered Nurses increases to around 4 to 6 years.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Nurse in Oregon?
Candidates need to complete the following steps to become nurses in Oregon:
- Meet the educational requirements
- Pass the NCLEX
- Clear background checks and get the license
- Look for a Job
How Much Does a Nurse Earn in Oregon?
Registered Nurses made $92,960 (annual mean income) in Oregon in 2019. Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses earned $54,740 (annual mean income) in the state of Oregon in 2019.
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