How to Become an LPN in Oregon
Becoming a nurse is a rewarding career choice. Nursing is challenging, demanding and at times tiring, but the rewards of nursing are helping a patient get better and getting on with their life or feeling better after a time of not feeling well. Nurses also help patients maintain a level of comfort.
To become an LPN in Oregon, candidates must complete an approved LPN program, pass the National Council for Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and obtain a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) card. An LPN program takes 8 to 12 months to complete and students will receive a certificate or diploma upon completion. There are students who become an LPN and then work while continuing their studies to become a registered nurse (RN).
An LPN program takes a two phase approach. The program uses class work and clinical training to train students to be competent nurses. The competency is checked through the NCLEX-PN. Students must pass the class work, as well as the clinical training to pass the LPN program and graduate.
The state of Oregon defines the beginning of employment to happen when orientation occurs. What that means for the LPN is they must be licensed before starting any nursing job. Oregon does not issue temporary licenses to allow LPNs to work during the exam process.
The NCLEX-PN exam process can be lengthy. The Oklahoma Board of Nursing recommends students submit their application to take the NCLEX-PN one to two months prior to graduation. The application includes a criminal background check and fingerprint card. The student is also required to register with the exam administrator, Pearson VUE. Once the student has graduated and been approved to take the NCLEX-PN, the student schedules an appointment with Pearson VUE to take the exam. Students will be notified within two weeks of the exam and if the student passes the exam, they will be issued an LPN license.
LPNs are required to renew their license every two years. Licenses expire at midnight the day before the licensee’s birthday in even years if the LPN was born in an even year or the odd year if the LPN was born in an odd year. LPNs must complete a onetime requirement of pain management continuing education hours. One hour must be provided by the Oregon Pain Management Commission of Oregon and the additional six hours can be any pain management topics chosen by the LPN. Once those seven hours are completed, no other continuing education requirements are required for license renewal.
In the state of Oregon, LPNs make up 8% of the nursing workforce. Through the year 2020, nursing opportunities will increase by 18 to 20%. Expanding healthcare options and advanced medical technology are bringing the new nursing opportunities. The aging population is requiring healthcare for longer periods of time than in the past and there is a growing demand to fill those needs with nurses, especially LPNs.
LPNs work under the direction of an RN or physician. LPN’s work with other nurses, technicians, nursing assistants and physicians as part of the medical team. LPNs may also specialize in a certain area of healthcare such as respiratory care or childbirth education. LPNs may also supervise the certified nursing assistants or work their way up to unit manager.
LPNs undertake tasks such as implementing and maintaining patient care plans, dispense medication, dress wounds, administer basic patient bedside care, perform diagnostic testing and track the results, monitor vital signs and blood sugar levels, prepare daily reports on patients progress, prepare patients for discharge and answer questions and address concerns from the patient and their families.
LPN Schools in Oregon
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List of Approved OR Practical Nursing Schools
Central Oregon Community College
2600 Northwest College Way
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 383-7546
Chemeketa Community College
4000 Lancaster Drive Northeast
PO BOX 14007
Salem, OR 97309
(503) 399-5058
Clatsop Community College
1651 Lexington Avenue
Astoria, OR 97103
(503) 338-2436
Columbia Gorge Community College
400 East Scenic Drive
The Dalles, OR 97058
(541) 506-6140
Concorde Career College
1425 Northeast Irving Street Building #300
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 488-6141
Institute of Technology
4707 Silverton Road Northeast
Salem, OR 97305
(503) 363-9001
Klamath Community College
7390 South 6th Street
Klamath Falls, OR 97601
(541) 880-2223
Lane Community College
4000 East 30th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97405
(541) 463-5754
Mt Hood Community College
26000 Southeast Stark Street
Gresham, OR 97030
(503) 491-6727
Oregon Coast Community College
400 Southeast College Way
Newport, OR 97366
(541) 867-8513
Pioneer Pacific College Springfield
3800 Sports Way
Springfield, OR 97477
(503) 688-2130
Pioneer Pacific College Wilsonville
27375 Southwest Parkway Avenue
Wilsonville, OR 97070
(503) 688-2130
Rogue Community College
202 South Riverside
Medford, OR 97501
(541) 956-7013
Sumner College Practical Nursing
8909 Southwest Barbur Boulevard Suite #100
Portland, OR 97219
(503) 223-5100
Treasure Valley Community College
650 College Boulevard
Ontario, OR 97914
(541) 881-8822, ext.345
Umpqua Community College
1140 College Road
PO BOX 967
Roseburg, OR 97470
(541) 440-7684
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