A shifting landscape for newly licensed nurses in Oregon reflects both the growth in nursing program graduates and the complex challenges of workforce entry. Through a survey of nurses licensed between September 2014 and August 2015, the Oregon Center for Nursing identified meaningful patterns in education levels, job search strategies, and employment rates across geographic regions.
Respondents highlighted both successes and barriers in their pursuit of registered nursing roles. While over 80% of respondents were employed as RNs, differences emerged based on degree type, year of graduation, and whether the education program was in-state or international. Employment rates were notably lower among those trained outside Oregon or in earlier cohorts. A significant portion of nurses took up roles outside their ideal settings or specialties, underscoring a misalignment between preference and availability.
Transition-to-practice programs emerged as a promising avenue, with high participation among employed nurses and strong indications of effectiveness in facilitating job offers. Meanwhile, unemployed nurses reported a lack of experience and limited openings as primary barriers. The study offers recommendations to better align academic preparation, employer expectations, and job market realities.
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