As an Oregon nurse, you might have noticed a small surcharge on your license fee. This surcharge goes to the Oregon Nursing Advancement Fund, a crucial initiative to bolster the state’s nursing profession.
Enacted by the Oregon Legislature in 2015, the Oregon Nursing Advancement Fund is designed to support a nonprofit organization, the Oregon Center for Nursing (OCN), dedicated to advancing the nursing profession in several key areas:
- Research and Leadership Development: The fund supports research efforts and leadership development programs to ensure Oregon’s nurses are at the forefront of their field.
- Educational Support: The fund helps nurses continue their professional growth by providing educational resources and opportunities.
- Advocacy for Nursing: Advocacy efforts aim to improve the working conditions and professional standards for nurses in Oregon.
- Workforce Studies: The fund supports studies on the nursing workforce, including projections for supply and demand, and identifies shortages in nursing education and practice.
- Information Distribution: Free dissemination of information about the nursing workforce in Oregon helps residents stay informed.
- Convene Nursing Organizations: The fund facilitates the coming together of various nursing organizations to address workforce issues and implement recommendations from research findings.
Who Contributes to the Oregon Nursing Advancement Fund?
Every licensed practical nurse (LPN) and registered nurse (RN) in Oregon contributes to the Oregon Nursing Advancement Fund. A surcharge of $9 surcharge applies to each license application or renewal, equating to just $4.50 per year.
How Does the Fund Support the Oregon Center for Nursing (OCN)?
The Oregon Nursing Advancement Fund supports OCN programming each year, including:
- Conduct Workforce Research: OCN uses these funds to conduct vital research on the nursing workforce in Oregon.
- Support Annual Education and Events: The fund helps organize events and programming that support nursing professionals statewide.
- Foster Community and Share Information: OCN fosters conversation and information sharing through the Friday Huddle, the OCN website, and more.
Comparing Oregon to Other State License Fee Structures
Oregon is not alone in implementing a license surcharge to support nursing workforce centers. In fact, it is one of thirteen states with such a fee, which ranges from $3 to $40 annually.
For Oregon’s nurses, this small surcharge is a worthwhile investment in the future of their profession. The fund contributes to a stronger, more informed, and better-supported nursing community in the state.
