Oregon now requires 384 RN or CNM hours prior to licensure

[Simplyroses]

Just a heads up: Two years ago the Oregon State Board of Nursing passed a new requirement. In order to be licensed as a CNM in Oregon, you must prove that you have a minimum of 384 RN or CNM hours.

This does not affect CNM's or RN's who are currently practicing in other states and wish to relocate to OR, since they will meet the requirement.

This DOES specifically affect the people who graduate from direct entry programs and have never logged any RN hours prior to graduation. School clinical time does not count.

This means that direct entry CNM's must either practice somewhere else prior to practicing in Oregon, or they must somehow convince someone to hire them as an RN for 10 weeks before they can jump ship to then practice their advanced role as a CNM. Some places of employment are getting around this by orienting people to the practice as an RN, and then transitioning them to the CNM after they have 1) completed their 384 hours and 2) have been granted licensure.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Why 384? That seems like such a weird random number.

Are there any direct entry CNM programs in Oregon? Just trying to figure out if this is an actual problem.

[Simplyroses]

384 is definitely a wierd, random number.

Yes, it does affect Oregon students. Oregon Health & Science University has an Accelerated BSN-MN in Midwifery program. I just graduated from this program. While this doesn't affect me since I have been an RN for 19 years, 9 members of my cohort went the accelerated route and have not worked as RN's. They are finding that they must either volunteer to gain RN hours, find employment as RN's, or find CNM positions out of state.

The Oregon Board of Nursing decision highlights the concept that CNM's are Advance Practice NURSES and as such should have some nursing experience prior to an advanced role. Ten weeks of experience doesn't make much sense, though. It would make more sense if they required a full year or two of experience if they are making the point that RN experience was critical to the role.

[LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM]

That is really strange! 384 hours. As if there were some back room negotiations that settled on that number. I guess we can assume OR will not be embracing the CM credential anytime soon!

[Simplyroses]

Actually, Oregon is one of the best states to practice as a midwife. There is great autonomy and independent practice opportunities.

The Board of Nursing must really see midwives as nurses first, and then midwives. Many midwives do not identify with nursing at all.

You might be right about the CM designation. It isn't recognized out here in the West.

[hunnybaby24, BSN, APRN, NP]

Hi Simply roses! I sent you a PM.

Thanks!

HB