Workforce Improvement with Immigrant Nurses

Some Frequently Asked Questions about WIIN

Workforce Improvement with Immigrant Nurses (WIIN) is a program of preparation for RN licensure and practice for nurses who have earned their credentials outside the United States.

Where do I begin the process to be a nurse in the United States?

Your first step would be to contact the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). We recommend that you refer to their website www.oregon.gov/OSBN where you will find information on applying for re-entry into nursing as well as information on approved credentials and language evaluation services. 

Am I eligible for WIIN if I am evaluated as a practical or vocational nurse as long as I was a nurse in my home country?

The WIIN Program is designed only for nurses who have received the credential equivalent of a US registered nurse.  The credentialing agency may identify this as a “diploma”, “associate degree” or “baccalaureate” degree in nursing or refer to a “first level nurse”.  Each of these categories is acceptable for registered nurse (RN) licensure and consideration for the WIIN Program.

It has been a while since I have worked as a nurse, would I be accepted into the WIIN program?

The Oregon State Board of Nursing no longer stipulates the length of time between having practice as a nurse and a person’s ability to apply for the National Certifying and Licensing Exam (NCLEX-RN). Therefore we look at each candidate individually.  However it is difficult to return to nursing after an extended time out of the profession. In considering potential candidates we look favorably upon those candidates who have   U. S. healthcare experience in such areas as certified nursing assistants, certified medication aides, phlebotomists, EKG technicians, etc..                       

What should I do to prepare for admission to the WIIN Program?

• Submit a WIIN application form
• Refer to the Oregon State Board of Nursing website for information regarding foreign educated nurses.
• Begin the credential evaluation process through one of the three OSBN approved credential evaluation service (CES) organizations. The process includes:
• Arranging for your nursing school academic records to be sent directly from your school of nursing to an approved CES, and
• Having the licensing authorities from your country of origin submit necessary licensure information directly to an approved CES.
• Arrange to have test score reports sent directly from an OSBN approved language evaluation service (TOEIC, TOEFL, or IELTS )  to you and one to the OSBN.

How much time should I plan on as a WIIN student?

WIIN is a five quarter term program with 10 to 18 hours per week of classroom and laboratory time. This schedule includes one Saturday per month where students have interaction with health professionals either in the classroom or on site at a facility. An additional similar time commitment is required for study and class preparation.  At the conclusion of the coursework, nurses will apply for NCLEX-RN.  Upon successful completion of this exam, students work under a limited license for approximately 160 hours of unpaid preceptored clinical time with an RN mentor.

What does the curriculum include?

The WIIN program begins with two terms of coursework in Professional Development and Pharmacology and a concurrent one term class in Medical Terminology. These are followed by an eight-month course focusing on Transition to Professional Nursing Practice which is a review of nursing theory, skills, and assessment techniques.   WIIN candidates may be directed to take selected courses prior to entering the regular academic program in order to help them succeed in their transition to practice and employment.  Examples of these may include basic computer skills, Math for Health Professionals, Writing, or Accent Modification.

Are classes offered via the internet?

Pharmacology is an online course, however the remaining coursework is conducted in the classroom or through on site visits.

If I have passed the National Certifying and Licensing Exam (NCLEX-RN), do I have to go through the entire program?

Yes. WIIN is a year long course of study and we require students to commit to the entire program

Where do WIIN graduates work after they are licensed?

WIIN graduates have been hired by most of the major Metro-Portland area hospitals, county health departments, long-term care facilities, dialysis centers, the American Red Cross, and correctional facilities. 

WIIN is an Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) approved re-entry program for foreign educated nurses.