| Health Sciences Department |
Workforce Improvement with Immigrant Nurses (WIIN)
The Workforce Improvement with Immigrant Nurses (WIIN) program is an Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) approved, re-entry program to provide a pathway to licensure and practice for nurses who have earned their credentials in foreign countries to return to work as nurses in the United States. The year-long program will prepare you to take the National Certifying and Licensing Examination (NCLEX-RN), opening the way to rewarding work as a registered nurse.
What are the requirements to get in the program?
- Must be graduates of university, college or hospital programs of nursing equivalent to those in the United States and have worked at least six months as a nurse in their country of origin.
- Must have demonstrated English language proficiency through Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
- Must be eligible to work legally in the United States
- Must be able to commit 10 to 18 hours a week for classes and a similar amount of for study time and commit to enrolling for the entire length of the program.
- Must be able to secure precise documentation regarding your nursing program and graduation for the purpose of credential evaluation.
- Should be CNA certified. Exceptions may be granted by WIIN program director for other health-related employment.
What can I expect if admitted to the program?
- Pharmacology, communication, and medical terminology courses build essential nursing skills in US healthcare system.
- Nursing transition course helps you understand nursing in the US and to pass the NCLEX-RN. Nursing skills and physical assessment combine with nursing theory review in a case study format emphasizing critical thinking.
- Several weekend seminars on relevant nursing issues throughout each term.
- After successful completion of the NCLEX-RN, supervised clinical opportunities lead to a smooth transition to the US healthcare workplace.
- Assistance with education credential evaluation, professional testing and licensing applications and job placement.
Additional program information
WIIN is in its sixth year and is fully accredited by the Oregon State Board of Nursing as a re-entry program in nursing.
The number of students selected for each cohort is limited. A candidate currently working in healthcare will have an easier transition into WIIN and to employment as a registered nurse.
The WIIN Program is for nurses trained in other countries who would like to become nurses in the United States. The WIIN Program has served 62 foreign-educated nurses from 27 countries in five cohorts of students. (December 2008)
WIIN is located on at the Clackamas Community College Harmony Campus. Classes are scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and a full day on the second Saturday of each month.
What are WIIN students saying?
"It is a golden opportunity to re-enter a nursing career in the USA with substantial support from the WIN staff. WIN staff will do their best to make your dream come true. It has changed so many students' lives. Go for it!"
~ WIN Graduate and US Registered Nurse
Who do I contact for more information?
Please contact Cathy Boucher at (503) 594-6012 or by E-mail at cathyb@clackamas.edu for more information.
Clackamas Community College
19600 South Molalla Avenue
Oregon City, Oregon 97045
503-657-6958
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4/10/09