Celebrating
Oregon's Nurse
Preceptors
Recognize a Nurse Preceptor
Each year, the Oregon Center for Nursing spotlights excellence in mentorship through the Outstanding Nurse Preceptor Awards. These awards recognize nurse preceptors who are identified by their facility for the meaningful role they play in supporting nurses during critical transitions.
Outstanding preceptors lift others up, offer thoughtful guidance, model professional practice, and help nurses build confidence and succeed in their roles.
The 2026 submission period will open on June 15, 2026. During this time, facilities are invited to recognize preceptors who have made a difference in Oregon’s nursing workforce.
For 2026, honorees will be recognized based on submissions provided by their facility. There will not be a separate selection committee review process. Honorees will be announced during Nursing Professional Development Week on Wednesday, September 23 at 9:00am. Check back for registration soon!
Guiding the Next Generation. Strengthening the Workforce.
Nurse preceptors play a pivotal role in workforce development — providing clinical orientation, professional mentorship, and real-world guidance to students, new hires, and transitioning nurses. The Oregon Outstanding Nurse Preceptor Awards honor those who go above and beyond in shaping the skills, confidence, and belonging of others.
Preceptors aren’t just mentors — they are multipliers of excellence. By supporting them, we strengthen retention, resilience, and the overall health of Oregon’s care systems.
Meet Our 2025 Outstanding Nurse Preceptors
Mathew Sikes
BSN, RN
Sky Lakes Medical Center
Felix DeVries
RN
Providence Milwaukie Hospital
Michelle Widner
RN
Saint Alphonsus Medical Center
Matt Jones
BSN, RN Certified Preceptor
St. Charles Medical Center
Jennifer Rhodes
RN
Legacy Good Samaritan
Capella Lapham
DNP, FNP
Coastal Healthcare & OHSU SON
Lori Simmons
DNP, APRN, FNP-C
Grants Pass Pediatrics
Joe Brinkman
MSN, RN, CNOR
Peace Harbor Hospital
Chelsea Michielsen
DNP, FNP
Bridgeport Family Medicine
Nicole Frager
BSN, RN
OHSU
Stephanie Merritt
BSN, RN
Bay Area Hospital
Zane Smith-Lundy
BSN, RN, CEN
OHSU SON & Grande Ronde Hospital
Aminta Hall
LPN
Kaiser Permanente
Stephanie Hane
RN
Legacy Health System
Darwin Ang
BSN, CCRN
OHSU
Kyle Anderson
LPN
Oregon State Hospital
Kate Panum
BSN, RN, RNC-OB, C-EFM
PeaceHealth Riverbend
Megan Romero
BSN, RN, CMSRN
Sky Lakes Medical Center
Jared Brown
BSN, RN
Terwilliger Plaza, Assisted Living Division
Kalli Young
BSN, RN
Willamette Valley Medical Center
Watch the 2025 Virtual Award Ceremony
The Oregon Outstanding Nurse Preceptor Awards recognize Oregon-based RNs who serve as preceptors — guiding and supporting others through clinical transitions and early-career milestones. This recognition helps strengthen nurse retention, well-being, and the development of a more prepared and supported nursing workforce across Oregon.