The nursing faculty workforce in Oregon plays a pivotal role in training the next generation of nurses — yet colleges and universities across the state are experiencing alarming faculty turnover. “Oregon’s Nurse Faculty: Why Are They Leaving?” is a timely and critical publication by the Oregon Center for Nursing that investigates the underlying causes of this exodus and its implications for the state’s healthcare system.

The report draws on data collected through faculty surveys, institutional reports, and interviews to uncover both the structural and personal factors influencing faculty decisions to leave their roles. Key drivers include high workload demands, low compensation relative to clinical practice, limited advancement opportunities, and burnout. Many faculty reported feeling undervalued or isolated, particularly in rural and under-resourced programs. The publication also explores how faculty shortages create a ripple effect — reducing the capacity of nursing programs, limiting student enrollment, and exacerbating Oregon’s broader nursing workforce shortage.

Importantly, the report does more than highlight the challenges. It provides thoughtful recommendations aimed at reversing the trend. These include rethinking faculty compensation models, increasing investment in faculty development and mentorship, reducing administrative burdens, and creating clearer pathways for clinical nurses to transition into academia.

“Oregon’s Nurse Faculty: Why Are They Leaving?” serves as both a warning and a call to action for academic institutions, policymakers, and healthcare leaders across the state.