Issues Facing the Post-Pandemic Nursing Workforce in Oregon

Cover image for 2020 report on post-pandemic nursing workforce issues in Oregon

COVID-19 intensified Oregon’s existing nursing workforce challenges, disrupting education pipelines and stressing care delivery systems. This report explores how these shifts affect nurse training, licensure trends, and frontline well-being. Nurse migration patterns and burnout risks reveal vulnerabilities that require immediate and strategic attention.

Trends in Oregon Nursing Education 2012–18

Cover image of the 2019 OCN report on nursing education trends in Oregon from 2012–2018

Nursing education in Oregon is evolving, but not fast enough to meet projected workforce needs. While BSN programs are growing, ADN and LPN pathways show stagnation or decline. This analysis highlights long-term trends shaping the state’s ability to “grow its own” nursing workforce.

The Demand for Nursing Professionals in Oregon – 2018

Featured image of the 2018 nursing workforce demand report by the Oregon Center for Nursing.

Employer perspectives across Oregon’s healthcare sectors reveal rising turnover and vacancy rates, especially in long term care. Survey findings uncover how workforce challenges vary dramatically across hospitals, public health, home health, and hospice settings. With regional shortages looming, employer responses suggest that targeted, sector-specific strategies are critical to stabilize Oregon’s nursing pipeline.

2018 Aging Trends in Oregon’s Nursing Workforce

Cover image of the 2018 report on aging trends in Oregon's nursing workforce, published by the Oregon Center for Nursing.

Oregon’s nursing workforce is getting younger, with a growing presence of nurses in their 20s and 30s. While this demographic shift offers promise, it raises urgent questions about experience gaps and impending retirements. This analysis explores how age trends differ by geography and employment setting, and what they mean for Oregon’s healthcare system.

Characteristics of the Nursing Workforce in Oregon – 2016

Cover image of the Characteristic of the Nursing Workforce in Oregon Report showing nurse and patient hands, symbolizing Oregon's nursing workforce

Nurses make up the largest share of Oregon’s healthcare workforce, serving as essential contributors to care access, quality, and cost outcomes. This 2016 profile outlines age, education, gender, and licensure trends across practice settings and specialties. Workforce planners, educators, and employers will find critical context for responding to statewide healthcare demands.

Oregon’s Newly Licensed Nurse Workforce

Cover of the Oregon Center for Nursing report examining 2016 workforce data for newly licensed nurses.

Newly licensed nurses in Oregon face a challenging entry into the profession as workforce growth lags behind graduation rates. This publication captures how location, degree type, and search strategies impact employment outcomes. Insights reveal where gaps exist and where opportunity lies for employers, educators, and policymakers.

The Demand for Nursing Professionals in Oregon

Cover image for OCN’s 2016 report detailing projected nursing workforce needs in Oregon.

Nursing workforce shortages are mounting across Oregon’s health sectors. Employers report rising turnover and persistent vacancy challenges, particularly in long term care and public health. As demand increases, the findings signal a critical need for system-wide strategies to support nursing workforce stability.

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