Better, But Not Well: Changes in Oregon Nurse Well-Being and Workplace Conditions from 2022 to 2025

Cover of the Oregon Center for Nursing research report Better, But Not Well: Changes in Oregon Nurse Well-Being and Workplace Conditions from 2022 to 2025.

Recovery across Oregon’s nursing workforce has begun, yet many workplace challenges continue to shape nurses’ daily experiences. Comparing survey findings across two time points, the report explores how emotional well-being, workplace conditions, and perceived support have changed while identifying areas where progress remains incomplete. The findings offer guidance for leaders seeking long-term strategies to strengthen workforce well-being and retention.

How Much Do Oregon’s Registered Nurses Earn? 2023 Oregon Wage Study

Cover image of the "2023 Oregon’s Registered Nurse Wage Study" report from the Oregon Center for Nursing.

Compensation insights from more than 1,800 Oregon nurses uncover striking wage disparities by setting, role, and geography. From public health to hospital work, the findings offer a deep dive into how pay structures impact equity and sustainability in the nursing workforce. The report empowers leaders with data to guide retention and workforce planning.

The Future of Oregon’s Nursing Workforce: Analysis and Recommendations

Report cover titled “The Future of Oregon’s Nursing Workforce: Analysis and Recommendations,” published in 2022.

Oregon’s nursing workforce is shaped by more than staffing numbers. This collaborative study was commissioned to uncover what’s driving instability—and what to do about it. Grounded in data and statewide input, the report surfaces actionable insights on retention, preparation, and the evolving realities of nursing practice.

Not Working Well: Clinical Placement for Nursing Students in an Era of Pandemic

Cover image for 2020 OCN report on disrupted nursing student clinical placements during the pandemic

Faced with the urgency of a global health crisis, nursing education programs and healthcare agencies in Oregon scrambled to adapt clinical placement strategies. This publication captures the resulting stress, innovation, and breakdowns that surfaced as traditional education pipelines were upended. Interviews across sectors reveal a critical moment of reckoning for how students are prepared for practice.

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.

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