2025 Oregonโs Nurse Well-Being

Persistent stress and emotional fatigue continue to weigh on Oregonโs nursing workforce, even as the emergency phase of the pandemic has passed. Most nurses still manage their mental health independently, and day-to-day work pressures remain the top reported stressor. The need for organizational change is clear as systemic strain endures across the profession.
From Burnout to Belonging: Nurse-Designed Approaches to Workforce Well-Being in Oregon

What happens when nurses design the solutions to their own workplace stress? Across Oregon, 18 nurse-led initiatives did just that, reshaping care environments and reframing well-being from the inside out. Discover how voice, equity, and system-level design replaced quick fixes and built lasting change.
How Much Do Oregonโs Registered Nurses Earn? 2023 Oregon Wage Study

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.
Barriers to Nursing Workforce Retention and Attraction in Rural Areas

In Oregonโs rural communities, complex socioeconomic barriers continue to hinder nursing workforce stability. This qualitative study explores the real-world challenges healthcare employers face in retaining and attracting nurses across community-based settings. Findings from Coos County offer data-driven insights and next-step solutions tailored to underserved regions.
Comparison of the Perception of Clinical Instruction: In-Facility, Face-to-Face Simulation, and Virtual Simulation Experiences in Oregonโs Nursing Programs

Simulation-based instruction has become a key tool in Oregonโs nursing education, especially during pandemic-era disruptions. This study explores how students and faculty perceive in-facility, face-to-face, and virtual simulation methods. Findings reveal notable differences between student and faculty viewpoints across instructional environments.
The Future of Oregonโs Nursing Workforce: Analysis and Recommendations

Oregonโs nursing workforce is shaped by more than staffing numbers. This collaborative study was commissioned to uncover whatโs driving instabilityโand 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.
BRIEF: The Connection Between Local Nurse Recruitment Efforts and Social Determinants of Health

Growing concern about nursing maldistribution has shifted focus toward community-driven solutions. This brief explores how nurse workforce size and practice settings correlate with public health indicators in Oregon. It offers compelling insight into how strategic recruitment in ambulatory and long-term care could influence local health outcomes.
Filling the Gap: An Examination of Oregon Registered Nurses Licensed Through Endorsement

Oregonโs growing nurse demand increasingly depends on nurses licensed through endorsement. This report explores where these nurses practice and how that impacts healthcare access. Insights reveal how rural and non-hospital settings may face widening staffing gaps if current trends persist.
Issues Facing the Post-Pandemic Nursing Workforce in Oregon โ Lasting Pandemic Impacts

Oregon’s nursing workforce is still grappling with lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, from license disruptions to emergency staffing shifts. This report explores how short-term policy responses and long-term workforce trends are reshaping the profession. As the state navigates a post-pandemic future, key questions remain about staffing capacity and nurse retention.
A New View on Nurse Turnover: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Shocked the System

High nurse turnover rates were already a concern before COVID-19, but the pandemic introduced an unprecedented disruption to workforce stability. This publication explores how pandemic-related shocks altered nursesโ perceptions of job fit, community ties, and the value of staying. Understanding these shifts helps leaders better support retention and workforce cohesion.