About the Oregon Center for Nursing
More Than 20 Years of Insight, Partnership & Workforce Possibility
The Oregon Center for Nursing (OCN) is a nonprofit workforce research and strategy organization serving the state of Oregon. Founded by the Oregon State Legislature in 2002, OCN exists to ensure Oregon’s nursing workforce is understood, supported, and ready to meet the evolving demands of health and care.
We serve as a connector between data and decisions, systems and people, evidence and impact. We support leaders across health systems, education, government, and philanthropy — the people shaping the workforce behind Oregon’s care infrastructure. And while nurses remain the subject of our research, our work is built for those designing better systems around them.
Workforce Research
We collect, analyze, and share actionable data on Oregon’s nursing workforce supply, demand, distribution, and trends.
Strategy & Systems Support
We consult and collaborate with employers, educators, associations, and funders to inform retention, leadership, and well-being strategies.
Learning & Events
From weekly huddles to statewide summits, we bring people together to explore ideas, share learning, and lead change.
Thought Partnership
We inform public policy, convene sector voices, and translate research into decisions that strengthen the long-term workforce pipeline.
What Guides Our Work
Our mission is to facilitate research and collaboration for Oregon’s nursing workforce to support informed, well-prepared, diverse, and exceptional nursing professionals. We are guided by values that prioritize data integrity, systems alignment, and community-informed solutions. We create and support programming centered around our strategic objectives:
- Conduct, analyze, and disseminate research.
- Encourage collaboration and build partnerships with diverse stakeholders to advance nursing.
- Promote nursing and healthcare in all settings in which nurses practice.
Meet the People Behind the Work
Staff & Leadership
Get to know the researchers, strategists, and systems thinkers who lead OCN’s programs and partnerships.
Board of Directors
Meet our governing board — a diverse group of leaders who guide our strategic direction and ensure accountability.
Our Impact
The Oregon Center for Nursing drives lasting improvements to Oregon’s nursing workforce through research, collaboration, and strategic programming.
Each year, our work informs policy, supports organizational decision-making, and connects nursing professionals through data, learning, and community. From custom research to convenings like our Friday Huddle, we help partners respond to emerging challenges and strengthen Oregon’s care infrastructure.
We measure our success in the clarity we provide, the partnerships we strengthen, and the change we help drive. Explore highlights from our annual report to see where we’ve been — and what we’re building next.
Our Legacy Programs
Friday Huddle
A virtual weekly gathering that fosters cross-sector dialogue and connection.
RN Well-Being Project
A statewide initiative addressing the systemic stressors impacting Oregon’s nursing workforce.
Nurse Preceptor Awards
An annual celebration honoring those who mentor and shape the next generation.
How Our Work Is Funded — and How You Can Work With Us
The Oregon Center for Nursing is supported through diverse income sources, including state and federal grants, government partnerships, and philanthropic contributions. A portion of every Oregon nursing license fee is allocated to OCN through the Oregon Nursing Advancement Fund (ONAF). Meaning our work is sustained, in part, by nurses, for the nursing profession.
We are also available for hire. Organizations engage us for custom research, data presentations, consulting, strategic advising, and speaking engagements that support workforce development across the state.
Hire Us for Speaking, Strategy, or Custom Reports
Bring trusted, evidence-based insights to your next event. Our team offers tailored presentations, workforce data briefings, and custom research support.
Explore Workforce Insights, Data Infographics & More
Access timely, Oregon-specific nursing workforce data and trend analysis. Use our visuals, briefs, and reports to inform strategy, planning, and policy.
Join Us On Our Friday Huddle Call or Other Events
Stay connected through our weekly Friday Huddle and partner-focused events. Collaborate, learn, and engage with others advancing Oregon’s nursing workforce.
The Oregon Center for Nursing (OCN) is an independent, nonprofit workforce research and strategy organization serving Oregon since 2002. We partner with state agencies, healthcare systems, education leaders, and funders to strengthen the nursing workforce through data, learning, and systems change.