OCN facilitates research and collaboration for Oregon’s nursing workforce.
Founded as a non-profit by nursing leaders in 2002, OCN is the state advisor for nursing workforce issues. OCN supports and promotes exceptional nursing professionals, conducts and disseminates research, and builds partnerships with diverse stakeholders to advance nursing.
Our Mission & Strategic Objectives
The Oregon Center for Nursing facilitates research and collaboration for Oregon’s nursing workforce to support informed, well-prepared, diverse and exceptional nursing professionals. We create and support programming centered around our strategic objectives:
Our Leadership
OCN is the established leader in the field of exceptional nursing workforce support. Trusted and experienced, the OCN Board of Directors and staff are dedicated to providing independent data analysis and transformational collaboration for Oregon’s nursing workforce.
Board of Directors
Oregon Center for Nursing’s board of directors is an amazingly dedicated group of individuals passionate about nursing and healthcare! Comprised of up to 15 members, our board meets regularly to discuss the changes in the nursing workforce and healthcare delivery.
Are you interested in serving on the OCN Board of Directors? Contact Executive Director, Jana Bitton, to learn more.
Matt Calzia, BSN, RN, Oregon Nurses Association
Jack Dempsey, Dempsey Public Affairs
Cynthia Evans, MS, RN
Pam Fifer, EdD, RN, CNE, George Fox University
Board President
Don Jacobs, RN, MSN, MHA, St. Charles Medical Center
Erica Knepper, BSN, RN, Adventist Health
Board Vice-President
Troy Larkin, PhD, RN, Providence Health & Services
Julie Plagenhoef, MPH, RN, Nurse Family Partnership
Patricia Rojas, RN, MBA, Kaiser Permanente
Board Secretary
Kyle Stevens, MS, Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board
Board Treasurer
Tracy Thompson, DNP, RN, Oregon State Board of Nursing (ex-officio)
Jazzy Walker, RN, BSN, CMSRN, Clackamas Community College
Ron Woita, MBA HM, BSN, RN, LSS GB, CEN, Sky Lakes Medical Center