About Us

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.

Pam Fifer, EdD, RN, CNE
George Fox University, Board President

Erica Knepper, BSN, RN
Adventist Health, Board Vice-President

VacantBoard Secretary

Kyle StevensMS
Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board, Board Treasurer

Cynthia EvansMS, RN
Nursing Professional and Advocate

Don Jacobs, RN, MSN, MHA
St. Charles Medical Center

Troy Larkin, PhD, RN
Providence Health & Services

Julie Plagenhoef, MPH, RN
Nurse Family Partnership

Ron Woita, MBA HM, BSN, RN, LSS GB, CEN
Sky Lakes Medical Center

Sarah WickenhagenDNP, APRN, FNP-C
Oregon State Board of Nursing

Lori J. Hill, RN, MSEd, BSN
Kaiser Permanente

OCN Staff Members


Jana Bitton, MPA
Executive Director
Email
(503) 342-4047

Rick Allgeyer, PhD
Research Director
Email
(503) 837-6161

Dawne Schoenthal
Program Director
Email
(503) 444-9894

Hanna Stanley
Operations Assistant
Email
(503) 342-4048

Callie Gisler, BA, CNA
Communications Specialist
Email
(503) 897-7363

ONAF

Since 2015, every nursing license application or renewal supports the Oregon Nursing Advancement Fund (ONAF), of which OCN is a recipient. Thanks to ONAF, OCN collates data, conducts research, identifies workforce issues, offers recommendations, and shares information with the nursing community.

News

Navigating the nursing workforce is complex. Stay up-to-date on Oregon’s nursing workforce by subscribing to research releases, event notices, news updates and more.

Our Sponsors

Financial support allows OCN to develop and grow multiple initiatives such as community building, information sharing, and direct programming to support nursing professionals. Sponsors include private and public grants, contracts, individual donors, and corporate sponsors, as well as the Oregon Nurse Advancement Fund.

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