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.

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

Jazzy Walker, RN, BSN, CMSRN, Clackamas Community College

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

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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