It’s no secret Oregon’s entire nursing workforce is under immense pressure as pandemic surges and workforce shortages continue to frustrate health care providers. Maintaining a pipeline of registered nurses to provide quality health care to Oregonians across the state is critical.
Oregon’s nurse preceptors play a vital role with health care organizations. They not only assist student nurses, they work with newly-hired nurses, sharing their knowledge and imparting their organization’s culture and best practices.
“Like many nurses, Oregon’s nurse preceptors are exhausted,” said Jana Bitton, OCN’s Executive Director. “They find themselves in a position where they are constantly mentoring and precepting a student or new hire, in addition to their daily patient and unit responsibilities.”
At the Oregon Center for Nursing’s annual fundraiser event, “A Nursing Shift,” the organization honored ten outstanding nurse preceptors from across Oregon. Nominees were selected by their peers for their innovation and commitment to educating nurse colleagues.
OCN’s 2021 Outstanding Nurse Preceptors are:
Jessie Rose Davidson, St. Charles Redmond
Katey Donesky, Adventist Health Portland
Sarah Hancock, Grande Ronde Hospital
Mariah Keane, Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
Kim Langmo, Providence Seaside
Alayna Kagawa Oleska, PeaceHealth
Mallory Sokol, Oregon Poison Center
Noah Washatko, Oregon Health and Science University
Echo Willard, Kaiser Permanente Northwest
Brittany Wolters, Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center
More information about these outstanding nurse leaders can be found on OCN’s Nurse Preceptor page.
The Oregon Center for Nursing’s annual fundraiser was sponsored by Bala Footwear, Kaiser Permanente, Mercy Medical Center, Providence Health & Services, University of Portland, Elderwise, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems, and Dr. Linda Campbell. Funds from this annual event support programming to advance OCN’s mission to support Oregon’s nursing workforce.
About the Oregon Center for Nursing (OCN):
OCN is a nonprofit organization created by nursing leaders in 2002. OCN facilitates research and collaboration for Oregon’s nursing workforce to support informed, well-prepared, diverse and exceptional nursing professionals. Recognized by the Oregon state legislature as a state advisor for nursing workforce issues, OCN fulfills its mission through nurse workforce research, building partnerships, and promoting nursing and healthcare.
Media Contact:
Jana Bitton, MPA
jana.bitton@oregoncenterfornursing.org
503-342-4047