As Oregon’s healthcare providers continue to address unprecedented staffing needs within their facilities, the Oregon Center for Nursing (OCN) is celebrating the vital work of nurse preceptors through the second annual Oregon Outstanding Nurse Preceptor Awards. In conjunction with Nursing Professional Development Week, OCN will recognize and honor 14 nurses who serve a critical role in supporting Oregon’s nursing workforce.

Nurse preceptors are a key part of successful onboarding and retention of new nursing staff. They support student learning, onboard experienced nurses new to organizations and help newly-graduated nurses transition into practice.

“Even though nurse preceptors play a vital role in health care organizations, they often feel overlooked,” said Jana Bitton, Executive Director of the Oregon Center for Nursing. “In a time when the nursing profession as a whole feels undervalued and overworked, we are proud to be able to honor the incredible work of Oregon’s nurse preceptors.”

Nursing leaders from health care facilities throughout Oregon nominated a preceptor colleague for this award. Outstanding preceptors were honored at a virtual event hosted by OCN, recognized within their organization and community, and received a cash award.

The Oregon Outstanding Nurse Preceptors for 2022 are:

Lindsay Earp, Grande Ronde Hospital
Tracy Holliday, St Anthony Hospital
Megan Kruse, Lake District Hospital
Shirley Lawrence, Asante Health System
Robin Massey, Bay Area Hospital
Zerek Selby, Legacy Health
Sarah Soria-Machado, McKenzie Willamette Medical Center
Colin McGuigan, St Charles Medical Center
Kimberly Stevens, Sky Lakes Medical Center
Cristina Tamayo, Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital
Teresa Thomas, OHSU
Stephanie Vail, Adventist Health Portland
Jerry Whitmore, PeaceHealth Riverbend
Meredith Willett, VA Portland