Community News · Portland, OR
Portland Organization Offers Healing Support Amid Oregon Nursing Vacancy Crisis
Oregon faces a nursing vacancy crisis in which 30% of new nurses leave their first jobs within one year, according to the Oregon Center for Nursing, despite having more licensed nurses than ever. Registered nurse Heather Sweeney and therapist Amy Ponteri founded "Helping Healthcare Heal" to provide retreats, support groups, and continuing education for healthcare workers dealing with workplace stress and violence. Christy Simila of the Oregon Nurses Association attributed the crisis to unhealthy work environments rather than a shortage of licensed nurses. An Oregon law addresses nurse-to-patient ratios in hospitals, while nationally the U.S. expects nearly 200,000 annual RN job openings through 2032.