Communities across Clatsop County face a shortage of health care workers, particularly registered nurses. Addressing this workforce gap is critical to ensuring access to high-quality care now and in the future.
Through its support of the Clatsop Community College Nursing Program Expansion, Providence is investing in a long-term solution that strengthens the local health care workforce and supports community health.
Graduates have a high likelihood of remaining in the county and entering the local workforce, helping to meet regional staffing needs and reducing reliance on traveling or out-of-area clinicians.
Providence’s $100,000 community benefit commitment supports the expansion of the nursing program by increasing enrollment capacity and strengthening instructional resources. Funding helps provide nursing clinical faculty support, equipment, administrative capacity and essential supplies.
“Providence’s partnership is helping us expand access to nursing education and build a stronger, more sustainable health care workforce for Clatsop County,” said Tina Kotson, RN, interim AVP of nursing, allied health and public safety, Clatsop Community College. “Their commitment makes a meaningful difference for our students and the communities they will go on to serve.”
"The funding I received as a nursing student was amazing. When I anticipated my greatest financial struggle due to needing to decrease work hours for school, Providence stepped in and saved me,” said Erin McGregor, RN, a recent graduate from the nursing program. “As a single mother, the funding supported me in more ways than I could have imagined. I graduated in June 2025 and am honored and proud to be a registered nurse at Providence Seaside Hospital today. I feel the same support today from Providence as my career grows as I did when Providence provided me with financial support during my nursing student career. "
Providence’s support of Clatsop Community College reflects its commitment to economic security, workforce development and community health. By investing upstream in education and training, Providence is helping ensure that local residents have access to a qualified nursing workforce.
“We are deeply grateful to Providence for its investment in our nursing program,” Kotson said. “This support strengthens our ability to educate future nurses and helps ensure more graduates are prepared to serve—and remain—in our local community.”
