Our Hopes and Dreams for 2025

It’s that time of year again: the end of an era and the beginning of another; the time where we reflect on the past year and envision, plan for, and dream about the next.

Here at NurseLearn, we consider 2024 to have been a monumental year for community-based care (CBC) nursing.

First Education Program for Community-Based Care Nurses

In 2024, NurseLearn launched the first-ever comprehensive education program for nurses in, and interested in, community-based care (CBC) in the state of Oregon—the first EVER! Through our mentored Enhanced Program, we brought together over 100 CBC nurses, providing support and mentorship, establishing community, and building a toolkit of skills and knowledge to help CBC nurses thrive in their practice.

A snapshot of some of the nurses in the first cohort of the Enhanced Program, gathering to celebrate their completion of the Program. During the celebration, we recognized each nurse’s efforts in enhancing their practice, the accomplishments they had along the way, and their unique journey as nurses in community-based care.

Throughout the first and then second 6-month Enhanced Program, we shared laughs, encouragement, and sometimes tears. We learned together, we grew together, and we started to build a lasting network of CBC nurses across Oregon.

In 2024, we also launched our CBC-Standard Program, welcoming over 500 nurses, administrators, and student nurse learners into the program, providing access to over 30 CBC specialty learning modules, speakers, and other resources. The education provided in the Standard Program helps to create a pipeline into CBC nursing and support the harmonious collaboration of nurses and administrators in their shared responsibilities as leaders in CBC community settings.

Upcoming: The 1st Annual NurseLearn Conference

*The NurseLearn mentor team mingles with future nurse and administrator learners at NurseLearn’s booth during the Oregon Health Care Association’s Annual Convention.*

NurseLearn has began planning an in-person conference to take place in Salem on March 21, 2025. The conference, titled “Nurses Leading Through Change”, will convene CBC nurses, student nurses, and CBC nurse supporters for a day of learning about topics such as RN Delegation, leadership, conflict resolution, and understanding and responding to resident behaviors related to dementia! Registration opens January 14, 2025. Sign up here to be notified of updates.

Though 2024 saw many successes, it was not without its challenges. When we identified something was not working like we planned and based on great feedback, we pivoted, and we changed our plan to better support the CBC nurses we serve.

We created long-lasting relationships with CBC nurses across the state and we celebrate this! Nurses are excited to learn and grow, who are eager to help their peers and lead their care teams, who are passionate about the wellbeing of their residents, and who have a profound respect for and mutual investment in the betterment of nurses in this field.

Building a nursing community was the NurseLearn 2024 theme.

The people who really made these relationships possible, facilitating discussions and encouraging a community of mutual support, are our incredible team of CBC Nurse Mentors in our Enhanced Program.

As such, we thought it fitting to ask our Nurse Mentors to reflect on 2024 and their hopes and dreams for CBC nursing and NurseLearn going into 2025. These are their words:

July Lumague-Test MN RN NE-BC GERO-BC – Program Director, Lead NurseLearn Mentor

“Reflectingon 2024, I am grateful to have been a part of our NurseLearn journey in creating a community for CBC nurses where we are seen, heard, and guided through the trials and tribulations of our specialty field. As a mentor in our Enhanced Program that launched this year, I have witnessed so much growth, camaraderie, inclusivity, togetherness, and reclaiming ownership of one’s nursing practice!

As we move into 2025, my hope is for CBC nurses to continue to be empowered to take charge of their professional and personal growth in their role as nurse leaders. Nurse leadership in CBC communities directly impacts changes that improve resident outcomes and create a fulfilling and sustainable work environment for the direct care team. In 2025, I want to see a shift in the advocacy and support given to CBC nurses as they continue to grow in their leadership positions with proper mentorship and relevant resources within easy reach. As the year winds down, I hope for everyone to allow themselves the time to rest, rejuvenate, and reset. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. And to all a good night!”

Kala Linville, BSN RN NC-BC – NurseLearn Mentor/Outreach Coordinator

“Looking back at 2024, I can’t help but smile thinking about the process it has been being part of a revolutionary step forward for CBC nurses in Oregon. I had the experience nearly a decade ago of rapidly transitioning from acute care to a CBC community, and looking back, a program like NurseLearn would have made my job 1000 times easier! I love engaging with nurses all over the state who have chosen to help some of the most vulnerable people regularly. It is amazing to see the great work they have done with little to no resources, and it is even more awesome to see their joy at having access to evidence-based, best practices that align with regulations. There is always room for growth and change, however I am proud to be part of such a movement to support, educate and encourage those who have previously been overlooked. Looking forward to an exciting and productive 2025 to improve the care of those in community settings.”

Heather Campbell, BSN RN LNHA – NurseLearn Mentor

“Thinking of 2024, I find myself reflecting on the unique and often humbling experiences I’ve had in community-based care this year. Each year brings new challenges, triumphs and lessons learned, but this year has felt particularly impactful. I am so grateful to have been part of bringing NurseLearn to life and supporting a community of nurses who are often foraging blindly, carefully maneuvering the endless challenges of ensuring quality care for their residents. Being part of a platform that provides nurses with personalized support, vital compliance information, tools for success and even a friendly sounding board has been a rewarding experience.

My hope for 2025 is that we continue to build a community of nurses supporting each other, see an influx of needed nurses into the community-based care specialty area, and that those nurses will thrive and become great leaders. As I close out 2024, I hope for all nurses a peaceful and restful holiday with renewed energy and excitement for 2025 and all it can bring!”

Anna Sobolev, BS RN – NurseLearn Mentor

“Looking back on 2024, I am honored to have been part of NurseLearn as one of the mentors. Together as a team we helped guide nurses through the role and responsibilities of the CBC nurse, which is not always an easy or straightforward path. Like every CBC nurse, I have had my share of struggles in trying to figure out the rules, role expectations, and setting boundaries. It has been a privilege in this last year to provide a listening ear, guidance to those who are just starting in CBC, to those who feel stuck, are experiencing burnout or feel underappreciated, and support and encouragement to those who are still going strong! It has been inspiring to witness the individual growth of Enhanced Program participants. Each of my participants has had a positive effect on my personal and professional journey as a CBC nurse, encouraging and motivating me to continue on my own path. It is amazing to observe nurses come together and support and encourage each other. For 2025, I wish that every nurse in CBC, in Oregon and beyond, would find care and support like the kind NurseLearn offers to our participants. May all nurses feel supported, appreciated, and heard. Wishing you all health and wellness in the coming 2025!

Now, with 2024 behind us, cheers to 2025 and a New Year of continued growth, learning, and nursing community!