The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) voiced concerns over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for front-line health care workers imposed by Governor Kate Brown Thursday.
ONA President Lynda Pond said the organization endorses vaccinations for everyone who can get them, but there are worries that a mandate will exacerbate a serious nurse staffing crisis.
“That is already putting a huge strain on the backs of the nurses. And now, you have nurses that are saying if this mandate goes through, I’m going to leave. And if my hospital forces me to get the vaccine, I am going to leave the bedside.”
Pond, a registered nurse, said between 75% and 80% of Oregon nurses are vaccinated-- including herself. She said the ONA supports weekly testing for those who take religious or medical exemptions from vaccination.
She added hospitals and health systems must do everything possible to retain nurses, including maintaining adequate personal protective equipment.
