Each year, National Nurses Week gives us a special opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary impact nurses have across every corner of Oregon’s health system. Whether they are supporting students in schools, guiding patients through vulnerable moments, or providing compassionate psychiatric care, nurses bring skill, presence, and humanity to every interaction.
This week from May 6-12 we extend our appreciation to all nurses across OHA and the Oregon State Hospital, including the dedicated teams working in School-Based Health Centers and school districts throughout the state.
Honoring Oregon’s school nurses
School Nurse Day is celebrated each year on the Wednesday of National Nurses Week. School nurses are registered nurses working in schools, districts, and Education Service Districts, providing daily care, crisis support, chronic disease management, and long-term health planning for Oregon’s students.
Their work is vital: healthy students are better learners, and school nurses ensure children have the support they need to be safe, regulated, and ready to learn.
To explore more about school nursing in Oregon, visit the reports and infographics on OHA’s School Health Services page. Additional district-level information is available through the Oregon Department of Education
Oregon State Hospital nurse spotlight: Maggie Garcia, MHRN
To begin this year’s celebration, we’re proud to spotlight Maggie Garcia, MHRN, from the Salem campus of the Oregon State Hospital. Maggie brings heart, consistency, and a deep sense of purpose to her work, and we’re grateful to share her perspective this week.
How long have you been at OSH?
It’ll be 3 years in July.
What does being a nurse mean to you personally?
Being a nurse means being able to help the community and make a difference. It might take time, but putting in the work and showing up for our patients makes a difference.
How do you build trust with patients who may be struggling to open up?
I start by saying “Hi” and introducing myself. I let them know my role at OSH and how they can reach me if questions or concerns come up while the shift goes on. I continue to check in as the day goes by. Eventually, the patient will approach me and a small conversation can develop and go from there.
How do you take care of your own mental health while supporting others?
I like to spend time at home catching up on chores to make myself feel caught up outside of work. I have found scrapbooking to be a relaxing activity that I do with my daughter and sisters. Time alone helps my mental health—no noise, no voices, just quiet space with my dog. During the summertime, our family likes to go camping and get away from daily life schedules.
How has working here shaped you as a nurse or as a person?
Working at OSH has shaped the way I view mental health. Mental health is a common struggle that shows up in many ways. Recovery is not the same for everyone, and it’s not a straight line. We are all humans and small one-on-one moments make a difference. We build trust, safety and patients feel heard.
What advice would you give to someone considering psychiatric nursing?
Get experience outside of the hospital, possibly group homes or recovery centers. It will help build communication skills and get experience on different kinds of mental health, treatment and possible medications.
If you weren’t a nurse, what would you be doing?
Growing up I wanted to be a cosmetic surgeon, but that’s too much school. But if I wasn’t a nurse, I would be in real estate. I like working with people and honestly, that was my plan B if nursing didn’t work out. I don’t see myself doing anything else outside of nursing.
Who has been a mentor or inspiration in your nursing career?
Growing up, I knew I wanted to go into the medical field; my dad was a big motivator and always cheered me on. I was here at OSH as a nursing student, and my preceptor was the type of nurse I knew I wanted to be. She taught me a lot, was active with her patients and listened to staff.
Anything else you would like us to know?
I started at OSH as a new grad and don’t regret it.
Thank you, Maggie, and thank you to every nurse in Oregon.
From school health clinics to behavioral health units, community programs to specialty care, your work changes lives. The care you provide reaches far beyond the bedside and makes a lasting difference across our organization, and our state.
