ONA Nurses Say ‘No Confidence’ with Vote

Registered nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend have voted no confidence in hospital leadership, according to the Oregon Nurses Association. ONA reports that 98% of participating nurses said they have no confidence in Chief Hospital Executive Dr. Jim McGovern and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kim Ruscher. The vote was held between Feb. 23 and March 1. The action follows PeaceHealth’s decision to transition emergency department physician management from Eugene Emergency Physicians to ApolloMD. ONA says more than 93% of medical staff also voted no confidence, and 98% voted to reverse the outsourcing decision. In response, PeaceHealth said it values its nursing team and remains committed to addressing concerns during the transition. The organization says it supports the leadership team’s decision and remains committed to delivering high-quality care in Lane County.

Sheriff’s Office Looking for Dispatchers

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is recruiting emergency dispatchers and emphasizing the critical role they play in public safety across the county. Sheriff’s officials say dispatchers serve as the first point of contact during emergencies, answering both emergency and non-emergency calls, gathering critical information, and coordinating responses from deputies, firefighters, and paramedics. They also provide life-saving instructions to callers while keeping first responders informed and safe in the field. According to the agency, the position requires the ability to remain calm under pressure, manage multiple tasks at once, communicate clearly, and demonstrate compassion and professionalism in high-stress situations. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office says the job offers competitive pay, benefits, paid training, and the opportunity to serve the community in a meaningful and purpose-driven role. Information about qualifications and how to apply is available through the Sheriff’s Office.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Looking for Committee Members

Communities like Florence could have a voice in how millions of dollars in state park funding are distributed. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is looking to fill two positions on its Local Government Grant Program Advisory Committee, including one seat representing cities with populations under 15,000. The 10-member committee helps allocate approximately $15 million each year in Oregon Lottery funds for park and recreation projects across the state. Members review and score 30-40 grant applications and take part in a 3-day virtual meeting. Terms last 4 years. OPRD is also seeking a public at-large member who represents a historically underrepresented community. Applications are due by April 3, according to the department. More information is available on the OPRD website.