How philanthropy-funded Institute for Nursing Excellence empowers nurses at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart: Andrew's story
At PeaceHealth, the heartbeat of healing doesn’t come from machines or monitors. It comes from people — especially the nurses who show up, shift after shift, to care and comfort. Their work is often quiet, often unseen, but always essential. Compassion anchors our nurses, but it is philanthropy that strengthens and sustains that anchor.
Finding inspiration in nursing excellence
Andrew McClain, a NICU nurse at PeaceHealth Sacred Heart, didn’t always imagine himself as a leader. When he began his nursing career nearly eight years ago, he thought he knew what the job would be: steady, meaningful and mostly confined to the bedside. But when he joined the NICU team at Sacred Heart, that perspective began to shift.
“I have never experienced the level of commitment to professional development for nurses that PeaceHealth has shown me,” Andrew reflected.
Instead of burnout — something he feared, especially after the pandemic — Andrew found encouragement. His managers and colleagues lifted him up, and the Oregon Institute for Nursing Excellence gave him opportunities he never thought possible.
One of the most transformative experiences for Andrew was attending the National Magnet Conference in Philadelphia, made possible through philanthropic support. There, he gained new insights into both patient care and professional well-being and returned to Sacred Heart eager to share what he learned. He created posters and resources to help strengthen practice across his unit.
Andrew’s story is not unique — several of his colleagues have also attended conferences with Foundation support, each bringing back knowledge and inspiration that continue to shape patient care.
The power of philanthropy
Thanks to your generosity, Andrew and more than 1,900 nurses across PeaceHealth Oregon have been supported through initiatives of the Oregon Institute for Nursing Excellence this year. From nurse residency programs to trauma-informed care training, from national conferences to simulation-based education, philanthropy is giving nurses the tools and encouragement they need to thrive.
When nurses are engaged, empowered and supported, patients feel it. The care teams work more cohesively, errors decrease, and healing happens.
This is what philanthropy makes possible. Not just better tools or more training, but a culture where nurses are set up to thrive. It’s a quiet revolution, unfolding one caregiver, one patient, one single act of generosity at a time.
That is the impact of your giving — and the heart of Andrew’s story.
Thank you for investing in our nurses, and for helping us provide compassionate, high-quality care to every patient we serve.
Discover how the Oregon Institute for Nursing Excellence is transforming care — and learn how you can help support our nurses' growth and impact.
About PeaceHealth Foundations: PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Wash., is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Since 1890, PeaceHealth has been guided by a Mission of healing and compassion. Today, PeaceHealth Foundations carry forward that legacy — powered by philanthropy and grounded in community. As the philanthropic partner to PeaceHealth’s nine medical centers and more than 160 clinics, we help expand access, advance technology and empower caregivers to provide exceptional and compassionate care. Every gift ensures that outstanding care continues to reach families, friends and neighbors throughout the Northwest. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Discover the impact of philanthropy at peacehealth.org/foundation.
