Oregon League for Nursing records, 1922-2012

The Oregon State League of Nursing Education (OSLNE or OLNE) began organizing in 1922 and applied for membership with the National League of Nursing Education in April 1923. The mission of both organizations centered around consideration of all aspects of nursing education, defining and maintaining minimum standards for education, promoting professional relationships and collaboration, and developing and maintaining the "highest ideals in the nursing profession."

The Oregon League focused on nursing education and continuing education, public health nursing, training of Native American nurses, and advocacy work (such as for greater nurse employment and better funding for education and employment opportunities). They were pivotal in moving Portland's nurse training school from the County Hospital to the University of Oregon.

From 1947 to 1950, the League operated as the Educational Section of the Oregon State Nurses Association (later the Oregon Nurses Association). They changed again, along with the National organization, in 1952, to become the Oregon League for Nursing. The mission expanded at this time to include fostering the improvement of nursing services and education through more coordinated actions of nurses and associated professions, agencies, and schools. For a time, from around 1972 until 1981, the name was changed yet again, to Oregon Citizens' League for Nursing. However, the name was returned to the previous form after a number of concerns and complaints were raised in regards to the word "Citizens'" being added.