Nursing centers short on staffers
Florida faces a critical need for certified nursing assistants (CNA) who make a vital impact on quality care and quality of life for seniors and people with disabilities residing in our state’s skilled nursing centers.
Nationwide, nursing centers have lost nearly 238,000 employees or 15% of our total workforce since the start of the pandemic. In Florida alone, that accounts for nearly 10,000 jobs lost.
While employment levels of most health care sectors have nearly rebounded to pre-COVID levels, skilled nursing centers are experiencing a substantial staffing shortage. With one of the largest elderly populations in the country, it is vital to encourage individuals to make long-term care their career path.
The national demand for CNAs will grow 9% by 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.
To address this need, the Florida Health Care Association’s Education and Development Foundation and the State of Florida, Agency for Health Care Administration have partnered on a grant-funded CaregiversFL Career Program that connects skilled nursing centers with individuals seeking a career in long term care.
The program is designed to raise awareness about the benefits of working in long-term care, including the career ladder opportunities, and increase the pool of applicants through an online hub that benefits both the job seeker and the employer.
Existing CNAs can connect directly with skilled nursing centers that have immediate openings to fill. Individuals who are new to the profession will learn about CNA training programs as well as the opportunity to develop necessary skills and receive on-the-job experience through the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) Training Program made permanent by Florida’s Legislature during the 2021 session.
With just a high school diploma or GED, individuals can take the fast path to employment by beginning their training under the supervision of a licensed nurse. As COVID-19 has disrupted our long-term care workforce in many ways, we must ensure we strengthen our pipeline of caregivers and work together to raise awareness about long term care as an opportunity for career growth.
Job seekers can sign up to get hired or learn more at florida.carefortheaging.org/job-seekers. Skilled nursing centers can sign up to participate in the program at florida.carefortheaging.org/employers.
J. Emmett Reed is the CEO for Florida Health Care Association. He can be reached at ereed@fhca.org.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: More certified nursing assistants needed to ensure quality senior care | Opinion
