Recruiting fresh talent requires fresh thinking

There’s no shortage of talk about the shortage.

Baby boomers are causing the tide to turn on aging. There’s an unprecedented growth in the senior population, who are continuing to live longer, too. At the same time, there are fewer people to care for them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be 1.2 million vacancies for registered nurses between 2014 and 2022.

It’s a double whammy the long-term care industry is trying to grapple with. Industry leaders are getting the conversation talking at conferences. But often, those sessions are conceptual and take a tone of doom and gloom.  

What can we do about the projected workforce shortage in a way that also makes us excited to get started recruiting?

How about by making the next generation of workers excited and aware of the possibilities long-term care has to offer.

About 200 seniors from medical-themed and magnet high schools attended a career event at Moor High School in Louisville, WLKY reports. These soon-to-be graduates will be certified nursing assistants (CNAs), pharmacy technicians and EKG technicians, among other areas of specialty. These students are trained, excited and ready to start.

So, let’s get them started.

The fair was the first event of its kind for the Jefferson County Public Schools system. Hopefully, it’s the first of many. Louisville is the home for many long-term care healthcare corporations. Why shouldn’t companies tap from the local school pool? Sixteen healthcare companies and universities attended the event, including Signature HealthCARE.

The long-term care industry has a niche role in healthcare. It offers the opportunity to do good work—and do good for others. It speaks to the next generation of workers who are motivated to make a difference.

You may even be able to make a greater difference for years to come by simply sharing what makes you excited to wake up and get to work each morning. 

Nicole Stempak

Nicole was Senior Editor at I Advance Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine 2015-2017. She has a Journalism degree from Kent State University and is finalizing a master’s degree in Information Architecture and Management. She has extensive studies in the digital user experience and in branding online media. She has worked as an editor and writer for various B2B publications, including Business Finance.