Two upstate New York municipalities and a caregivers’ union have developed a novel program that brings together two often-opposing parties for a common goal: addressing nursing homes’ workforce problems.
The Monroe County Industrial Development Agency will invest $300,000 into a one-year training program for up to 35 individuals who will be able to use the program to obtain entry-level positions in healthcare.
Meanwhile, the city of Rochester has created a grant program using $500,000 to train and support 35 to 40 low-income individuals who want to work in healthcare. Thirteen of 20 city residents who’ve already completed the program have secured union jobs at local nursing homes.
Both programs will be administered through 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.
A press release from the union said that the programs will help train certified nurse assistants, patient care technicians, pharmacy technicians, phlebotomists and sterile processing technicians. While New York is not alone in fighting a severe worker shortage in nursing homes and other healthcare facilities, the state’s required 3.5 hours of nursing care per patient per day is creating additional struggles.
McKnights Long-Term Care News reported in January that 75% of the state’s 614 SNFs are unable to meet that new requirement, which took effect last December, and are closing wings in limiting beds.
The state’s nursing home provider advocates are fighting for a 20% increase in Medicaid rates.
The SEIU highlighted a secretary at Strong Memorial Hospital who will be taking a phlebotomy class through the Rochester Educational Opportunity Center.
“I’m always looking to improve my skills,” said Jarhonnda Nettles, who has been working in healthcare for 11 years.
Stephen Hanse, president and CEO of New York State Health Facilities Association/New York State Center for Assisted Living, congratulated Monroe County and the city of Rochester on their creative approach to the workforce crisis but cautioned that more is needed.
“These types of initiatives are essential,” Hanse told McKnights on Monday. “But we can’t do it on a piecemeal basis. We need to have a statewide strategy to recruit and retain workers in long-term care.”
While the primary focus of the city of Rochester’s grant is training, the resources also can be used for childcare, career development counseling and a monthly stipend for participants. Hanse said that access to childcare is critical in a sector that employs a significant number of single mothers.
“Sometimes, the calculus is that the cost of childcare can be so exorbitant, it doesn’t pay to work,” he said, adding that costs like childcare and transportation must be addressed so people can be successful in the workforce.
