Workforce Corner: Health care workforce and advancement summit

Help Wanted: Certified Nursing Assistant.

Newspapers and online job boards are overflowing with requests for Certified Nursing Assistants. However, in a recent skills gap analysis performed by Economic Modeling Specialist International, it states there is a surplus of 1,171 graduating nursing assistants compared to the number of open positions within the Northwest Wisconsin region. This may seem incorrect considering the number of employers struggling to fill this demand. Other health care professions experiencing a surplus of graduates within our area including emergency medical technology, registered nurses, and medical assistants, to name a few. The question raised by this information can be summarized as: What does this mean for the health care industry in our region? And is the analysis reflecting reality?

Join the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board for a crucial discussion on the future of Northwest Wisconsin’s health care workforce at the Healthcare Workforce & Advancement Summit.

Judith Warmuth RN, PhD from the Wisconsin Hospital Association will present on health care workforce issues in Wisconsin, impact of the economy on health care and the health care workforce, and what actions are needed in Wisconsin. Engaging discussion on the region’s healthcare needs, solutions, and current funding and future opportunities will follow the presentation.

Two events will be held to meet the needs of attendees in our large region. The events are on Feb. 26 at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, and Feb. 27 at Flambeau Lanes meeting room in Park Falls, Wis., with both events running 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch is provided both days; RSVP’s must be received no later than Feb. 12 for both events.

Contact Katherine Hiti, HealthCARE Project Manager, 715-682-9141, ext. 118 or khiti@nwcep.org to reserve your spot. The event is free.

Judith Warmuth RN, PhD is the vice president of Workforce Development for the Wisconsin Hospital Association and will be speaking at both events. Judy monitors workforce data; creates and sustains initiatives to recruit and train healthcare professionals; informs individuals and groups of challenges facing current and future health care professionals. She also works with policy makers, legislators, educational institutions, professional organizations and member hospitals to accomplish workforce goals.

Before coming to the hospital association, Judy held leadership positions in acute and ambulatory care. She also provided direct care as a staff nurse in emergency care and taught in academic and practice environments. Judy will speak on health care workforce issues in Wisconsin, impact of the economy on health care and the health care workforce and what actions are needed in Wisconsin.

The further development of the Healthcare Alliance will open up communication between the employing agencies and educational agencies to keep up with the changing skill needs of the industry, improve the competitiveness of the industry, find practical solutions to common problems, and overall provide a more unified and involved sector voice. An industry alliance can hold many different goals and focuses, and it’s really up to the members as a whole to identify the challenges and needs of our region.

“The alliance is a great opportunity for different agencies to work as a multidisciplinary team on the issues facing our region and come up with solutions that not only help the industry but work well in hospitals, clinics, colleges, and for the workforce. Coming together is the only way we can develop true solutions without creating boundaries in other areas,” said Hiti after attending alliance meetings around the state of Wisconsin.

It is very important to have participants from many companies, organizations, and areas to help assess those needs and find solutions; so please share information about this event with your colleagues.

Mari Kay-Nobozny is executive director for the Northwest Wisconsin Workforce Investment Board.

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