How cooperation will help solve the healthcare worker shortage
The shortage of nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals in the United States is nearing a crisis point. As Baby Boomers age and the population grows, the demand for healthcare is rapidly outpacing the supply of workers. Recent estimates predict the US could see a shortage of up to 122,000 physicians by 2032. The nursing shortage is projected to spread across the country and intensify by 2030.
These shortfalls have major implications for the healthcare system and patient care. Longer wait times, safety issues from providers being overloaded, limited access in rural areas, and system-wide higher costs will only worsen without intervention.
While there is no single solution, getting more students to pursue healthcare careers must be part of a comprehensive approach. To that end the Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council (KCMHC) has partnered with Real World Learning to reach students in Kansas City and show them the opportunities in healthcare.
This partnership has a variety of activities planned this year to build awareness and interest in middle and high school students across the Kansas City Area, including:
A career fair for graduating seniors to connect them with options for employment, continuing their education – and options to do so with little or no debt with organizations and education partners highlighting their sponsorship, scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs.
An externship for teachers from elementary to high school to showcase the “Hidden Careers in Healthcare” that go way beyond Nurses and Doctors. Careers such as lab, radiology, research, respiratory therapy and HVAC are highlighted for educators with tools to take back to their classrooms to continue interest building.
A large scale healthcare career exploration event to give middle and high school students a hands-on opportunity to learn about the wide variety of careers available, from caregivers to lab, radiology, respiratory as well as technology and trades.
If you are interested in participating in or have a student that needs to be connected to opportunity, please let me know.