Northwest intent on protecting its future in healthcare

Healthcare facilities in Alaska, Northern California, Oregon and Washington haven't been immune to the labor shortages that are plaguing states across the country. Nursing continues to be the big story as hospitals and other organizations struggle to fill their open positions. Specialty areas, such as critical care and operating room, are experiencing the greatest dearth of professionals. Organizations throughout the Northwest and Alaska are trying their best to stave off an even bigger crisis in the future by offering more incentives and implementing programs to attract more people to nursing careers.

Most healthcare professionals believe the solution to the problem lies with the state's younger generations. As the nursing population gets older and more of them reach retirement age, there will be an even greater need for individuals to fill the vacancies. Organizations are making it a point to connect with students at all education levels - from elementary to college.

Not only has recruitment been an issue in healthcare facilities, but it has begun to affect universities and community colleges as well. Nursing instructors are disappearing as quickly as those who are practicing in hospital settings. Without individuals to provide tutelage, the situation will only get worse. Governments are also stepping in by allocating more money toward programs that will provide increased training for nurses in specialty areas. Meanwhile, healthcare facilities are recruiting outside their state borders and are beginning to look toward other countries altogether.

Although nursing is the standout deficiency, other professionals are also in short supply. Some of these areas include respiratory therapists, physical therapists, billers, coders, laboratory technicians and pharmacists. Another aspect of healthcare that is starting to show signs of wear in this area of the country is the number of physicians. Reimbursement and funding issues have left many doctors feeling dissatisfied with their jobs.

The recruitment efforts in Alaska, Northern California, Oregon and Washington are varied. Sign-on bonuses remain a top incentive, especially for particular nursing positions. Many facilities are also recognizing that healthcare professionals are looking for more balance in their lives. As a result, flexible scheduling is one of the most-talked-about and frequently implemented initiatives in these states. Other programs include tuition assistance and flexible benefits.

For healthcare organizations in these regions, the battle for professionals has just begun. Quick fixes will help in the short-term, but a concerted effort will have to be made to protect themselves in the future. - MEGAN FITZGERALD, KARA KITTS and SHERRI PFEIL, Staff Writers