Senior Health Care Facing a Critical Labor Shortage |
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April 13, 2006
by Gabby Hyman
gabby.hyman@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist
If you're looking for a healthcare profession with a phenomenal upside, consider working in nursing home care and senior housing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that home health aides will comprise "the fastest growing occupation" in the country through 2014. Home health aides work in nursing homes, caring for senior citizens as certified or uncertified nursing assistants, senior health care orderlies, and hospital attendants.
The BLS reports that growing financial burdens on hospitals, which have traditionally focused on providing senior health care, will result in a rise in the development of assisted living and senior housing facilities.
Prepping for Senior Health Care
Nursing home care assistants and home health aides held almost 3 million positions in 2004. Employers often provide instruction, or at least require that new aides seek their own training in order to comply with Federal guidelines.
According to the BLS, senior health care aides must pass a competency test on patient care and procedures in order for the facility to receive Federal Medicare reimbursements. The government has established a nursing home care guideline of 75 hours of practical experience and training under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
Senior Health Care Aide Certification
There are also voluntary certification paths for senior health care aides, as well as for registered nurses who want to specialize in gerontology. For RNs, there are three levels of gerontological nursing certifications:
- The associate degree/diploma level for Registered Nurse, Certified
- The baccalaureate level for Registered Nurse, Board Certified
- Advanced practice level for Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Board Certified.
The Nurse Competence in Aging Organization notes that more than 50% of all hospital patients in America are over 65 years old, while only 1% of all registered nurses specialize in gerontology. The field is struggling to keep pace with America's rapidly aging population.
Sources
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The Nurse Competence in Aging Organization
About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.
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