Ok Nurses Association, Care Providers Ok, LeadingAge OK, OK Hospital Association

PROJECT PURPOSE

Our state is struggling with a debilitating healthcare worker shortage seriously exacerbated by COVID-19. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic did not create the current healthcare workforce shortage crisis, it merely magnified the challenges that providers across the care continuum face with attracting and retaining clinicians and caregivers. Oklahoma can emerge from its ongoing healthcare workforce crisis by providing vouchers and scholarships for education and training, support expansion of 2-year and 4-year nursing education programs along with faculty capacity. It is estimated that we have a deficit of 5000 frontline certified nursing assistants in the long-term care sector alone, while pre-COVID trends showed newly certified staff declining at a double-digit rate. Prior to the pandemic, Oklahoma was ranked 46th in the nation in the number of nurses per 100,000 according to the 2020 CQ State Rankings, and HRSA published their projection that Oklahoma needs to increase the number of nurses by 40% in all health sectors to meet current needs. Our healthcare worker shortage continues to be a significant factor in Oklahoma?s consistently poor rankings in nearly every reported health measure. Our healthcare workforce, further eroded by the pandemic, must be rebuilt, recruited, educated and stabilized to safeguard Oklahoma?s future.

EVIDENCE

Reports released over the last 20 years by Oklahoma Works, OSDH and the OHCWFC demonstrate a need for increased healthcare workers from certified nurse aids to nurses (LPN, RN and APRN) and other licensed healthcare providers. These reports not only suggest increased funding for healthcare workforce education but scholarships for those wishing to enter or advance. Many of these students are non-traditional and second career and face many environmental and familial challenges. Previously limited funding has been provided for small scale successful programs. The reliance on contracted staffing agencies charging exorbitant fees is unsustainable and driving up healthcare costs.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Without access to healthcare (acute/long-term) all Oklahomans are vulnerable, regardless of social-economic status. This provides our state the opportunity to intervene on behalf of every citizen who will be a patient in a healthcare setting or may become a resident in a long-term care setting. Healthcare employees are most vulnerable to their working conditions taking care of COVID patients. No industry has been more adversely impacted than healthcare, both personally and professionally. Oklahomans need bold action to ensure appropriate care that will safeguard their health and well-being. It will allow Oklahoma to overcome barriers in the healthcare workforce that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, providing vital access to training and career progression.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Graduation data, certification and licensure data, and health care sector retention.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma