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Nurses… Use your natural talent!

The caregiving workforce is in crisis.  We need more people ready and willing to support vulnerable individuals in our communities. One of the possible solutions is helping to develop and retain caregivers through education and/or continuing education.  Nurses are natural teachers and mentors.  Alaska needs your help to support our future.

There are several educational roles where nurses can fill in the gap in our region to support the needed development and retention of caregivers. Nurses could consider volunteering their time, developing a side-hustle, or seeking formal employment in healthcare education.  Some example areas in need are:

  • Volunteer and/or explore educational career options in support of Certified Nurse’s Aide education through one of the regional campuses with the University of Alaska Southeast or through private business such as Bartlett Regional Hospital and SEARHC.
  • Nurses could offer to act as adjunct professors in the rural communities to support more students being educated as caregivers.
  • Offer support for and education about caregiving through a local High School to develop interest in the nursing and caregiving fields.
  • All Direct Support Professionals who offer Medicaid Personal Care Services are required to have supervisors and agency-based model staff trained as Home Makers and certified through the State of Alaska Department of Senior and Disabilities Services; however, these courses are not readably available in Southeast Alaska. in addition, Home Care agencies wishing to grow using an agency-based model need to have nursing support for education, guidance, and oversight of patient care provided by Direct Support Professional staff.
  • ASAMS Medication Administration is a regular course needed for new and bi-annually for Direct Support Professionals and other providers.
  • CPR and First Aid are courses needed by caregivers and the general community for employment.  In many communities in Alaska, it can be challenging to get a CPR and First Aid instructor to assist with checking off skills.  Courses are renewed bi-annually.

Another way to grow caregivers in our communities may be through the development of cleaver programs within home care services.  Below are some videos on providing continuing education as a program within home health.