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The Business of Health Care Report
Today, I will discuss the importance of
continuing education when it comes to solving a health care crisis. In the past, hospital staffing shortages
could be addressed with higher wages, better benefits and better schedules. Now, however,
that's not the only answer. There simply aren't enough qualified people to fill every needed
position in health care. In the Metroplex, the vacancy rate for
registered nurses is about nine percent, according to the Texas Nurses Association. And the
need is growing. The TNA estimates that Texas will need 10,000 new registered nurses each
year to keep pace with a growing population and nurses' retirement. Currently, Texas nursing
schools produce only about 5,000 registered nurses each year. As a result, continued learning among
health care employees and grassroots efforts to expand enrollment in nursing and allied
health programs are essential. Health care systems must work more closely with schools and
universities to match the skills needed with the curriculum and training received by students.
Also, students must be encouraged to consider health professions and be provided with enriched
math and science instruction in junior high and high school. For its part, Texas Health Resources has
developed a system approach to continuing education, employee retention and employee recruitment.
The THR Center for Learning is a big piece of this initiative. The center is a corporate
university that partners with academic institutions to develop learning opportunities for
employees - leading to nurses aides, for example, becoming registered nurses. Plus, THR offers
tuition reimbursement for employees and their dependents who pursue clinical degrees. The value of developing a culture where
employees are encouraged to broaden their horizons and where learning is expected is priceless
- and, essential if health care's staffing shortages are to be properly addressed. For Texas Health Resources
and its family of hospitals - Harris Methodist Hospitals, Presbyterian
Healthcare System and Arlington Memorial Hospital - I'm CEO
Doug Hawthorne
with "The Business of Health Care Report" on NewsRadio 1080 KRLD.
©
2003 Texas Health Resources |
I'm Doug Hawthorne, President and CEO of Texas Health Resources, with
"The Business of Health Care Report" on 