CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Medical leaders and a Charlotte community college are seeking solutions to the burnout felt by those in the medical field.
Years after the height of the pandemic, long wait times persist in both hospitals and home care.
Burnout causes some people in some industries to move on to other jobs.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is creating a leadership team to address this issue and chart a path forward.
In addition to retaining staff, state health officials want to work on educating the next generation of health care workers.
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As calls for solutions to the health care workforce shortage grow, Central Piedmont Community College Associate Dean of Nursing and Nursing Assistant Monica Barnett recognizes the health system's dwindling number of nurses. There is.
“As a nurse myself, I see our needs on the front lines every day, and as Charlotte grows, those needs will only increase,” Barnett said.
Before the pandemic, North Carolina was already projected to have a shortage of 12,500 registered nurses by 2033, and the paper said that is now expected to be even worse. UNC Sheps Center.
“This is an issue that affects all North Carolinians,” said NCDHHS Policy Director Karen Wade said.
Wade said if something isn't done to stem the tide, the state could be plunged into a major health crisis.
“It impacts our health and well-being. “This impacts our entire workforce and it impacts our economy. This is exactly the issue that we need to come together as a state to address. ,” Wade said.
The state is working on the issue with the Long-Term Care Workforce Strategic Leadership Council, a group of health care leaders working to create a roadmap to eliminate the shortage.
They focus on direct care, nursing, and behavioral health, with the goal of improving recruitment, retention, and training.
Central Piedmont Community College is committed to preparing the next generation.
“It’s exciting for Central Piedmont because it gives us options that we didn’t have before,” Barnett said.
Barnett, on the other hand, says that while it can be a difficult job, the profession is full of purpose.
“By being able to see at the end of the day, patients go home feeling better. And in terms of education, they can grow and see that lightbulb moment,” Barnett said. says, “It's a blessing to know you've made an impact on someone's life.”
Students may inquire about CPCC's nursing program: HealthSciences@cpcc.edu
Here is a link to all healthcare programs, including nursing, offered at Central Piedmont Community College: https://www.cpcc.edu/admissions/apply/healthcare-programs
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