Is there a Doctor in the House? Nurse? Dentist?

It’s probably no surprise that the shortage of nurses, physicians and other health care providers is more acute in rural areas.  The question is, what can you do about it?  There are resources out there to help you recruit and retain providers.

 

Education loan assistance (or repayment) programs are a proven recruitment/retention tool for health care providers.  I manage Wisconsin’s Health Professions Loan Assistance Program and I’ve noticed increasing interest in it over the last few years, as seen in the number of applications.  These are effective tools for communities to attract and keep physicians, dentists, nurses and other health professionals.  Our website lists several other similar programs. 

 

WI Representative Tammy Baldwin recently introduced the Nurses’ Higher Education and Loan Repayment Act (H.R. 1460).   This federal program would target nurse educators.  Applicants could receive up to $80,000 toward loan repayment under this program.  Nursing school instructors are in short supply; they are typically paid significantly less than practicing nurses.  The shortage of instructors is only aggravating the nursing shortage.  I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt to contact your federal legislators on this issue.

 

The WI Area Health Education Centers sponsor Wisconsin Express, an opportunity for college health professions students “to observe health care systems in medically underserved and culturally diverse communities, to interact with local health care practitioners and community residents, and to learn in teams with other students.â€Â   This one week program is a great opportunity for students to gain experience and insight into working in underserved areas in a team setting.  The fee is only $50!  The program runs May 18-22 at sites throughout the State.

 

This article in the WI State Journal describes the lengths some  hospitals and clinics are going to to recruit providers… just for interviews!  Incentives include $50 gas cards and opportunities to win cars and televisions.

 

It’s important to reward staff if you want to retain them.  Cherokee Uniforms, manufacturer of healthcare apparel, offers an opportunity to do that with their Inspired Comfort Award.  The Award “acknowledges the exemplary service of healthcare professionals who aim to improve the lives of others in significant ways and to encourage the nation’s brightest students to enter the professions.”   Anyone can nominate a nurse or other provider in one of categories:  Advanced Practice Nurse, Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse, Student Nurse and Non-Physician Healthcare Professional.  Awards include a Caribbean cruise.  Nominations are open until May 31.

 

And don’t forget the Office of Rural Health’s recruitment team!  Marsha Siik (dentists and physical therapists) and Randy Munson (physicians) have years of experience between them recruiting providers.

March 17, 2009 · KJacobson · No Comments
Tags: , , ,  Â· Posted in: Program Updates, Provider Loan Repayment

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