HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Nursing shortages have been going on for months, but this labor shortage goes beyond just nursing positions. There is a shortage among many positions in the health care industry, including CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants).
Diane Peck, Calhoun Community College's Workforce Solutions project manager, says, "It's everything - CNAs, medical assistants, billers and coders... the health care employment is very tight right now."
Calhoun Community College has partnered with Senior Helpers, a local home healthcare company, to offer aspiring CNAs paid training opportunities.
So what exactly does a CNA do? Peck explains, "A CNA is a person who assists with someone's daily care. so things like dressing, bathing, grooming, maybe ambulation. If you're doing in-home care, you're also doing things like you might be helping them run errands, you might be doing some cooking, cleaning. It really allows the resident to stay in their home to be independent."
Peck foresees that if you jump on the CNA wagon now, you'll be in for a fulfilling career. "The way that the economy is going and also the way the baby boomers are retiring, you're going to see a lot more in-home health because most people want to stay in their homes."
This program makes it simple to step into your career, essentially taking away the college-to-workforce transitional period. And although there is an extreme need for workers in the health care industry right now, this may not always be the case. Peck says it's a good idea to strike while the iron is hot. "Don't assume that this is always going to be here. Don't assume that they're always going to be scholarships. So if you get that opportunity, take the opportunity if you think this is what you want to do."