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Training program provides solution to nurse shortage

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, September 2, 2005

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In Minnesota, 20% of job vacancies are in healthcare, amounting to almost 12,000 open positions. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses have the 16th highest number of vacancies by profession in the state, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

To combat this problem, the Good Shepherd Community, a healthcare facility in Sauk Rapids, MN collaborated with the St. Cloud Technical College to develop a program to train licensed practical nurses with an emphasis on long-term care. The "Long-Term Care Connection" program is designed to turn certified nursing assistants into LPNs by enrolling students in four-hour classes two days a week that focus on chronic long-term care. The classes are offered at convenient times so that students can continue working and caring for their families.

The first class graduated earlier this month and took three years to complete the program. Future classes should finish in 2 1/2 years.

Source: St. Cloud Times

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