The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) and health care providers across the state are encouraging volunteers and individuals with health care experience to join the health care workforce during this time of unprecedented staffing need.
“As are other health systems nationwide, Sanford Health is experiencing a historic workforce shortage, not only in nursing but in other patient care and non-clinical areas,” said Theresa Larson, vice president of nursing and clinical services at Sanford Health in Fargo. “We are seeing an increase in the volume of patients seeking health care today. In addition to treating COVID-19 patients, our hospitals are at peak capacity.”
“CHI St. Alexius Health would welcome additional mission-driven team members who are able to provide support to our frontline care team staff for various hours, shifts, and roles in an effort to expand our services and meet the growing needs of our community and state,” said Raumi Kudrna, vice president of patient care services at CHI St. Alexius Health in Bismarck.
To help expand the health care workforce, NDDoH has reinstated its Temporary Nurse Aide registration process, and the North Dakota State Board of Respiratory Care is offering a six-month temporary respiratory therapist license for those currently licensed in good standing in another state.
“North Dakota is experiencing an urgent need for more staff in our health care facilities,” said State Health Officer Nizar Wehbi, MD. “Staffing shortages can have negative effects on patient care and limits the capacity of hospitals and health care facilities. We are asking for volunteers and anyone with experience in the health care field to join or rejoin the workforce.”
Please contact the human resources department at your local hospital or health care facility to see how you can help. Shift lengths and schedules can be very flexible. Even if you are only available for 4 to 8 hours a week, consider making the call and helping during this time of urgent need for staffing.
For more information on NDDoH’s Temporary Nurse Aide registration, please visit https://services.ndnar.org/emergency/
To learn more about the ND State Board of Respiratory Care’s temporary respiratory therapist licensure, please visit https://www.ndsbrc.com/article.asp?id=10