Strategies for Addressing the Challenges to Improving the Diversity of the Health Workforce
Yolanda Brooks, MS, SPHR, Mina Kini, MS, MSW - Presentation at Dallas Conference
ABSTRACT:This session focuses on Texas Health Resources’ proactive innovative approach in the creation of a new nursing talent pool from existing untapped employees and recent high school graduates. The program is based on innovative organizational practices and support structures and strategies for creating career opportunities, advancement and growth for individuals from diverse backgrounds with the aptitude, drive and ability to be successful in the healthcare profession are used. This session will describe, identify and share critical success factors and lessons learned, in the areas of
- Creating a collaborative in house ADN program to address barriers for entrance in to traditional nursing programs along with addressing the current work force shortages
- Creating a Language Institute to address the language and cultural barriers that exist in our multicultural health care work force.
- Creating a high school youth work training program for entry level healthcare jobs that feeds that the nursing recruitment pipeline.
The session will also describe how successes are achieved through internal and external community collaborations such as community colleges, universities, high schools and community organizations. Our learners represent 10 countries, a blend of minority groups, age, gender and ethnicity.