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Workforce Report 2012
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Vacancy Rates
In Wisconsin's healthcare workforce, three groups have a vacancy rate that exceeds five percent:
Certified Nursing Assistants Physical Therapists Occupational TherapistsThese three occupations are an indicator that hospitals are having trouble filling these jobs.
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Wisconsin's Aging Population
Wisconsin is an aging state with a slowing birthrate. This means more individuals will leave the workforce than join it. The increasing number of older citizens will use more and different public services, have less money available for consumer purchases and likely have less taxable income. They will increase the demand for health care, but because of reduced revenue, Wisconsin will have less ability to provide and fund that care.
The aging of Wisconsin means it will be harder for all employers to find qualified workers and hospitals will experience shortages of key health care personnel at the same time that the number of residents that require care will increase.
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Emerging Occupations
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) and Physician Assistants (PA) have become attractive additions in primary care settings and in the hospital workforce. Both groups have demonstrated good results with patient care outcomes and patient satisfaction. Both have a significantly shorter, less expensive training path than physicians.
Action is needed to enhance the supply, skills and distribution of the primary care physician supply.
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WHA Recommendations
Workforce planning can and should be done at the state level. Wisconsin stakeholders can have an influence in the following areas:
