The Workforce Shortage: A Structural Supply Problem
The challenge is twofold: the volume of workers needed and the types of workers required.
Home health and personal care aides: Demand is projected to grow by 39.1%, adding nearly 200,000 jobs by 2030. These roles account for 55% of the total projected demand for healthcare workers between 2020 and 2030.
Registered nurses and nursing assistants: Expected to see a 17% increase in demand, requiring tens of thousands of additional professionals.
Without action, this gap will strain New York’s healthcare system, reducing access and quality of care—not just in the state but across the country, where similar trends are evident.
Addressing the Challenges
To tackle this workforce crisis effectively, a multifaceted approach is essential:
1. Upskilling Current Workers
Training existing healthcare workers to take on higher-skill roles is a critical step. Programs like those offered by Nevvon enable caregivers to expand their competencies while meeting compliance standards and learn more about how they can ladder up into other roles. This provides a clear understanding to career advancement while reducing caregiver turnout by investing in education as a retention tool—additionally programs like the 1115 waiver help.
2. Expanding Workforce Diversity
Recruiting a more diverse range of candidates, particularly from underserved communities, can help meet workforce needs while promoting equity in healthcare. Addressing systemic barriers to entry and providing targeted support are essential for success.
3. Focusing on High-Growth Roles
Given the overwhelming demand for home health and personal care aides, prioritizing training and recruitment for these positions is critical. Nevvon specializes in preparing workers for these roles through accessible and high-quality training programs tailored to meet industry demands and delivered in a flexible way that meets the needs of the caregiver.
4. Collaborating Across Sectors
Partnerships between government, educational institutions, and private providers are necessary to create a sustainable talent pipeline. Aligning training programs with workforce demands can ensure that new workers are equipped for the challenges ahead.
Why Action Is Urgent
The aging population and rising prevalence of chronic conditions are driving healthcare demand to unprecedented levels. If immediate action isn’t taken, the consequences will be severe: increasing healthcare inequities reduced access to care, and a failing system that cannot meet the needs of its people.
By addressing these challenges now, NY can serve as a model for other states facing similar workforce issues, creating solutions that benefit the nation as a whole.
How Nevvon is Driving Change
At Nevvon, we are committed to being part of the solution. Through our training programs, we help caregivers upskill with some moving into high-demand roles. These programs align with state and federal standards, providing agencies with tools to recruit, train, and retain top talent.
Nevvon’s focus on accessibility and quality ensures that workers are equipped with the skills they need to deliver high-quality care, supporting a thriving and sustainable healthcare workforce.
Bridging the Gap, Together
New York’s healthcare workforce crisis reflects a nationwide challenge. By investing in solutions, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing high-demand roles, we can build a workforce capable of meeting the needs of all Americans.
The path forward requires commitment, creativity, and collaboration. Together, we can close the gap and ensure that the healthcare system remains resilient and accessible for generations to come.
Learn more about how Nevvon can support your workforce development needs. Contact us today to explore our training solutions and help shape the future of healthcare.
Read the full report here.