News

Data Portal Shows Increases in Statewide Vacancy Rates for Licensed Nurses

On October 12, 2023 by Anna Mowry

Vacancy rates for registered and licensed practical nurses increased last quarter to over 20%, according to data submitted by members in the LeadingAge Minnesota Data Portal.

Nurse Lunch and Learn: Change in Condition – Free for Members

On October 5, 2023 by Sharon Hollister

Gather your nurses, particularly staff nurses and direct care nurses, on Oct. 18 to watch our next Nurse Lunch and Learn on changes. You will review resident change-in-condition assessments and complete a short group exercise.

Sign-Up Now to Become an Employer Partner of NextGen

On October 5, 2023 by Anna Mowry

Employers can sign up now to become an employer partner for the next round of the Next Generation Nursing Assistant or NextGen “barrier-free” training program.

Counting Down This Week’s Top 7 Workforce Resources

On September 28, 2023 by Anna Mowry

As we near the end of Workforce Development month, we are counting down our top seven need-to-have LeadingAge Minnesota resources, upcoming must-attend events, and the latest data to support your recruitment, training, and workforce development initiatives.

Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Meets for The First Time

On September 21, 2023 by Erin Huppert

The Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board, created during the past legislative session, met for the first time last Thursday.

Become an Employer Partner of NextGen – Train. Test. Work.

On September 14, 2023 by Anna Mowry

Employers can sign up now to become an employer partner for the next round of the Next Generation Nursing Assistant or NextGen “barrier-free” training program.

Workforce Incentive Grant Program for Care Centers- Deadline Extended

On September 7, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has decided to extend the application deadline for the Nursing Facility Workforce Incentive Grant Program to Friday, Sept. 15. DHS has posted a revised version of the RFP and application form for Workforce Incentive Grants on the Nursing Facility Provider Portal.

CMS Releases Proposed Nursing Home Minimum Staff Rule

On September 1, 2023 by Mark Schulz

Despite the current workforce reality, the evidence that no single staffing level would guarantee quality care, and our ardent advocacy to negate the most troubling portions of this rule, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed a rule that will impose minimum staffing ratios. We are disappointed our calls to moderate and mitigate the potentially devastating impacts of the rule were not heeded.

DEED Employer Resources and Webinar – Get Help Recruiting the Talent You Need

On August 31, 2023 by Anna Mowry

On Thursday, Sept. 14, employers are invited to learn more about “Follow Your Heart to a Caring Career” – a campaign launched by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) aimed at helping providers attract, hire, and retain the workforce needed to care for the older adults and people with disabilities in Minnesota.

Less than Three Weeks Left to Nominate Your Staff, Volunteers, and Residents for the Stars Among Us Awards

On August 24, 2023 by Barbara Landeen

The nomination deadline for the 2024 Stars Among Us Awards is Monday, Sept. 11 - that is less than three short weeks away. Share your stories to recognize these people in your organization for statewide recognition:

DHS Posts Request for Applications for Workforce Incentive Grants

On August 14, 2023 by Jeff Bostic

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has posted a Request for Applications for Workforce Incentive Grants for care centers on the nursing facility provider portal.

National Survey Gives Insights on Nursing Home Salaries and Benefits

On August 10, 2023 by Anna Mowry

Released last week, the nation’s largest nursing home salary report shows a continued upward trend for nursing home staff salaries.

Workforce Technology Playbook – Cleaning Robotics

On July 27, 2023 by Julie Apold

The Cleaning Robotics Technology Playbook is the fourth in a series of workforce technology solution playbooks designed to assist you in identifying technology solutions to help address the workforce crisis.

New Data Portal Workforce Benchmarking and Trend Reports

On July 27, 2023 by Julie Apold

Enhanced benchmarking reports have been added to the LeadingAge Minnesota Data Portal to help you track your data over time and benchmark your performance with other member organizations.

It’s Time to Transition Your Temporary Nurse Aides

On July 27, 2023 by Anna Mowry

Temporary nurse aides hired or who worked under the 1135 waiver have until Sept. 11 to be added to the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry. LeadingAge Minnesota is here to help providers with this transition process.

Apply Now to Become an In-Facility Test Site for your Nurse Aide Candidates

On July 20, 2023 by Anna Mowry

Until July 31, eligible providers with nurse aide training programs can apply to become a test site for nurse aide candidates.

Repairing the Nursing Assistant Workforce Pipeline

On July 13, 2023 by Anna Mowry

With over 12,000 open nursing assistant positions around the state, we know there is no single solution to our current workforce challenges. That’s why, together with our dedicated members, LeadingAge Minnesota is doing all we can to repair the nurse aide pipeline.

CNA Training Ban: MDH Waiver Request Form Now Available

On July 13, 2023 by Anna Mowry

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has released a new waiver request form for nursing homes to complete after losing the ability to operate a nurse aide training program for two years.

ICYMI: Workforce Solutions Big and Small a Top Priority for LeadingAge Minnesota

On July 6, 2023 by Kari Thurlow

This message from President and CEO Kari Thurlow was initially sent to members on July 3

During the first month of summer, I had the honor of connecting with many members in person, first at District Meetings and then at our recent Board of Directors strategic planning retreat.

News from LeadingAge: Updated Immigration Reform-Focused Dignity Act Includes New Visa Program

On July 6, 2023 by LeadingAge

An updated version of the Dignity Act (H.R. 3359), a large package of immigration reforms introduced in the House by Representatives Maria Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX) on May 23 includes language focused on fixing the current immigration system that aligns with LeadingAge’s current policy priorities.