News

Two-Hour Nursing Assistant Knowledge Exam Time Limit Returns

On August 25, 2022 by Anna Mowry

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will extend the time limit for the nursing assistant state knowledge exam from one hour back to two hours in response to feedback from nurse aide training programs around the state.

$400K in Workforce Grants Available from the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation

On August 25, 2022 by Terri Foley

To support members in addressing the significant challenges caused by the current labor shortage, the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation is investing up to $400,000 in workforce grants. Applicants must apply by Oct. 5. The maximum award per site is $20,000. Grants are available for various purposes.

Staff Appreciation Initiatives

Grants will be awarded to thank staff teams for their continued commitment. Examples of eligible expenses include:

• Gift cards
• Free meals
• Break room improvements
• Staff recognition events

Funds cannot be used to offset wages, benefits, bonuses, or other compensation.

OnTrack Nursing Assistant Training Program Set-Up Expenses

Grants will be awarded to train high-quality direct caregivers. Examples of eligible expenses include:

• Technology
• Equipment such as mannequins
• Physical plant changes for a new or existing training room

Funds can cover nurse educators’ time for the OnTrack program set-up. Funds cannot be used for OnTrack student enrollment fees, exam fees, or student wages.

Build-Your-Own Workforce Projects

Grants will be awarded to start or expand initiatives aimed at recruitment, retention, or talent pipeline efforts. Projects can involve, for example:

• Labor-saving tools and technology
• Onboarding process improvements
• Partnerships with local schools
• Upgrading online recruiting tools

The Details

Applications are due Oct. 5 by 5 p.m. Learn more in the Request For Proposal (RFP) and apply online.

Multi-site organizations can submit applications for individual settings or combine projects across sites. An announcement of awards will be made by Dec. 1.

For questions, please contact Terri Foley, Program Office at the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation, at tfoley@leadingagemn.org or 651-815-8137.

New 988 Mental Health Crisis Lifeline Launched on July 16

On July 21, 2022 by Lori Meyer

People facing a mental health crisis can now dial 988 to connect to support. The change is part of a nationwide effort to transition the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to a phone number people can more easily remember and access in times of crisis. The shift also includes an online chat feature and a new texting option.

CNA Training Lockout Bill Introduced in US Senate

On July 7, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran

On June 13, US Senators Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced S.4381, the Ensuring Seniors' Access to Quality Care Act, which would address the "CNA lockout" that's contributing to the long-term care staffing crisis across the country.

DEED Announces Grant Recipients to Help Internationally Trained Healthcare Professionals Become Certified in Minnesota

On June 16, 2022 by Anna Mowry

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced the grant recipients of the Internationally Trained Professionals Competitive Grant Program, a program to help internationally trained healthcare workers earn healthcare licensures in Minnesota.

New Coupon! Promote Your Open Positions with AgingServicesJobs.org at a Reduced Rate

On June 9, 2022 by Anna Mowry

Have you posted your open positions on the AgingServicesJobs.org platform? LeadingAge MN’s job board, AgingServicesJobs.org, is the premier resource for long-term care employers to post their critical to fill positions and get connected with qualified applicants.

Coming Soon! Track and Compare Your Workforce Data in New Data Portal Application

On April 28, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

On Monday, May 2, LeadingAge Minnesota will launch an exciting new resource to allow members to track and benchmark critical workforce data. In LeadingAge Minnesota's data portal, members can access a new workforce data application containing data entry and comparison reports on employee turnover, employee retention, and vacancy rates for each quarter. 

Last Chance! Participate in Careers in Aging Week by Promoting Your Open Positions with AgingServicesJOBS.org

On April 21, 2022 by Anna Mowry

This week, April 17-23, is Careers in Aging Week! The Gerontological Society of American hosts Careers in Aging Week every year to bring greater awareness and visibility to the wide-ranging career opportunities in the aging services field.

Participate in Careers in Aging Week by Promoting Your Open Positions with AgingServicesJOBS.org

On April 14, 2022 by Anna Mowry

Participate in Careers in Aging Week, April 17-23, by posting your organization's open positions to AgingServicesJobs.Org! Post today and receive a reduced rate of $39 per posting using the coupon code Aging2021 (typically $99 per posting). This discount will be available to all members for a limited time as we recognize this critical time in building our workforce.

5 Things to Know About Anna Mowry, Director of Workforce Solutions

On April 7, 2022 by Lori Meyer

Anna Mowry has joined the LeadingAge Minnesota team as Director of Workforce Solutions. We asked Anna five questions to help you get to know her.

Funding Available for Senior Living Culinary Manager Course at Saint Paul College through the Pipeline Dual Training Grant

On April 7, 2022 by Anna Mowry

The Pipeline Dual Training Grant is accepting applications until April 12 for employers interested in leveraging the Minnesota Office of Higher Education’s Pipeline dual training model of pairing on-the-job training with related instruction. Applicants can train workers for one of more than 75 eligible occupations of the Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline, including Senior Living Culinary Managers.

CHAI To Host Panel on LTC Workforce

On March 31, 2022 by Libbie Chapuran

In partnership with the Life Course Center, the Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation will host an interactive webinar featuring a panel on the topic of the long-term care workforce on April 20 at 12:30 p.m.

LeadingAge Minnesota Welcomes Anna Mowry, Director of Workforce Solutions

On March 31, 2022 by Lori Meyer

LeadingAge Minnesota is excited to welcome Anna Mowry as our new Director of Workforce Solutions. Anna comes to us with extensive experience supporting workforce development in long-term care settings.

State Surpasses Goal of Recruiting 1,000 Certified Nursing Assistants

On March 31, 2022 by Lori Meyer

As long-term care settings face staffing shortages throughout the state, Governor Walz set a goal in Dec. 2021 to recruit and train 1,000 new certified nursing assistants (CNAs) through the Next Generation Nursing Assistant initiative. On Tuesday, Governor Walz joined CNAs and other health care professionals at St. Paul College to announce the initiative surpassed its goal.

ICYMI: Governor Releases Updated Budget Proposal

On March 24, 2022 by Jeff Bostic

Last week, Governor Tim Walz released an updated supplemental budget that proposes to use the state’s more than $9 billion in general fund surplus. The Governor's proposed budget serves as a negotiating position in final budget conversations. Legislators in the House and Senate majorities will also advance their budget proposals in the upcoming weeks.

LTC Imperative Workforce Bill to be Heard in House Committee Tomorrow

On March 24, 2022 by Erin Huppert

Tomorrow, Friday, March 25, critical legislation being advanced by LeadingAge Minnesota and our LTC Imperative partner is scheduled to be heard in the House Human Service Finance and Policy Committee.

What You Should Know About the J-1 Visa for Hiring Workers

On February 24, 2022 by LeadingAge

Aging services communities looking to build a pipeline of foreign workers hired as trainees and specialists might be interested in hiring long-term care workers through the J-1 visa exchange visitor program.

Next Generation Nursing Assistant Training Program Advances

On February 17, 2022 by Lori Meyer

The Next Generation Nursing Assistant Training Program has successfully recruited over 1000 individuals into its no-cost training programs throughout the state. Providers should begin to position themselves to connect with students as they complete their training in the upcoming weeks.

DHS Postpones Transition to Fingerprint-Based Background Studies for MDH-Licensed Providers

On January 27, 2022 by Jonathan Lips

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has postponed the Wednesday, Feb. 2, transition date for Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) providers to return to fingerprint-based background studies.

HCBS Grant Applications Open Now

On January 13, 2022 by Jenna Kellerman

A request for proposals for the Home and Community Based (HCBS) Scholarship Grant is currently open, with applications due on Jan. 31. This grant is offered through the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Office of Rural Health and Primary Care. You can find the HCBS Scholarship Grant details, including the RFP, on the MDH website.