IHA is addressing membership concerns pertaining to workforce shortages in our 2006-2007 Strategic Plan. Our main priority objectives are to develop a comprehensive workforce plan and to identify educational barriers for health professions.

Governor's Nursing Task Force

IHA has a seat on the Governor's Nursing Task Force to discuss Idaho's nursing shortage and key challenges presented by the shortage as well as determine short and long range strategies for addressing nursing shortages in Idaho. To view the Report on the Governor's Nursing Task Force, October 2006, please click HERE or to view the News Release from Governor Risch please visit: http://gov.idaho.gov/mediacenter/press/pr2006/proct06/pr_134.html

Data from Workforce Shortage Surveys in Idaho Hospitals

Recently, IHA conducted two workforce shortage surveys to determine the top ten hospital positions of concern and to measure vacancy and turnover rates of the positions identified. There were 38 hospital members that participated in the surveys. For aggregated results of these surveys please click HERE

Educational Offerings on Nurse Retention and Workforce Stabilization

IHA, in partnership with the American Organization of Nursing Executives (AONE), is offering a series of presentations addressing nurse retention and workforce stabilization. Nurse and other hospital executives play an important role in retaining, motivating, and developing nursing staff and other healthcare professionals. There is much interest in moving beyond retaining a merely "satisfied" nurse/healthcare professional to an "engaged" worker demonstrating pride, trust, loyalty, and a cooperative spirit. To foster such a workforce and address the worker shortage issues, AONE developed the Principles and Elements of a Healthful Practice/Work Environment. To view presentations within these series please visit the education area of IHA's website at: www.teamiha.org/Education/index.cfm