Akron Children’s Hospital is proactively addressing the growing need for home care nurses through a successful collaboration with the Portage Lakes Career Center (PLCC) LPN program. This partnership highlights the critical role of community engagements in tackling healthcare workforce challenges, particularly for families requiring specialized care for newborns discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Patrice Russell, director of talent acquisition and workforce pipelines at Akron Children’s, emphasizes the program’s significance: “The alliance between PLCC’s licensed practical nurse (LPN) program and our Career Launch program has been instrumental in recruiting LPNs passionate about providing care in patients’ homes.” She further noted the emotional impact of the situation, “Learning about children in our NICU awaiting discharge, yet unable to go home due to in-home staffing shortages, was truly moving and underscored the urgency of this initiative.”
This strategic focus on home-based care extends beyond mere staffing logistics. It’s about enabling vulnerable patients, especially infants transitioning from the NICU, to flourish in the comfort of their homes. Private duty nurses deliver crucial, individualized care within a familiar setting, which promotes stronger family bonds and enhances patient recovery.
Brenda Carson, interim manager of Home Care/Private Duty at Akron Children’s, elaborates on the advantages: “Private duty services at home allow patients to actively participate in family life, attend social events, and generally thrive in a nurturing environment. Parents become integral to the care process, setting goals and actively participating in their child’s well-being.”
She further explains the specialized skills of these nurses: “Private duty nurses are expertly trained to deliver specific, tailored care as prescribed, catering to patients with diverse needs, from acute and chronic conditions to end-of-life care, including those requiring ventilators and tracheostomies.”
Addressing the Critical LPN Shortage through the Portage Lakes Career Center Lpn Program
This innovative program emerged at a crucial time when the healthcare sector faced a nationwide shortage of Licensed Practical Nurses. Brenda Carson points out the cyclical nature of LPN staffing levels within the healthcare industry over her 30-year career, noting periodic shifts influencing demand and staffing strategies.
“Private duty nursing, like much of healthcare, was significantly impacted by the pandemic,” Brenda adds. “We experienced nurse attrition due to evolving family needs and childcare challenges. Families also sought to limit external exposure to safeguard their vulnerable children.”
However, Brenda notes a recent resurgence in interest in LPN careers, both from new aspirants and those re-entering the workforce, signaling a positive trend for programs like the Portage Lakes Career Center LPN program.
Building Strong Community Relationships for Program Success
The enduring collaboration between PLCC and Akron Children’s transcends simply filling job vacancies. It cultivates a robust connection between the healthcare provider and future professionals, establishing a sustainable talent pipeline nurtured by the Portage Lakes Career Center LPN program.
Brenda Carson actively engages with PLCC adult learners, recently presenting to them and attending their graduation ceremony in June. Her involvement underscores the commitment to nurturing future nurses from the Portage Lakes Career Center LPN program.
“Establishing a rapport with these candidates is vital,” she states. “Offering encouragement and assuring them of a supportive environment to launch their careers fosters a positive and enriching learning journey, especially for graduates of the Portage Lakes Career Center LPN program.”
The latest cohort from the Portage Lakes Career Center LPN program includes six nurses who participated in Akron Children’s Career Launch Plus program. These graduates – Alina Lintner, Kovian McDonald, Chinonso Nkwocha, Holly Sizemore, Patricia Walker, and Jessica Young – have since joined the home care/private duty team.
Patrice explains the Career Launch Plus structure: “Participants in Career Launch Plus dedicated themselves to full-time studies and bi-weekly mentorship meetings with our Career Launch team, focusing on professional growth and guidance. They were not required to hold separate employment at Akron Children’s during their LPN program at Portage Lakes Career Center.”
Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to developing a strong workforce, the partnership between Akron Children’s and the Portage Lakes Career Center LPN program serves as an exemplary model for addressing community workforce needs. It empowers individuals to pursue fulfilling healthcare careers while ensuring families receive the essential care they require.
To discover more about Career Launch and Career Launch Plus opportunities, please visit careers.akronchildrens.org/career-launch.
