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UMFK hosted Aroostook County Workforce Needs Assessment Forum
May 19, 2016
Note: this is an archived news release. As such, the information provided may no longer apply.
The University of Maine at Fort Kent Nursing Division and Allied Health faculty, staff, and administrators hosted a forum to discuss the healthcare workforce needs in Aroostook County on Thursday, May 19 in the Nadeau Hall teleconference room.
The purpose of the forum is to communicate information and establish a high level of coordination, planning, resource development, and program alignment to ensure an adequate supply of health care workers are being prepared to meet workforce needs in the County with collaboration from the UMFK Nursing Advisory Council members, area nursing educators, and hospital administrators.
Participants looked at University of Maine System data; current vacancy rates; projected workforce needs; retirement and turnover rates, and much more.
According to UMFK Director of Nursing Dr. Erin Soucy, “A synchronized effort is necessary to ensure that our graduates are meeting the workforce needs in Aroostook County and beyond. Because healthcare continuously grows and evolves, faculty preparing healthcare professionals work closely with clinical partners to make certain graduates are ready to provide patient care that meets the highest standards. The ultimate goal of this endeavor will be to recognize the skills graduates must possess and build the capacity necessary to meet current and future workforce needs in Aroostook County. We are pleased to be hosting this important event.”
This forum began a systematic assessment of workforce needs and determine the steps necessary to meet those needs.
For more information on the forum, please contact Dr. Soucy at (207) 834-7830.