Category: Workforce

Healthcare workers have left their roles or profession altogether in droves amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

More than 11 percent — or 672 of 6,068 — of hospitals reporting staffing levels in the U.S. are experiencing critical staffing shortages, according to HHS data posted Jan. 30.

Warner Thomas, president and CEO of New Orleans-based Ochsner Health, is calling for more workplace violence prevention efforts after a nurse was attacked Jan. 28 at one of the health system’s hospitals, according to a statement shared with Becker’s.

More than 12 percent — or 742 of 6,008 — of hospitals reporting staffing levels in the U.S. are experiencing critical staffing shortages, according to HHS data posted Jan. 27.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and two Republican lawmakers for his state are urging the Biden administration to allow exemptions for rural hospitals to the federal COVID-19 vaccination mandate for healthcare workers.

Healthcare workers in 25 states face their first deadline Jan. 27 to comply with the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate. 

As the omicron variant spreads in the U.S., some states are requiring COVID-19 booster shots for workers in healthcare facilities. 

Amid the latest COVID-19 surge, hospitals and health systems are holding hiring events and taking other measures to recruit staff.

With hundreds of open positions in the Central Illinois and Quad Cities/Muscatine regions, UnityPoint Health is targeting staff terminated from Galesburg (Ill.) Cottage Hospital, the West Des Moines, Iowa-based health system confirmed to Becker’s. 

The Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration said it is withdrawing emergency enforcement of its vaccinate-or-test mandate for businesses, although the agency is not withdrawing it as a proposed rule.