Workforce

The core mission of hospitals and health care systems is caring for people. To fulfill that mission, hospitals and health systems need compassionate, skilled, trained, and dedicated professionals. Health care is a labor-intensive field, requiring 24-hour-per-day/seven-days-per-week staffing to achieve optimal quality outcomes. Investment in a qualified and engaged multi-disciplinary workforce is foundational. The health care workforce is our most precious resource. Hospitals and health systems are committed to supporting them today, preparing them for tomorrow and building a pathway for the future.


Project Firstline addresses existing gaps in infection prevention and control (IPC) practices and ensure that all health care workers and allied health professionals nationwide have access to relevant IPC education.

View the Lessons Following the COVID-19 Pandemic white papers and more information about Project Firstline .


The COVID-19 pandemic forever changed the health care workforce. As part of the AHA’s #WeAreHealthCare campaign, this series of videos highlight the various roles within a hospital or health system as well as the commitment and passion of those health care workers who do them. Explore the to hear their inspiring stories.


This report, developed under the guidance of the AHA Board of Trustees’ Task Force on Workforce and with input from many members of the AHA, will help hospitals navigate workforce challenges and opportunities, as well as highlight strategies and resources to assist on these pivotal efforts.

 


State of Workforce Issues in the Health Care Provider Ecosystem report cover.

Resource

NEW! Workforce Technology Guide

Produced in partnership with AVIA Health

avia logo, Avia spelled out in lowercase letters, first A is green, remaining letters are dark gray


Workforce Library

  • | Examples of how organizations can bring in new talent using scholarship funds and education, as well as support current employees by providing organization-owned housing or funds to assist employees in purchasing a home near their place of work.

    and | Achieving greater workforce resiliency featuring Dr. Heather Farley, chief wellness officer at Christiana Care Health System

    Podcast series | Leadership Beyond the Pandemic; resiliency, redesigning workflow and more featuring nurse leaders from Yale New Haven Hospital, VCU Health, Chilton Medical Center part of Atlantic Health System, and Saint Barnabas Medical Center.

     | featuring 10 hospital examples developed during the COVID-19 pandemic that support caregiver well-being.

    | a discussion between Dr. Rod Hochman, AHA Board Chair and Dr. Robert Trestman, chair for psychiatry and behavioral medicine at Carilion Clinic and professor at Virginia Tech/Carilion School of Medicine

  • |AHA guide for hospital leaders to develop and execute a well-being program

    Compendium to lead with confidence and care | ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúLeading Through Crisis: A Resource Compendium for Nurse Leaders

    | A guide to mitigating violence in health care settings developed by the AHA and International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety

  • January 27, 2022 – NYT Advertorial: Hospital Workforce Shortage Crisis Demands Immediate Action

    January 25, 2022 – Data Brief: Workforce Issues Remain at the Forefront of Pandemic-related Challenges for Hospitals

    December 2, 2021 – WSJ Advertorial: Supporting the Health Care Workers Who Supported All of Us

    Action needed to address health care workforce ‘national emergency’

    Strengthening the Health Care Workforce

    | Urging investigation of price gouging by staffing agencies

    | Investigate nurse staffing agency anticompetitive practices

    and related | outlining how current challenges threaten hospital and health systems’ ability to care for patients and communities

    featuring leaders from Advocate Aurora Health, MUSC Health, and Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital


Upcoming Events

(View on calendar.)

Webinar
In-Person Event