Hundreds of healthcare jobs looking to be filled in the Brazos Valley

 (KBTX) - BRYAN, Texas (Bryan) You want to know that there are individuals ready to assist you in an emergency. 

But, according to the State of Texas, our supply of nurses will not meet demand for at least the next decade.

As a result of a pandemic that stretched healthcare professionals to their absolute limits, the nursing profession has taken a significant impact. 

St. Joseph Health, a hospital in the Brazos Valley, reported KBTX that their nursing vacancy rate is 26%.

Kimberly Shaw began her work as a nurse in the 1990s.

Shaw stated, "I became a nurse mostly because my oldest daughter was delivered prematurely in the neonatal intensive care unit.

" "I attended nursing school, became an LVN, and then an RN. Presently, I am the president of the market at St. Joseph's."

According to Shaw, nursing is one of the most fulfilling healthcare occupations. She stated that nurses are crucial to the success of any patient.

Shaw stated, "They are our eyes and ears for the physicians who are not here all day.

" "They evaluate patients, administer therapies, and so much more. There are numerous varieties of nurses. Our nurses work really hard here."

St. Joseph Health has recently experienced the same issue as the majority of healthcare providers.

There are insufficient nurses to go around. We have intermittently experienced a nursing shortage for approximately 35 years. 

But, after the COVID-19 epidemic, it has become abundantly clear. Many individuals have left our workforce.

 "The demand exceeds the supply," Shaw stated. "Nurses have gone into professions where they can work from home and similar situations. 

I believe that school-aged children aspire to become YouTube stars and are becoming less concerned with health care."

Jeannie Delgado, director of training and development at HealthPoint, told KBTX that shortages are not limited to nursing positions.

"At HealthPoint, we have a shortage of qualified clinical professionals," Delgado stated. 

Meaning the personnel who check rooms, vital signs, and converse with patients prior to their meeting with clinicians.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, Delgado attributed the lack of available training and education resources to the shortfall.

"During the pandemic, many individuals contemplating employment in the clinical field had fewer options." 

The Brazos Valley has lost an accredited institution, and the number of venues providing hands-on instruction has diminished. 

These circumstances intensified the need for clinical experts, particularly in underserved rural and community healthcare settings, according to Delgado.

 "HealthPoint is pleased to announce a collaboration with the National Institute of Medical Assistant Advancement. 

The alliance seeks to lower obstacles to entrance into the clinical profession and extend services in rural and underserved communities."

St. Joseph Health will also raise awareness among various populations so that people are aware of the need for first responders.

Shaw stated, "We are attempting to engage with area schools in order to provide them with information about the situation." 

"In order for them to get an understanding of what it takes to be a healthcare worker prior to entering higher education.

In the field of health care, nursing is particularly gratifying. I believe it is worthy of investigation."