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August 16, 2017

New Sentinel Network findings reveal statewide health workforce trends and shortages

The latest findings about health workforce needs around the state are available on the Washington Health Workforce Sentinel Network website. Educational institutions, health care organizations and state and local policy makers are using these data for planning.

Sentinel Network findings from the spring survey include:  

• Registered nurses and medical assistants were among occupations with exceptionally long vacancies in all regions of Washington.
• Rural employers reported difficulty recruiting multiple occupations.
• More training in the use of electronic health records and health information technology, as well as customer service skills, is needed in many settings.
• High turnover rates in behavioral/mental health facilities are increasing workforce demand. 

These are just a few of the findings from the Sentinel Network. Go to www.wasentinelnetwork.org to learn more about the Sentinel Network and explore more details about health workforce needs across the state.

The next opportunity for health care industry representatives to submit workforce needs to the Washington Health Workforce Sentinel Network will be in early September.  If you haven’t already registered, please visit www.wasentinelnetwork.org and click "Register Now." Make sure your information is included in the next survey round. It only takes a few minutes to complete the workforce survey. You will be reminded when the next data submission opportunity is open.

Washington’s Sentinel Network is a collaboration of the Washington Workforce Board and the University of Washington’s Center for Health Workforce Studies, with funding through the Healthier Washington initiative.

Questions? 

E-mail: healthworkforce@wasentinelnetwork.org

Phone: 206 543-9797

The project described was supported by Funding Opportunity Number CMS-1G1-14-001 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The contents provided are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of HHS or any of its agencies.