Nursing workforce centers serve as hubs to advance nursing education, practice, leadership, and workforce development at state and local levels using data-driven approaches. A consulting team is assisting AHHA with the development of a nursing workforce center.
Nursing workforce centers are found in over 40 U.S. states and work to address nursing shortages, support nursing education, protect the well-being of nurses, and other matters affecting the nursing workforce in order to meet the state’s health care needs.
These centers engage in a variety of activities using evidence-based policy and strategy. Nursing workforce centers serve as hubs to advance nursing education, practice, leadership, and workforce development at state and local levels using data-driven approaches.
For more information about state nursing workforce centers visit the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers.
Why should Alaska have a nursing workforce center?
Stakeholders representing nurse education programs, healthcare employers, trade associations, and government entities have been convening since March 2024 and have identified the following initial goals for an Alaska center:
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Unite partners across Alaska to ensure that the state has a well-supported, robust, and sustainable nursing workforce.
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Strengthen collaboration and partnerships between education programs, healthcare industry/employers, and community stakeholders.
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Collect state level data on the nursing workforce to provide context for productive conversations about real problems facing the nursing workforce and practical solutions.
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Secure funding to sustain the center and support priority initiatives across the healthcare continuum.
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Where can I find hospital or healthcare job opportunities in Alaska?In addition to visiting Alaska hospital website career pages, check out our Job Opportunities page.
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What experience is needed to work in a hospital?This can vary substantially based on the position. However, you don’t have to have a four-year degree or experience in a healthcare setting to work in a hospital. It takes a range of different positions to keep a hospital running, and there’s a place for everyone! Check out ourHealthcare Career Quiz to find out what positions might be the best fit for you, or visit Training & Education to find the support you need to start your career.
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Do I have to be a healthcare professional to work in a healthcare facility?No! There are hundreds of different careers in healthcare. Many work directly with patients while others work behind the scenes in a wide range of different positions. Learn more about the different types of jobs and hear what Alaskans working in healthcare have to say about their careers on the Explore Careers page.
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What are the benefits of working in healthcare in Alaska?Healthcare jobs provide a stable income, benefits, a collaborative working environment, and the opportunity to directly or indirectly support health and healing. Hear what Alaskans working in healthcare have to say about the benefits of their jobs on the Explore Careers page.
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How can I become a nurse or healthcare professional in Alaska?The pathway to becoming a healthcare professional working in a hands-on, clinical setting depends on the role. However, we invite you to check out our Training & Education page to learn more about programs in Alaska that offer certificates, 2-year, 4-year, and graduate degrees. Another great resource is Alaska Primary Care Association’s Alaska Healthcare Careers website.
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I want to work in healthcare but don’t know where I’d fit in.You are not alone! We have many resources to help you on this journey, including our Explore Careers page, and our Healthcare Career Quiz. Take your time to learn more about the options and how your interests and goals fit with the many healthcare positions available.