Eastern Idaho is facing a critical shortage of healthcare workers. As of July 2024, the Idaho Department of Labor reported 4,181 nursing-related job openings in the region. In response to this pressing need, the Idaho Healthcare Institute (IHI) was established a year and a half ago to help bridge the gap.
Formed through a collaboration between Mountain View Hospital, Idaho Falls Community Hospital and the College of Eastern Idaho—whose nursing program is among the state's top—IHI aims to address the shortage by supporting nursing education. The initiative has also garnered support from additional sponsors, including the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation, Teton of Cascadia, Advanced Home Health and Solace Hospice.
IHI provides scholarships for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Registered Nurses (RNs) (Bridge Program) to attend the College of Eastern Idaho. Over the past year, 56 students have benefited from these scholarships, with almost all securing job offers upon graduation.
To tackle the issue of recruiting qualified nursing instructors, which the College of Eastern Idaho struggled with due to high demand, IHI has implemented a cost-sharing model. This approach enables nurses to both teach and work, ensuring that students learn from experienced professionals currently active in the field.
Furthermore, IHI has established a cutting-edge training facility for CNAs at Energy Plaza in Idaho Falls. This facility, made possible by a grant from the Idaho Workforce Training Council, includes training labs, practice rooms with beds and mannequins, showers and classrooms. It allows students to complete their CNA certification within 10 weeks.
In partnership with the College of Eastern Idaho and local hospice agencies, IHI is also offering a free public class titled, “The Journey of Comfort: Navigating Hospice Care.” This course is designed for family members of hospice patients, healthcare professionals and anyone interested in learning more about hospice care. The inaugural session was held on Aug. 7 from 4-9 p.m., with additional classes scheduled in the future.
For more details, visit Idaho Healthcare Institute