chamber Magazine

The Health Talent Alliance of Northern Indiana (HTA) concluded its first annual healthcare workforce survey, providing the most comprehensive employer-driven snapshot of healthcare workforce demand across northern Indiana. The survey highlights both the challenges and opportunities facing the region's healthcare sector and underscores the critical need to build stronger local talent pipelines into healthcare careers.

The survey, completed by leading healthcare employers across northern Indiana, found that participating organizations currently employ more than 8,000 healthcare professionals in key occupations and report approximately 1,000 current vacancies among the healthcare positions surveyed. Employers also project the need for more than 1,600 additional workers through a combination of replacement hiring and newly created positions over the next 12-24 months.

Among the occupations facing the greatest workforce demand are registered nurses (RNs). With over 4,000 currently employed RNs and nearly 500 current vacancies there is an immediate need in the region. That need will only grow in the next one to two years with more than 700 RN positions expected to be created and over 300 RN positions to be replaced.

"Healthcare employers across northern Indiana continue to send a clear message that demand for skilled healthcare professionals remains strong and growing," said Ryan Boeskool, executive director for the Health Talent Alliance of Northern Indiana. "This data helps us align education, workforce development and employer strategies around real workforce needs so we can create more career opportunities for community members while strengthening access to care throughout the region."

The survey reflects workforce needs from a diverse group of regional healthcare providers, including Beacon Health System, Saint Joseph Health System, Goshen Health, South Bend Clinic, Oaklawn and Center for Hospice Care.

The complete findings of the survey will be reported at an August 13 community partner event and concurrently shared on HTA’s website, iworkINhealthcare.com.

The Talent Pipeline Management Model

The HTA is utilizing the Talent Pipeline Management (TPM) model set forth by the U.S. Chamber Foundation. An employer-led workforce development initiative, the program applies supply chain management principles to help businesses and education providers work together to close skills gaps and build highly effective talent pipelines. The South Bend Regional Chamber serves as the host organization for the HTA with Boeskool, a certified TPM Talent Supply Chain Manager, leading the HTA efforts in concert with the organization’s partners. . The TPM framework is taught through the TPM Academy, a training program designed for state and local chambers, business associations, economic development agencies and employers. The curriculum follows a specific six-step process, which includes organizing employer collaboratives, standardizing competency data and analyzing returns on investment resulting in scalable, sustainable talent supply chains that create shared value for all.

For more information, contact Ryan Boeskool at 574.400.4010.