It’s time to solve the Texas nursing shortage together

Texas has experienced massive population growth in the past few years alone. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas is the fastest-growing state in the U.S, and the second-most populous state in the country. And while it’s the Texan way to welcome newcomers with open arms, there are immediate challenges that must be addressed, including our quickly diminishing nursing workforce – already being deemed a shortage. Our nurses — often the primary provider of medical and emotional support for patients — are being asked to do more to serve a growing patient population every day, without the resources or help necessary. 

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, 23,000 registered nursing positions currently remain unfilled across the state. The home care industry is especially vulnerable, burdened by the mandates of the Texas Legislature and Health and Human Services Commission, who determine what the industry can pay nurses. Unfortunately, Texas has failed to adjust the nursing rate in over a decade. Coupled with the state’s rapid population growth and aging population, Texas is experiencing a home care provider crisis, as nurses leave to pursue jobs in higher-paying settings or choose to leave the health care industry altogether.

While this issue may seem isolated to only those who rely on home care services, home care affects the entire health care continuum. I recently joined The MolinaCares Accord and other leaders across the Texas health care spectrum in a panel discussion to highlight these challenges. Medical needs that might otherwise be effectively managed with home care, put added pressure on hospital systems and nursing facilities when not addressed — an effect none of us can withstand for the long-term without decisive action to strengthen the collective nursing workforce for the future. 

From adults with disabilities who live independently, to children with complex medical needs who rely on home care to keep them out of the hospital, home care can relieve the burden on Texas taxpayers by reducing long-term care costs and decreasing ER visits, hospital admissions, and readmissions. Investing in the home care workforce is essential to strengthening Texas’ health care continuum and ensuring we’re collectively prepared for future demand. Our leaders must take action now, or risk falling behind. 

As Bob Kalin, Molina Healthcare of Texas’ vice president of long-term care operations, summed up at the end of our panel, we all play a part in strengthening Texas’ nursing workforce for the future and through collaborative action, we can care for every Texan more effectively, no matter their unique needs. Home care is a key piece of that puzzle, and we all stand ready to do our part to alleviate the pressure the entire health care industry is facing and work together for the benefit of every present and future Texan. 

Rachel Hammon is a registered nurse and Executive Director of the Texas Association of Home Care & Hospice.