ALTOONA, Pa. (WJAC) — In the nursing industry alone, the Bureau of Labor predicts nearly 200,000 openings each year until 2030.
UPMC Altoona is just one of many medical facilities across our region that has been experiencing short staffing issues, especially since COVID took its toll.
To help solve that problem, medical officials at Station Medical Center will be hosting a job fair Wednesday to hopefully help fill those many vacant positions.
Last fall and winter, UPMC Altoona nurses and other healthcare workers voiced their frustrations; picketing to highlight the critical need for more staff.
Now, about a year later, that staffing crisis still exists, with hospital administrators still working to find a solution.
Sarah Greene, Human Resources Director at UPMC Altoona and Bedford said, "If we were fully staffed, we could definitely put all of our efforts back into the staffing and making sure that our patients are cared for and their needs are met.
"Now that the tables are turning and folks are looking to get back into the work force, now is a great time to get out to the community and let them know that we're recruiting."
Officials say UPMC needs to fill spots in nursing, housekeeping, patient transport, dietary and other important roles.
"We are always looking for talent to join our facilities. We're always recruiting for those positions. Now that we're in the post-pandemic phase, we're always seeking candidates to join,” Greene said. "Now is the opportune time to focus on the local talent, to get them back into the workforce, to get them back on their feet and join the UPMC family."
On the spot job applications and interviews will be available Wednesday during the job fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Station Medical Center.
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