According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019 there was 1 healthcare worker to every 42 people in New York. This is remarkable in a state with a population of over 19.4 million at the time. The healthcare worker count in 2019 was 464,355.
The recent rise in infectious diseases, or at the very least the heightened awareness of infectious diseases, has revealed the need for a healthcare system that cannot be easily overwhelmed. However, healthcare is highly person-based, and requires a certain number of skilled and willing workers.
This article looks into why there are so many healthcare workers in New York, if they are currently enough for the state’s needs, and what the future looks like for these workers.
Why are there so many healthcare workers in New York?
To put it simply, there are many healthcare workers in New York because there is a substantial need for them. From 2000 to 2019, the need for healthcare workers grew by 39%, although the growth of actual healthcare positions grew by only 3%.
As a result, despite the clear need for more positions to open, there is already a large healthcare workforce in place. These workers range from university-educated and state-registered doctors and nurses to home aides and those who are part of the general care networks.
Healthcare calls for both skilled and unskilled workers, which opens jobs and positions to a wide range of the population. There is a high need for daily care aides who can manage patients with chronic illnesses, as well as step in for an aging population that hopes to maintain independent living.
Because the need continues to rise, New York continues to be attractive to those seeking employment in the healthcare industry, despite the disproportionate opening of positions when compared to the requirements. Private positions also continue to open, and individuals who can afford it pay competitively for home health care.
Are there enough healthcare workers for the New York population?
A recent study by de Beaumont in 2021 shows that local health departments need to increase full-time equivalent positions by 70%, while state health departments should increase their positions by 80%, just to provide the basic needs of its population.
The study revealed that the recent rise in infectious diseases shows that there are not enough healthcare personnel to meet daily healthcare needs, treat chronic illnesses, and manage short-term high-intensity waves of medical requirements at the same time. There is a likelihood that the health department would be swamped.
In other words, if there is an average increase in daily healthcare needs, the population suffering chronic illnesses, or a shorter time span between high-intensity waves of medical requirements (epidemics, natural disasters), the current healthcare personnel would not be able to handle the volume. This would have a lasting impact on the population as a whole.
What does the future look like for healthcare workers in New York?
Healthcare work can be taxing and, unfortunately for many home aides, not worth what they are currently being paid. However, there is a rising need for home aides, especially for aging patients who need round the clock care but would prefer to live independently in their own homes as much as possible.
The state of New York is aware of the shortages the healthcare system faces, and many are doing all they can to maintain a healthy labor force in the industry. Legislation such as the Fair Pay bill and the Build Back Better proposals show promise, but many home aides and healthcare workers are not sure if they can wait for their passage and provide for their families at the same time.
However, a recent measure signed by Governor Kathy Hochul allows healthcare workers with out-of-state licenses to practice in New York. Originally put into place during the recent rise of infectious diseases, it is now eyed as a measure that will substantially make up for the shortage of healthcare workers while additional legislation is being passed.
The governor aims to raise the healthcare workforce by 20% in the next 5 years. While this is hardly comparative to the recommended 80% raise, with other incentives being lobbied for, this may lead to a positive outlook for New York healthcare workers in the future.
