A partnership between a senior living provider and higher education is targeting the training and development of the next generation of certified nursing assistants while addressing staffing shortages.
Messiah Lifeways, a nonprofit senior living and care organization in Mechanicsburg, PA, and Messiah University, a private Christian university near Harrisburg, PA, are partnering on a Students-in-Residence Fellowship program to allow students to gain professional experiences in a long-term care setting. The collaboration also will provide continuing education opportunities for Messiah Lifeways employees and provide opportunities for research that advances evidence-based practice.
“We believe having this immersive experience will be valuable for the student’s learning, enriching for our residents, and hopefully encourages a student to consider working in aging services post graduation,” Messiah Village Vice President of Community Support Services and Human Resources Christina J. Weber told McKnight’s Senior Living.
Kelly Anderson, an upcoming junior at Messiah University, is living on campus with a Messiah Village resident while earning college credit. The program will last a full academic year.
The program is accepting applications for the 2023-2024 school year for two second-year students who will live and work on campus for their third year of study. Once that year is completed, Weber said, Messiah envisions providing a scholarship toward students’ final year of school.
“It is our goal that these students will become active and engaged members of our residential community, and a year will allow for meaningful relationships to develop,” Weber said, adding that a future summer intensive for students who may not have time for a year-long experience into their academic year will be considered.
The hope is to provide an immersive experience for two students each year in the fields of nursing, social work and gerontology, providing an intergenerational experience.
“Messiah University is excited to partner with Messiah Lifeways to train, support and encourage their staff and Messiah students through experiential education, CNA training and ministry opportunities as we week to raise up the next generation of Christ-centered caregivers and meet the needs of the growing elderly population,” Messiah University Executive Director Rob Pepper, PhD, who is assistant to the president of innovation and university partnerships, said in launching the partnership earlier this year.
The continuing care retirement / life plan community last year used a robotic vacuum and a robotic lawn mower to help address workforce challenges. The robots were used to free up additional time for workers to focus on other areas. In 2021, the provider raised wages across the organization, implementing a $15 hourly minimum wage, as well as increased starting hourly rates for certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses.
