News

May 21, 2020

Capital Region BOCES Looks Virtually to Match Students with Healthcare Providers in Need of Workers

How do you match prospective employees with health care employers that need their skills when schools are closed and health care operations are taking extreme cautions during the COVI19 pandemic?

Virtually, of course.

The Capital Region BOCES Health Careers Center.

Faculty, staff and administrators have collaborated with the Northeast Regional Information Center to match more than 130 Adult Practical Nursing (APN) students with vacancies in region’s healthcare industries during two upcoming virtual job fairs – one on a May 26 and another on June 2.

“This is a first for us, but in times of crisis, ingenuity becomes a key tool for success,” said Paula Negri, principal of the Health Careers Center.

“This is a win-win for everyone. Healthcare providers around the globe are in need of nurses and we are providing our students with a way to meet those employers,” she said.

So far, 22 providers from nursing homes to urgent cares and hospitals have registered to take part in the event, which is only open to 2020 BOCES Practical Nursing graduates.

  • Albany Medical Center
  • Elderwood
  • Ingersoll Place Assisted Living
  • Community Care Physicians, P.C.
  • Schenectady Center
  • Teresian House
  • St. Peter’s Health Partners
  • Albany Medical Center
  • The ARC of Rensselaer County
  • Conifer Park
  • Upstate Services Group
  • Attentive Care
  • U.S. NAVY
  • Troy Center
  • CFG Health Network
  • City of Albany, Department of Youth and Workforce Services
  • Schenectady ARC
  • Whitney Young Health
  • Fresenius Kidney Care
  • WellNow Urgent Care
  • River Ridge Living Center
  • Home Instead Senior Care
  • The Alternative Living Group
  • Berkshire Farm Center

Demand for nurses is extraordinary during this time of a pandemic. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) is forecast to grow 11 percent while offering a salary in excess of the 2018 median salary of $46,240.

“I want to be a nurse. I have a passion for helping people,” said China Moody, an adult student from Troy.

“I like that I will be able to help people heal. I plan to get a job as an LPN and see how that works and maybe pursue further education,” added classmate Amber Smith-Poindexter of Colonie.