A new study examining workforce losses during the pandemic underscores the important role immigrants play in providing care to our nation’s seniors and most vulnerable patients. During times of crisis, immigrants may be more resilient than other workers, as evidenced by their lower rates of turnover during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study, published in Medical Care Research and Review, indicated how vital immigrants are in the healthcare workforce, especially during extremely challenging times:
- When as many as 1 in 5 nursing homes suffered from staffing shortages during the pandemic, those with higher shares of immigrant staff had lower turnover among certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
- Average turnover rates during 2020 and 2021 among nursing homes with lower shares of immigrant staff were 120.1%, compared to a rate of 102.0% for facilities with more immigrant staff.
- Nursing homes with above-average immigrant staff had a 7.2% decrease in CNA hours per patient day in 2021 compared to 2018 levels, while facilities with fewer immigrant staff experienced a 9.2% decrease.
- The researchers suggested that the impact of higher shares of immigrant staff may have been particularly important for nursing homes with more minority patients.
Taken together, these findings suggest that nursing homes with a higher proportion of immigrants may be more resilient when facing unexpected challenges. Maintaining staffing levels is crucial in times like the COVID-19 pandemic – and the study suggests that immigrants play an indispensable role in ensuring an efficient and effective response, while preserving quality care for patients.
To encourage a sustainable healthcare workforce, the Healthcare Workforce Coalition encourages lawmakers to support policies that allow for timely and efficient visa pathways for qualified foreign healthcare professionals to live and practice in the United States.
Read more about this study HERE.