State Health Department Hosts Virtual Career Fair Hoping To Combat Nursing Shortage

The Oklahoma State Department of Health is just the latest organization looking to address a growing and nationwide problem.

"We need nurses to go and make our home visits, we need nurses to be there, be readily available to conduct COVID testing, provide vaccinations," said Jess Romero, a human resources business partner for OSDH.

Wednesday, the department held a virtual career fair targeted specifically at nurses.

"We're hiring 70 about statewide,” said Romero. “So, depending on what county someone's in, we have available positions."

Romero said the health department offers unique opportunities for nurses in the public health field. She said positions with them typically have flexible schedules and different roles than a hospital setting.

"It's not commonly known and as of late, we've been making connections and we've seen a few transition over," said Romero.

Romero said some of the hires could also be contracted out to local providers. It comes as hospital systems, doctor’s offices and long-term care facilities are all reporting shortages.

Saint Francis said they have about 500 open nursing positions right now and are hiring travel nurses. OSU Medical Center is down about 100 nurses.

Romero said at OSDH, they hope to make connections early and work more with nursing schools.

"We are seeing an increase in students registering to start the RN, LPN programs so with that, that's where we would like to be a little proactive," said Romero.

If you missed Wednesday’s fair but want to apply, email humanresources@health.ok.gov.