Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
November 2, 2021
Given the change of course that has happened in the world, we wanted to provide expert opinions on what aspiring graduates can do to start off their careers in an uncertain economic climate. We wanted to know what skills will be more important, where the economy is doing relatively well, and if there will be any lasting effects on the job market.
Companies are looking for candidates that can handle the new responsibilities of the job market. Recent graduates actually have an advantage because they are comfortable using newer technologies and have been communicating virtually their whole lives. They can take what they've learned and apply it immediately.
We spoke to professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the job market for recent graduates is heading, as well as how young graduates entering the industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.
Our Panel of Experts
Spokane Community College
Endicott College
Jean Schlittenhart
NAC Program DirectorSpokane Community College
NAC Program
What skills stand out on Licensed Nursing Assistant resumes?
Jean Schlittenhart: Nurses' aids are the foundation of nursing and medical practice as they are the professionals' eyes, ears, and hands. The nurses' aid is a very trusted position as they care for the largest and most vulnerable group of people in the United States: Aged and Disabled. They have been educated to treat people with respect, respect their wishes and provide very personal care cheerfully and with skill. Upon graduation and State certification, they can provide at least 22 skills that relate to vital signs, personal care, transfers, and providing feeding support. They are educated to identify health risks, emergency situations and provide rehabilitation and restorative care under the direction of a nurse or other therapist.
What soft skills should all Licensed Nursing Assistants possess?
Jean Schlittenhart: Communication such as listening skills, empathy, compassion, emotional support, and holistic care.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Licensed Nursing Assistants?
Jean Schlittenhart: Safety in transfers, personal care, nutritional support, and vital signs. They assist residents and patients throughout their whole stay: admission to discharge. The nursing assistant cares for residents, including comfort care and after-death care.
What skills will help Licensed Nursing Assistants earn the most?
Jean Schlittenhart: Communication and compassion are among the top priorities and the 22 basic care skills provided for the residents and patients.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Licensed Nursing Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Bethany Nasser Ph.D.: A need for health care employees (nurses) as many nurses are getting fatigued and burned out and may leave the profession or look for less stressful jobs or going back to school.
What technical skills for a Licensed Nursing Assistant stand out to employers?
Bethany Nasser Ph.D.: They will need medical training.
What's a good job out of college for Licensed Nursing Assistants?
Bethany Nasser Ph.D.: Nursing as there is always a need. As a nurse you can be at the bedside, in a hospital, home care, educator, travel nurse and there are so many roles. It is the best career as most nurses work three 12-hour shifts and it is a great career to have a family.
