Nationwide VA shortages of nursing assistants must be addressed, says Emmer

U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) urged the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to solve staffing shortages affecting VA facilities nationwide, particularly in the nursing assistant profession.

“VA facilities have experienced chronic understaffing for years; however, recent estimates indicate that there are nursing shortages in 92 percent of VA facilities,” Rep. Emmer wrote in an April 24 letter sent to VA Secretary Denis McDonough. 

To resolve the issue, the congressman requested that McDonough clarify the eligibility criteria for hiring nursing assistants to clearly delineate whether individuals ages 16- to 18-years-old who meet the requisite qualifications, are eligible for such positions, according to his letter.

“In Minnesota, it is legal and common for 16- to 18-year-olds to work as nursing assistants in long-term care settings like hospitals or nursing homes,” Rep. Emmer wrote. “This policy has proven successful in alleviating the nursing shortages throughout the state, but regrettably, this talent pool has either been overlooked or disregarded by the VA.”

Rep. Emmer requested that McDonough clarify the VA’s hiring practices by answering several questions by May 10, including by explaining a clear definition of the current age criterion and qualification standard for hiring nursing assistants within the VA system, among others.

“To address the shortage in nursing assistants in my district and across the United States, the VA should consider clarifying hiring practices for the nursing assistant vocation,” wrote the lawmaker. “By leveraging the existing infrastructure in Minnesota, we can create a model that not only addresses the current staffing shortages but also serves as a potential blueprint for other regions facing similar challenges.”