The following is a list of PAS Workforce resources related to Louisiana.
The list is provided and maintained by the National
Clearinghouse on the Direct Care Workforce. Each citation contains
an abstract and information about how to obtain the entire version.
Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (March 2004). Chart of direct-care workforce activities in Louisiana.
Abstract:
This chart describes existing or enacted direct-care workforce initiatives in this state as of March 2004. The information was collected as part of a national survey of state initiatives on the long-term care direct-care workforce. Additional details about this state may be found in the full report.
University of Minnesota, Research and Training Center on Community Living and The Lewin Group. (December 2006). CMS direct service workforce demonstration promising practices in marketing, recruitment and selection interventions. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Abstract:
This report identifies promising practices in direct care worker marketing, recruitment, and selection in states receiving Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) grants. Grantees used different techniques to improve recruitment and retention outcomes, including computer-based registration, marketing campaigns, realistic job previews, structured interviewing, and expanded orientation or mentoring of new employees. The report concludes that sustaining and replicating these interventions will require further research about associated costs and benefits and dissemination of this information.
LaLiberte,Traci, et al. (March 2007). You know that it's got to be dedication that I am still here: The experiences of direct support professionals during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the aftermath. University of Minnesota, Research and Training Center on Community.
Abstract:
This study details the experiences of 41 direct-care workers employed by New Orleans Volunteers of America (VOA) who continued providing care during and after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Data, based on interviews and focus groups, shows that more than half of participants evacuated with one or more client and that 92 percent continued working for VOA throughout the crises, despite abysmal conditions, because they liked and felt responsible for the people with disabilities whom they supported.
LaLiberte, Traci, et al. (2007). Higher ground: The dedication of direct support professionals during and after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Volunteers of America and University of Minnesota, Research and Training Center on Community.
Abstract:
This report hails as heroes the direct-care workers in New Orleans who refused to abandon people with disabilities during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita despite the risks to their own financial, emotional, and physical well-being. Interviews with these workers, members of the Volunteers of America, illustrate compassion and self-sacrifice exhibited by workers while evacuating clients along with their own families. The individuals profiled continued to provide support in evacuation centers and after resettlement.
Parsons, Sharon K., et al. (March 2003). Determinants of satisfaction and turnover among nursing assistants: The results of a statewide survey. Journal of Gerontological Nursing.
Abstract:
Reporting on a Louisiana statewide survey, this report's authors conclude that deficiencies in pay, benefits, and appreciation are the most important factors leading to worker dissatisfaction. After a brief review of relevant studies, they recommend nursing home managers work to attract employees for whom it is an occupation of choice, and create environments that encourage retention through professional growth, employee involvement, supervisory training, and employee recognition.
Obtain the Full Version: Single issues may be purchased from Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Wong, Alice, H. Stephen Kaye, and Robert Newcomer. (July 2007). State legislation regarding wages and benefits of home care workers: Thirteen promising practices. Center for Personal Assistance Services.
Abstract:
This report focuses on examples of state legislation seeking to increase the hourly wages or benefits of direct-care workers. The thirteen bills or legislative appropriations included in the report increase wages through Medicaid reimbursement rates, amending current laws, or providing health insurance parity.
Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities. (March 2007). Self-direction employer handbook.
Abstract:
This comprehensive handbook provides an overview of self-directed long-term care along with the criteria, benefits, and responsibilities of a self-directed employer. It includes suggestions for recruitment, interviewing, managing and evaluating employees, sample application forms and job descriptions, recommendations for service planning, universal precautions and emergency situations, budgeting, conflict resolution, termination, employer liability, and tips on insuring personal safety.
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) Bureau of Media & Communications. (October 2007). Louisiana's plan for choice in long-term care: Comprehensive long-term care reform plan.
Abstract:
This document describes a Louisiana state-initiated process to reform the administration and delivery of long-term care supports and services. It charts specific goals of the plan along with objectives, action plans, outcomes, and fiscal impacts. A section on workforce development discusses the need for evidence-based rate structures that support living wages and benefits; culture change, positive workplace practices, and workforce development; collection of turnover data; and training and scholarships to critical shortage areas.
