PRESS RELEASE - GRAND MARAIS, MN, October 11, 2022 — North Shore Health (NSH) would like to publicly address certain conversations that have recently been circulating on local social media and radio.

In August, WTIP posted to the station’s Facebook page an interview that on-air personality Joe Friedrichs conducted with Kimber Wraalstad, NSH CEO Administrator. The topic was about the staffing shortage at NSH and how the facility’s Care Center or Ambulance Service could potentially close if NSH is unable to hire sufficient staffing to maintain required service levels.

While this was difficult news to deliver, NSH felt it was their duty to inform the community about the seriousness of their hiring crisis and how it could impact local families. “We knew this news would cause great concern, but imagine the outrage if we closed a critical service without providing advance notice,” said Wraalstad. “It was our hope that some of the caring and qualified people in our community would be motivated to take positive action.” There are a variety of ways in which locals can help at NSH: apply for one of the hard-to-hire positions, take on a second job, work one shift per week, prompt qualified friends, family or associates to apply, or volunteer.

There are significant barriers that add to hiring challenges. The lack of affordable housing in this community makes it difficult for those outside this market to relocate here. The talent pool is limited due to the small local population and low jobless rate. Most area employers are vying to hire the same small group of people. Many locals who retired or became unemployed during the pandemic have been reluctant to reenter the workforce. “We are not alone in this,” said Wraalstad. “The entire state of Minnesota and health care services in specific are experiencing similar staffing crises.” There are currently about 23,000 open long term care positions in Minnesota.

To try to overcome these hurdles, NSH has expanded their recruiting tactics. They have increased multi-listing and job-specific advertising efforts in Cook County, Lake County and beyond. Their social media outreach includes employee testimonial videos extolling the virtues of working for NSH. They have posted flyers on public bulletin boards along the North Shore. Plus, a recent media release detailed free training and a fast-track certification program (for CNAs).

A small group of outspoken community members have voiced contrary opinions about the reasons for staffing challenges. In Facebook posts and calls to WTIP, they point to the management style of NSH administration, low employee morale and low wage scale. Some of these people are former employees who may have a grievance related to their departure. Some have not worked at NSH in a very long time, and things have changed. Few would understand the complexities or strict regulations with which rural healthcare facilities must comply.

In a more recent follow up report, WTIP elaborated on this discussion. They point to the recent resignation of NSH’s Director of Nursing as an example of turnover. It is important to note that the Director of Nursing has since rescinded his resignation, deciding to remain in his role at NSH. The report also references Wraalstad’s dedication, commitment and decision-making as attested by Greg Ruberg, president and CEO of Lakeview Hospital in Two Harbors. In an interview with Anna Mowry, Director of Workforce Solutions at LeadingAge Minnesota, the largest association of organizations serving Minnesota’s seniors, she confirmed that 99 percent of nursing homes and 96 percent of assisted living communities are facing staffing shortages.

NSH has read and listened to these conversations and discussed them in depth with WTIP staff. “We would like to address these issues and look at the larger picture,” said Wraalstad. “We care a great deal about employee morale. We have taken, and will continue to take positive steps to improve our work culture.” While the pandemic has been stressful on everyone, those in health care have shouldered an even heavier burden. Understaffing has added to that stress, as staff members have had to take on extra tasks and work longer hours to compensate.

Notable NSH Recruitment and Retention efforts include:

-          Sign-On Bonuses for hard-to-fill positions (up to $4,000) 

-          $3/hr Recognition Pay increase for all staff (Aug 28, 2022 - Feb 25, 2023)

-          Referral Bonus Program (incentive awards for new hire referrals)

-          New Paramedic pay increase (now $23.33 to $36.33 per hour)

-          Loan/Scholarship Program for furthering health care careers

-          Employee Appreciation Day (free lunch from Bad Seed Food Truck)

-          Employee Recognition (for years of service)

-          Subsidized Meal Card Program (discounted employee meals)

-          Free Training and Fast-Track Certification Program (for CNAs who can get paid while they train)

-          Coffee with Kimber (staff zoom meetings to discuss news, events, updates, policies and ask questions)

-          Serenity Garden (where patients, residents and employees can relax in a pleasant outdoor setting)

-          Removal of COVID Screening Table duties with updated CDC guidance allows staff to focus on their jobs (as of September 30, 2022)

-          Launch of a new and improved website that better communicates all of the facility’s services

-          An Employee Appreciation Committee that is focused on improving morale

-          Wage scale and benefits are comparable to regional health care organizations and local employers

A large percentage of the NSH staff are union-regulated, which means their wages are negotiated and agreed upon by those unions.

NSH leaders care enough to go the extra mile, like driving the ambulance when shorthanded and helping coworkers throughout the facility as needed.

“Our employees are valued, treated with respect, fairly compensated, and listened to. They should be proud of performing jobs that make a difference in people’s lives,” said Wraalstad.

“It is time to change the narrative and step up. NSH is in a staffing crisis and we need help,” Wraalstad continued. “If you are concerned about having our critical services available for you and your family, then please consider working here (full time, part time, casual or volunteer).”

Those interested can view available positions and detailed job descriptions at: https://www.northshorehealthgm.org/careers or call 218-387-3794.

About North Shore Health:

North Shore Health is a rural health facility located on the beautiful north shore of Lake Superior in Grand Marais, MN. The organization, which is part of the Cook County Hospital District includes a 16-bed critical access hospital, a 37-bed skilled nursing facility, a home health agency, an ambulance service and a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic services. Their mission is “Community Access to Compassionate Care”.