Photo: KBJR-TV

By Robb Coles of KBJR-TV - December 30, 2021

Senior care facilities across the state of Minnesota are struggling with staffing shortages.

That’s why the state set a big goal of training 1,000 new Certified Nursing Assistants in the month of January.

According to people in the industry, caring for the elderly is a tough job.

“Being a caregiver, it’s hard to describe to someone who hasn’t done it, but it takes a unique person,” said Terri Langevin, Assisted Living Director at Evergreen Senior Living in Cloquet.

According to Langevin, a worker shortage can create a dire situation.

“It’s not like a restaurant where you can decide, we don’t have enough staff, we’re going to close on Monday,” said Langevin. 

While she’s not short-staffed right now, the pandemic has taken its toll on her workers.

“So many people who have done this job are burned out,” said Langevin. To replace workers who’ve been burned out and attract new applicants, Minnesota is offering free training to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

“The government has a goal of trying to get 1,000 people trained and employed by January 31st,” said Tim Smith, the CEO of HeartCert. 

HeartCert is one of the facilities helping Minnesota train Certified Nursing Assistants.

According to Smith, they are targeting applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds for free training. “Generally speaking, it’s just somebody who’s looking to make a difference and get into healthcare,” said Smith.

And for HeartCert, casting a wide net seems to be working.

“We are already full for our first course here in Duluth, so even though there is a big, big need, people are responding to that need,” said Smith.

According to Langevin, at her facility, CNAs need certain traits to be successful.

“You have to be mentally strong, emotionally strong, and physically strong. You also have to have a good dose of common sense and a lot of hustle,” said Langevin.

The state hopes enough people who meet that description step forward to help them meet their goal. 

To watch a video version of this report and see related stories, follow this link to the KBJR-TV website. https://www.kbjr6.com/2021/12/31/state-minnesota-offers-free-training-certified-nursing-assistants-j...