Vol. 13 • Issue 4
• Page 16
Training & Education
As senior care companies look to expand and develop their workforce, they'll need to consider the next generation of workers: Generation Z. This generation (born in the early- to mid-1990s) has grown up in the mass technology era, using computers from a very young age. They use the Web, instant messaging, MP3s and text messages daily. In the coming years, Generation Z and their technological prowess will begin to be more prominent in the workplace.
Companies should evaluate how they are going to train and develop a workforce that is accustomed to using technology almost constantly. For many long-term care companies, online learning has proven appealing and effective for developing not just younger workers, but also their entire workforce.
In 2008, 25 percent of post-secondary full-time education students were enrolled in online courses. This is estimated to have climbed to 44 percent of full-time, post-secondary students enrolled in online courses in 2009.1
Younger employees have embraced online learning, so using this method for mandatory inservices is a natural progression for LTC providers.
When considering an online learning system for your training needs, look for a system that provides consistent content, tracks and reports on education so you can monitor it in real time, provides orientation for new hires to get them working quickly, decreases costs, increases compliance and increases knowledge retention for better performance.
Online learning has also served to help bridge the gap between younger and older workers. Many organizations use buddy systems where the younger generation helps the older generation adapt to the various technology programs that are becoming popular in senior care.
As the senior care industry moves toward using EMRs, computerized med pass, and MDS and care plan automation, online learning can help LTC organizations smoothly transition their workforce into working with new technology.
Online learning can help recruit and excite staff, enhance education, and prepare for new technologies, all of which result in a higher level of resident care.
Reference
1. Ambient Insight Research (2009), US Self-paced e-Learning Market Monroe WA: Ambient Insight Research.
Mike Mutka is president and COO, Silverchair Learning Systems, Cary, N.C. DISCLOSURE: Silverchair offers online learning programs.
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