WAUSAU, Wis. – Tomorrow, Nov. 17 is National Rural Health Day, celebrating the ‘Power of Rural’ by honoring the selfless, community-minded spirit that prevails in rural America.
According to the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, nearly one in five Americans live in rural areas, yet its landmass is roughly 86% of the United States.
Aspirus Health system serves community members across Wisconsin and the Upper Michigan areas.
“It’s wonderful to live and work in these small towns and rural areas, where everyone knows and respects each other,” Connie Bradley, Aspirus senior vice president & system chief nursing executive, said. “We’re serving our neighbors and loved ones and all working together for the greater good of the community.”
Aspirus said these rural communities bring unique health care needs. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever rural communities have to address accessibility issues, lack of health care providers, the needs of an aging population suffering from a greater number of chronic conditions and many other challenges such as the decreased nursing workforce.
Bradley first started as a bedside nurse and now leads the functions and operations of nursing for the Aspirus Health system.
“It’s imperative that we as a system adapt and find ways to rebuild our core nursing staff and retain those already in the system,” Bradley said. “We are also working to provide the same opportunities for medical assistants, surgical technicians and laboratory technicians.”
Aspirus Health said the strategies for doing this range from offering unique learning opportunities, reimagining how the work is done and providing new and progressive staffing models.
Aspirus Health facilities are driven by the providers, healthcare professionals and community leaders who keep the ‘spirit of small-town America alive in the best way possible’.
“We are committed to working toward overcoming these challenges and look forward to continuing to provide the best health care possible in the areas we serve,” Bradley said.
For more information on Aspirus Health and how to become part of the Aspirus team, visit their website to see which career opportunities are in your area.
