Recruiting in Long Term Care

Long-term care providers face a critical, ongoing workforce shortage that necessitates a multifaceted approach beyond traditional hiring. Ted Goins, Jr., President and CEO of Lutheran Services Carolinas, emphasizes that recruitment now ranks as the primary operational priority, requiring centralized hiring departments to ensure rapid onboarding. Because domestic labor supply remains insufficient, international recruitment—including nurses, environmental services, and dietary staff—serves as a vital, long-term solution. Successful integration of these workers requires comprehensive support systems, such as language training, housing assistance, and cultural assimilation. Furthermore, the industry must advocate for federal policy reforms, such as creating dedicated visa pathways for 24/7 healthcare workers, to address systemic staffing deficits. Ultimately, building a sustainable workforce requires combining these international strategies with internal efforts like tuition scholarships and fostering a supportive organizational culture to meet the escalating demand for care.