Missouri’s veterans homes struggle to fill jobs, especially CNA positions

Missouri’s veterans homes need more full-time workers by the next state budget year, especially for entry-level certified nursing assistant jobs. During a Missouri Veterans Commission meeting today, Executive Director Paul Kirchoff says the homes will need more workers and corresponding state funding…or something will have to give.

“What has happened is that not just veterans, but all senior citizens are waiting longer before they enter a long-term care facility,” says Kirchoff. “And so, we’re seeing a drastic increase, particularly since covid, of acuity levels requiring higher staffing levels.

“If asked why do we need this now if we were able to staff the homes prior to covid, it’s because people are waiting longer,” says Kirchoff. “As Joan likes to call them, we have less walkie talkies and more people who require the wheelchairs and need to have people assist them more regularly.”

Lack of childcare and competition with other employers are cited as a top reasons for CNA recruitment issues dropping by ten-percent from the first quarter to the third quarter of this year.

Kirchoff says Missouri’s seven veterans homes are competing with the same pool of CNA candidates who can work at Starbucks and Walmart for about the same pay and less work stress.