More Than 1,000 Sign Up for WisCaregiver Careers

MADISON, Wisconsin, May 3 -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued the following news release:

More than 1,000 people have signed up for the Department of Health Services (DHS) WisCaregiver Careers program, taking the first step toward becoming a certified nurse aide. This first-of-its-kind program offers training and testing at no cost to students, and also implements a $500 retention bonus paid by participating nursing homes after six months on the job. The program is designed to attract 3,000 people to the nursing field.

"We are excited to see so many people taking advantage of this opportunity, and we hope even more will do the same," says Secretary Linda Seemeyer. "As the number of people getting older in Wisconsin continues to grow, it is more important than ever to find dedicated, committed workers who will provide quality care to nursing home residents. This is a meaningful career that ensures some of our state's most vulnerable continue to live their best lives."

Right now, nearly 90,000 people live in Wisconsin's long-term and residential care facilities. Nurse aides provide basic care for those residents, performing duties from feeding to bathing to dressing. Many also establish emotional connections, and make a positive impact in the lives of the residents they see every day.

After receiving federal approval to move forward with the more than $2.3 million dollar investment, DHS developed WisCaregiver Careers in partnership with nursing homes, LeadingAge Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Health Care Association, the Board on Aging and Long Term Care, and the Wisconsin Technical College System.

Learn more: WisCaregiver Careers (https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/caregiver-career/index.htm)