fp Turks and Caicos

What is the connection?

Since 2007, the Universities and hospitals in Michigan have begun to offer accelerated nursing programs that target displaced autoworkers to help address a predicted nursing shortage. Michigan projects a shortage of 18,000 nurses by 2015 and that this shortage will increase even further, as many nurses retire over the next 20 years.

The nurses' training program is receiving much attention in Michigan, the center of the U.S. auto industry. Over the past two years, Michigan has awarded $20 million to fund accelerated nursing programs, and the state this year plans to award an additional $10 million.

Michigan is not the only place this phenomenon is happening in. Japan has funded similar programs to retrain their laid off autoworkers. Prime Minister Taro Aso has announced 2 trillion yen in funding to help secure jobs, much of which will be spent by local governments on funding career changes into the field of elderly care. Tokyo's nursing care services are suffering acute staff shortages, with 3.24 openings for every applicant.

Looking at the facts, over 65 million people in the United States will reach the retirement age of 65 or beyond in 2020. The home health care services are expected to grow 69.5% by 2014 in America. That combined with the number of doctors’ offices expected to grow by 37%, dentist practices by 31.7%, nursing positions by 27.8% and hospitals by 13.1% shows a significant shift in the employment market expected to develop over the next 20 years.

This will also have a significant effect on the Turks and Caicos. Retirees are a big part of the tourism and investment market. American retirees pose enormous potential for real estate and tourism in the TCI. However, they will require established health care services to make them feel comfortable to reside or vacation here.

Next to the new hospitals in Providenciales and Grand Turk, potential will also exist for businesses to give thought to how they can capitalize on the growing health care industry or potential health care needs in the Turks and Caicos. Additionally, for future Turks and Caicos Islanders, maybe giving another thought to becoming a doctor or nurse could prove to be a wise decision for their future.

As a middle aged unemployed auto worker amongst thousands in the same town, the nurse retraining program in Michigan is a chance for many at a new beginning, a second career. The benefits enjoyed by auto workers and health care workers have generally been similar, which is why the opportunity seems like the perfect fit. In any case, it is a signal that in this new world, one must be flexible and go were opportunity takes you.