Having spent the first full month in our new Dawson home, I have been reminded of the excitement and energy of moving to a new location. There are many new things to learn, but the opportunity to experience this excitement often outweighs all the challenges that may be faced entering the unknown. What may seem less interesting to folks that have lived here for many years, I am finding super cool. New activities, new relationships, and new scenery. As I read numerous articles in Healthcare magazines about the “great resignation and great relocation” that is occurring in the United States, I can’t help but reflect on how my experience may be like other people when deciding whether to relocate to a new career or organization. There are currently over 23,000 healthcare opportunities in Minnesota. Data also suggests that vacant Nursing and Medical Provider positions have hit record high levels. What this means for us all is that there is an opportunity for relocation or resignation in our state. People (me included) choose to relocate and resign for various reasons. They may want to experience a rural location, a position closer to friends or family, a change in current responsibilities, financial considerations, and of course, advancement in their career. The current landscape provides the opportunity, and we shouldn’t think that folks chose new jobs and locations because it is terrible where they currently are. Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying, “To succeed, jump as quickly at opportunities as you do at conclusions.” We have recruited many new faces to our healthcare team and have also said goodbye to some. We are grateful for those that have shared their time and talents with us for many years yet choose to explore a new opportunity. We are also proud to extend our invitation as a health care community to others within to relocate. At JMHS, we care deeply about our past, present, and future “Difference Makers” dedicated to our mission to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare, close to home.
Kris Jacobson, LNHA, LALD, MBA
JMHS CEO
