Clinicians receiving first-hand instruction on the Hoyer Lift by the vendor.

After an extended hiatus due to the pandemic, 2023 marked a new chapter for in-person skills fairs for MaineHealth Care at Home (MHCAH) clinical care team members.

Fairs were hosted in the spring and fall of 2023, with a specialized session for pediatric clinicians in the fall. We assembled experts from across the MaineHealth system and beyond with the intention of developing some of the most essential skills commonly applied within the discipline of home health. Some of the vendors represented included 3M, Coloplast, Aspen Medical Products, Medline, and New England Life Care.

A Culture of Ongoing Education

MHCAH clinical educator Mary Smith, worked diligently to facilitate the skills fairs. Her view is that the year represented a great start toward a continued commitment to skill development across MHCAH.

“MHCAH clinicians are eager to keep up with advances in healthcare and to learn from each other. Meeting with clinical experts from MaineHealth and vendors we work with is a great way to sharpen skills and keep up with best practices.”

– Mary Smith

It is well understood that the shortage of nurses in Maine, and across the nation, will require not only clinical excellence from those currently in the workforce, but a new generation of capable clinicians with exposure to different care settings.

MHCAH has hosted physical therapy students from Husson University and nursing students from St. Joseph’s College of Maine in an effort to educate upcoming graduates about home health care and generate interest in home health and hospice career opportunities. In addition, MHCAH is collaborating with York County Community College on their new nursing program.

“Health profession students want to learn about patient care beyond the hospital. They are always impressed by our clinicians. Many current students see themselves working in home health at a future point, said Mary.”