COVID-19 is reshaping care and the roles caregivers play within our facilities as elective procedures have been cancelled and routine care is reduced. This has resulted in furloughs, lay-offs, and reduction in hours for workers across the country, including in Massachusetts. 

During this crisis, it is critical that we explore every option to stop this virus, limit the economic impact on healthcare workers, and support the call for all healthcare workers to step up and help deliver urgent care. 1199 is engaging with employers, elected officials, and other stakeholders to determine opportunities to do just that. We know that furloughed or laid off healthcare workers could play a vital role in providing care and help healthcare providers that require additional resources. 

Experienced healthcare workers are needed at temporary sites and 1199ers whose job status has changed are encouraged to answer the call to action. 

In cities across the Commonwealgth including Boston, Worcester, and on the Cape, field hospitals have been set-up to increase the capacity to care for COVID-19 patients. All locations are hiring staff from various backgrounds. Check out information on temporary opportunities here.

Staff is also needed at area nursing homes who are experiencing major staff shortages. The state is offering a $1000 signing bonus to all individuals that register through the LTC Staffing Portal to work for a certain amount of time in a nursing home. Other temporary opportunities include Contact Tracers, Resource Coordinators and Case Investigators with Partners in Health.

These opportunities allow you to continue to care for Massachusetts during this crisis and will not impact your return to your current employer after your furlough.

However, we know that not all of these opportunities will work for everyone. If furloughed or laid off, and these opportunities do not work for you, you are encouraged to apply for unemployment benefits. If you are looking for additional resources and services to navigate through this crisis, check out our list here.

Also, help inform next steps by answering the brief survey below.