Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Using Simulation Models to Train Clinicians in the Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Published on: August 9, 2024
Community Health Workers' Perspectives on Career Advancement and Job Satisfaction: Indiana, March-August 2024
Michael L Scanlon1, Melissa R Thomas1, Jasmine T Jackson1
1Michael L. Scanlon is with the Global Health Program, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN. Melissa R. Thomas and Jasmine T. Jackson are with the Center for Health Services Research, Regenstrief Institute, Inc, Indianapolis, IN. Qing Tang is with the Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. Jasmine D. Gonzalvo is with the Center for Health Excellence, Quality and Innovation, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. Yumary Ruiz is with the Department of Public Health, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. Margarita Hart is with the Indiana Community Health Workers Association, Greenwood, IN. Debra K. Litzelman is with the Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis.
Community health workers (CHWs) in Indiana experience high burnout and consider leaving due to limited career advancement and support. Improving career paths and organizational support is crucial for retaining this vital workforce.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Workforce Studies
- Community Health
Background:
- Community health workers (CHWs) are integral to public health delivery.
- Understanding CHW job satisfaction and career advancement is crucial for workforce stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore career advancement and job satisfaction among Indiana CHWs.
- To identify factors contributing to burnout and intent to leave the CHW profession.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of 282 CHWs in Indiana (March-August 2024).
- Utilized Likert scale and open-ended questions to assess career development, burnout, and retention.
- Employed descriptive mixed methods analyses, examining employer type associations.
Main Results:
- Half of CHWs reported monthly burnout and considered leaving.
- Limited career advancement opportunities, low pay, and lack of recognition were key concerns.
- Positive patient/community impact motivated CHWs to stay despite challenges.
Conclusions:
- Indiana CHWs face significant career path inequities and high burnout rates.
- High intention to leave the profession necessitates urgent workforce interventions.
- Policy and employer support are essential to strengthen the CHW workforce.
Related Concept Videos
01:23International Nursing Organizations I
ICN member organizations work to advance the field of nursing and healthcare via policies, partnerships, lobbying, professional...
01:30Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
01:28International Nursing Organizations II
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:28Current Trends in Nursing I
01:30Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...