Department of Workforce Development

		Scott McCallum     Governor State of Wisconsin

Monday,  June 10, 2002
Contact:	Debbie Monterrey-Millett, Governor’s Office  (608) 266-9806 Chris Marschman, DWD  (608) 261-6705

Madison – Gov. Scott McCallum announced today that the Workforce Coalition Data Group, a public/private partnership created to help solve the state’s nursing shortage problem, has been awarded the June Governor’s Workforce Innovation Award (WIN), which recognizes individuals and organizations that create innovative approaches and outside-the box- solutions to develop and sustain Wisconsin’s workforce.

"This is a great example of state government and private industry working together to address a need and at the same time save money," Gov. McCallum said.

The partnership includes the Wisconsin Departments of Workforce Development, Regulation and Licensing, Health and Family Services and the Wisconsin Health and Hospital Association, Wisconsin Nurses Association, Wisconsin Health Care Association and the Wisconsin Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, Inc.,

The focus of this group was to develop a comprehensive electronic based workforce survey of Wisconsin Registered Nurses. Traditionally, the survey has been done in a paper/pencil format and those responding would have been charged a fee to complete the survey. It would have cost approximately $500,000.

The electronic survey was paid for by all of the partners with in-kind contributions that kept the cost around $75,000. The savings in postage alone were nearly $40,000. The electronic format also means the survey can be broader in scope, increasing its effectiveness. And, with no fee to complete the survey and an easy electronic format, more recipients responded. Nearly 44,000 nurses, 63 percent, completed their surveys.

The data from this survey will be used by many state departments, as well as many private sector groups who are working on developing strategic plans, to combat the health care workforce shortages in Wisconsin.

The WIN Award is presented each month to highlight innovative approaches and solutions to overcoming barrier to work, empowering individuals to move up the job ladder, and partnering with employers, educators and local government to do what works to build a stronger workforce.

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