Paving the Way for Accessible Healthcare
Jennifer Lacarriere has been advocating for equitable and accessible healthcare on her personal websites and in digital publications, where she has explained how to enter the healthcare industry for those who want to follow in her footsteps.
Now, she’s raising awareness about the growing need for nurses and healthcare professionals in the U.S.
Jennifer Lacarriere stresses the importance of being proactive in terms of healthcare advocacy, education, recruitment and staffing to ensure that the healthcare system can support the U.S. population in coming years.
“It’s not just healthcare professionals that should think about the future of providing accessible healthcare to citizens, but this needs to be on the priority list for everyone, especially the people making the decisions.”
Research findings by Oracle, a data-driven software company with healthcare stakeholders, cited a study that projects that if U.S. workforce trends continue, over 6.5 million healthcare professionals will permanently leave their positions by 2026, while only 1.9 million will replace them, leaving a national industry shortage of more than 4 million workers.
Jennifer Lacarriere knows all too well that breaking into the healthcare profession can be a challenge, and it was her relentless pursuit of education and desire to make a difference that allowed her to overcome the odds.
She recognizes that without removing barriers to healthcare education that there might be staffing shortages on the horizon.
“One small step I’m taking is advocating for healthcare on all fronts. That means education, advocacy and more,” says Lacarriere.
Lacarriere says getting all the healthcare systems to work together in tandem and communicate with each other through forums and regular communication.
Jennifer Lacarriere’s Inspiration
Jennfier Lacarierre says her inspiration to advocate for accessible healthcare and to share educational industry content started when she realized that she had the ability to transcend the healthcare setting and help people in her community.
“I truly have my dream career,” says Lacarriere who has worked in various healthcare settings like the maternity ward and cardiac units. Though both the cardiac unit and maternity ward carry their own unique set of challenges and responsibilities, Lacarierre never felt it was too much for her.
“I still wanted more to leave a positive impact and a legacy,” says Lacarriere, who believes that positive initiatives have the potential to compound and influence others to take action.
“It’s a ripple effect, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
“Although it can get tiring, knowing you’re helping people and a part of an important moment in their lives makes a tremendous difference and pushes you to go the extra mile,” explains Jennifer Lacarriere.
From Caretaking to Advocacy
Always a natural caretaker at heart, Lacarriere remembers fondly when she was filling out her application for NYU, and when she was accepted.
“One thing I’ve noticed about medical profession is that it’s highly fulfilling and an accomplishable career if you’re genuinely driven by helping others,” says Lacarriere. “Even when things are difficult. If you want to make a difference in the lives of others, there’s an opportunity waiting for you.”
With the launch of her official website and by sharing pertinent information about the status of healthcare in the U.S, Jennifer Lacarriere is doing her best to generate dialogue.
“It’s one step at a time, and it’s best to assess your impact after putting in years of consistent work and repetitions. It can take a lot of momentum to make a change, but so long as you keep moving forward, change will come.”
