Meeting Talent Shortages in the Healthcare Industry by Reskilling Workers

Slides

Jennifer Peed is the managing director at the Center to Champion Nursing in America, an initiative of AARP, AARP Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Jennifer began working for the AARP Public Policy Institute in September 2013.

Before joining AARP, Jennifer provided management, strategic guidance, research, and policy analysis services to organizations working to better understand and promote health, wellness, and social welfare. She also served as program administrator for two Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grants, providing technical assistance and education about Medicare and the Medicare Savings Programs to professionals and consumers. In addition, she served as program director at the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.

As a legislative intern, Jennifer monitored state and federal legislation impacting health care professionals and health care delivery systems. She also interned as a crisis counselor specializing in suicide prevention and helping people secure housing and other essential resources to support their overall health and well-being.

She holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and is currently pursuing an MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus.  

Deborah Stamps, EdD, RN, FAAN, Chief Nursing Advisor

Deborah C. Stamps serves as Chief Nursing Advisor to the AARP Public Policy Institute and the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action. She advises on nursing and health care workforce, equity, and programs that strengthen the nursing workforce. She also leads the LPN/LPN-to-RN Initiative, which aims to highlight and replicate successful strategies and programs that champion the LPN role and support LPNs in their efforts to become RNs.

Stamps is the founder and chief executive officer for Deborah Stamps Consulting, LLC.  She has over 30 years of progressive health care leadership and is an internationally recognized authority on workforce development, diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, nursing education, and leadership. She has held a variety of roles, from LPN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, Vice President of Quality, Patient Safety and Innovation including founding President of the Rochester General College of Health Careers and the inaugural Chief Diversity Officer at Rochester Regional Health. Stamps earned her EdD from St. John Fisher College; MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology; MS and the Gerontological Nursing Practitioner at Nazareth College; and a BSN from SUNY College at Brockport. She is a 2023 Academy of Nursing Fellow and the recipient of the Center for Nursing NY Driscoll Award.

Melody Ranger, LPN

Melody Ranger is a dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with extensive experience in diverse healthcare settings. She currently serves as an LPN with All Shifts Travel Agency, where she provides high-quality patient care by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, performing wound care, and assisting with daily activities. Known for her strong clinical skills, adaptability, and compassionate approach, she excels in collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to achieve positive patient outcomes.

With a background in emergency care, home health, and phlebotomy, Melody has held roles as an LPN in the Emergency Department, Field Nurse, and Phlebotomy Technician at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Her expertise spans infection control, post-operative care, diabetes management, and geriatric nursing. Proficient in Epic and LIS electronic health record systems, as well as Microsoft Office Suite, she ensures accurate documentation and effective communication in patient care.

Melody earned her Licensed Practical Nurse certification from Isabella Graham Hart School of Nursing in Rochester, NY. She also holds certifications in BLS/CPR, phlebotomy, and nursing assistance. Passionate about patient advocacy and education, she remains committed to enhancing healthcare delivery through compassionate, evidence-based practice.