Facing a statewide shortage of thousands of nurses following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, San Juan Regional Medical Center is embracing new healthcare hiring trends to rebuild its workforce, including paying students to go to school and offering on-the-spot job offers.
The pandemic created significant turbulence in the healthcare workforce nationwide, and New Mexico currently faces a shortage of between 8,000 and 9,000 registered nurses, according to Neil Teatsorth, the hospital’s chief human resources officer.
In San Juan County, San Juan Regional Medical Center has between 80 and 90 open Registered Nurse positions, which is a considerable number for a facility of its size. The hospital also faces a high demand for imaging technicians who operate MRI, X-ray and CT scan equipment.
To combat these shortages, the hospital is looking beyond traditional recruiting by focusing on career mobility, educational partnerships and flexible scheduling.
One major local initiative is a partnership with the San Juan College nursing program, which provides students with a stipend of more than $4,000 per semester. In exchange, students agree to work for the hospital for six months for every semester funded.
“One of the biggest barriers to getting a degree is the financial burden,” Teatsorth said, noting that more than 40 nurses have already signed up for the program to help cover tuition, groceries and housing. SJRMC is currently looking to expand similar support programs to Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, and Pueblo Community College.
Because healthcare workers are changing jobs more frequently due to the stressful nature of the profession, the hospital has also prioritized employee wellness and flexibility. SJRMC offers full-time, part-time and occasional shifts to tailor to workers’ needs, along with wellness programs aimed at maintaining employees’ physical, mental and emotional health.
The medical center also aims to attract candidates directly out of high school by offering entry-level positions in dietary services, environmental services or customer service that do not require an immediate degree. Once employed, workers can utilize education benefits to pursue certifications or degrees for advanced, higher-paying roles.
“The fact is virtually everybody in this county, in this region is qualified for some job in our hospital, and that provides either a final landing place or a foot in the door to navigate a career path,” Teatsorth said. While technology will continue to shape the workforce in the coming decade, he noted that the industry’s need for “human kind, compassionate caregivers” cannot be replaced.
Those interested in joining the team can attend a rapid hiring fair on Thursday, May 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Center for Workforce Excellence, located at 800 West Maple St. in Farmington. Attendees can meet with the recruitment team and hiring managers for quick, 15-minute interviews.
Qualified candidates may receive a conditional job offer on the spot, pending background checks and license verification.
“If you’re looking for an opportunity to really serve an organization with a mission to serve this community, San Juan Regional is the place to come,” said Shelly Ackerman, talent acquisition manager.
To learn more about open positions at San Juan Regional Medical Center visit, https://careers.sanjuanregional.com/us/en.