What's Happening?
Dr. Regina Foley, chief nursing executive at Hackensack Meridian Health, emphasized the need for healthcare systems to collaborate with higher education institutions to address staffing shortages in the nursing sector. During a webinar titled 'Traveler
to Teammate: Becoming a Hospital Where Nurses Choose to Stay,' Foley discussed the importance of creating career pathways for nurses and integrating them into full-time roles. She highlighted the fragility of higher education and the responsibility of healthcare systems to ensure that educational seats are filled and that nursing students succeed in their licensure exams. Foley also noted the success of Hackensack Meridian Health in retaining agency nurses post-pandemic by fostering a supportive work environment and offering incentives like tuition assistance and loan forgiveness.
Why It's Important?
The collaboration between healthcare systems and higher education is crucial in addressing the ongoing nursing shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. By creating a robust pipeline from education to employment, healthcare systems can ensure a steady influx of qualified nurses, which is vital for maintaining patient care standards. This approach not only benefits the healthcare industry by stabilizing staffing levels but also provides career growth opportunities for nurses, enhancing job satisfaction and retention. The initiative could lead to a more resilient healthcare workforce, capable of adapting to future challenges.
What's Next?
Healthcare systems are likely to continue exploring partnerships with educational institutions to strengthen their workforce. This may involve developing new programs and incentives to attract and retain nursing talent. As these collaborations evolve, they could set a precedent for other sectors facing similar workforce challenges. Stakeholders, including healthcare leaders and educators, will need to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives and make adjustments to ensure they meet the needs of both students and healthcare providers.
