
Innovative Solutions for Healthcare Workforce Challenges
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, a prominent healthcare provider in Paramus, New Jersey, has taken a pioneering step in addressing workforce challenges by partnering with Clasp, a recruitment platform that focuses on student loan repayment as an incentive for healthcare professionals. This collaboration makes Bergen New Bridge the first hospital in New Jersey to offer such an innovative recruitment and retention program.
A New Era of Recruitment and Retention
The new program enables selected nursing students to receive up to $25,000 in student loan debt repayment over their first three years of employment. This initiative not only alleviates financial burdens but also encourages patients to build promising careers in nursing. Christine Sochulak, the program's first nursing hire, expressed relief and gratitude, emphasizing the program's role in making her transition smoother and more focused on patient care.
Strategic Approach to Address Talent Shortages
Deborah Visconi, president and CEO of Bergen New Bridge, highlighted this initiative as a way to expand the candidate pool while developing healthcare professionals. The approach aims to change the trajectory for students entering the workforce during a time marked by a national nursing shortage, thereby setting a benchmark for safety net hospitals.
Expanding Access to Opportunities
Tess Michaels, CEO of Clasp, noted the impressive response to the program, witnessing three times more applicants than available seats in just four months. This overwhelming interest underscores the need for institutions to provide innovative financial solutions to attract talent during a period of increasing student debt burdens.
A Template for the Future of Healthcare
Bergen New Bridge’s program showcases how healthcare facilities can invest in their workforce, setting a new standard for attracting and retaining talent in healthcare. As this model gains traction, it may inspire other hospitals across the country to rethink their hiring strategies in similar ways.
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