In the midst of the global health care crisis, marked by the profound challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, a critical shortage of health care workers has emerged. The demand for skilled staff has surged to unprecedented levels, putting serious strain on the system as a whole. The World Health Organization predicts a shortfall of 15 million health care professionals worldwide by 2030.
In addition to the impact of these broader systemic shortages, PPSNE’s health care teams are faced with complexities that are unique to our mission and work. Ongoing political debates and legislative changes related to reproductive rights and access to services such as abortion and contraception create uncertainty for both providers and patients. Our health care staff must stay informed about evolving policies and work diligently to ensure that our patients have access to comprehensive care, regardless of the political landscape. Their role extends beyond clinical care to advocating for the rights and well-being of their patients.
This combination of circumstances is why PPSNE is making significant investments in workforce recruitment and retention. These are strategic imperatives to ensure that we are able to provide Care. No Matter What.
In the current fiscal year, we are advancing our pay equity goals and making critical investments in staff compensation to recognize the critical work of our team in a highly competitive health care market. We have launched a best practice onboarding program called Center Ready to ensure our newly hired staff are well-supported and prepared to jump in on their first days in our health centers. We are setting forth plans for innovative recruitment and retention strategies for frontline health care providers, including loan repayment options for licensed clinical staff. We are exploring best practices to build a workforce that represents the lived experiences of the patients and communities we serve. We are investing in professional development, through a mentorship program and leadership training available to staff. We are implementing career ladders for our non-licensed medical staff, who provide essential support and coordination for our patients. We are doing all of this as a critical part of the public health safety net – and this is possible thanks to you, our dedicated supporters.
Our health care teams are the backbone of the patient care we provide across Connecticut and Rhode Island. Through experience, we know that a well-supported workforce directly correlates with the overall quality of care we are able to provide. By investing in our staff, we are not only acknowledging the invaluable contributions of health care workers but also strengthening PPSNE’s resilience and the capacity of our organization to face future challenges.
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Click here to read the full winter 2023 issue of our Focus newsletter.
Tags: Health Care, equity, investment