When it comes to saving lives, there are no small roles.
The healthcare industry is comprised of more than just doctors, nurses and CT technologists. Departments like Human Resources and Information Technology work closely with health staff to heighten efficiency and elevate patient experience. Each role, though seemingly independent of the other, works together to create a cohesive team of experts with the resources required to provide the highest level of care for patients and their families. And after sitting down with Centra Health, a nonprofit healthcare system based in Lynchburg, we soon realized just how important it is to fill each of those roles with the right people.
We asked Centra Health three questions about the current state of healthcare and what it takes to be a healthcare worker in today’s industry.
What does hiring look like at your company? What positions are you looking for?
We aren’t kidding when we say that we’re looking for everything. When it comes to hiring, we face a lot of the same issues as other career fields and we’ve found ourselves competing with industries we’ve never previously been up against. As we enter yet another year of navigating a global pandemic, it is no secret that the healthcare industry is confronting the largest crisis we’ve seen in generations. We are on the frontlines of change and innovation, and we’ve had to pivot our wages to reflect that. We also know that it isn’t all about hourly pay – what really makes a difference is benefit packages and career trajectory and, at Centra Health, we have that. We are looking to fill roles across the board at all levels. From phlebotomists to HR pros and IT coders, our need is great, and we truly have something for everyone.
What makes an ideal candidate for your open positions?
We like to say that healthcare is a microcosm of the world – it reflects all people. However, even if you aren’t employed in a clinical space, every role we have requires individuals to recognize that they are part of something bigger than themselves. Like other employers in the healthcare industry, we aren’t looking to simply put qualified people in vacant positions. We are looking for applicants eager to answer the call to serve others. The ideal candidate for any of our open positions would first and foremost be a critical thinker. Someone who can take complex and deeply nuanced information and process it quickly and thoroughly. We are looking for curious individuals who aren’t afraid to jump right in and take that first step. It’s also important that our employees have strong interpersonal communication skills. They need to know when to ask for help and when to lean on their coworkers for support. Lastly, we need people with an inclination to technology or the ability to learn it.
How has your organization worked with your local community college in the past?
We’ve had the pleasure of working quite closely with Central Virginia Community College in the past and have supplied grant funding, provided new technology and instructors/guest speakers to educate students on important industry topics. We have an aviation wing with an amazing cutaway of a helicopter for students interested in that side of care and have helped CVCC train EMTs. Lastly, we’ve worked extensively with local high schools and their dual enrollment program. It’s so important to reach students young.
Centra Health is a supporter of Virginia’s Community Colleges through the G3 Business Ambassador program. If you think you’re a fit for a role at Centra Health, visit its website to learn more.
