As ABD has previously reported, there is a nursing shortage in the CSRA and across the country which was amplified by the pandemic. Also in today’s economic update, Simon Medcalfe reports that Augusta has seen a drop in employment levels for health services which remain below pre-pandemic levels.
Across the river, Aiken Regional Medical Centers is being proactive in reversing that trend by offering a sign-on bonus of up to $25,000 for qualified nurses. They have scheduled job fairs throughout 2023 focusing on positions in nursing and support services.
The roles of nurses expected to retire or leave the profession will also need to be filled, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS projects will create a total of more than 175,00 openings for RNs every year until 2029.
Between the nurse sign-on bonuses and job fairs for recruitment, Aiken Regional is also offering educational programs that may help reverse the trends in healthcare shortages, at least in the CSRA.
“We hire both experienced professionals and new graduates and offer various extern/intern, residency, and fellowship programs for our clinical teams to easily transition from training to employment. Our goal is to make it easier for qualified candidates to join our team, which in turn benefits the hospital and our patients, and strengthens the local workforce,” Matt Merrifield, Chief Executive Officer at Aiken Regional Medical Centers.
During the upcoming job fairs, interested candidates may participate in on-site interviews and meet members of the recruitment and management teams. Candidates who are hired for open positions may have the opportunity to begin employment paperwork while on-site.
“For those looking to take the next step in their career, the job fairs provide a great opportunity to visit the hospital and interact with team members in a more casual, less intimidating interview setting,” said Merrifield.
Job fairs are held in the hospital’s main lobby unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is not required. Interested candidates can apply online or walk in and are highly encouraged to bring an updated resume for a possible offer on the spot. For more information and to view available opportunities, visit the Aiken Regional website or call 803.641.5630.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means!
If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
