SSM Health Tackles Nursing Shortage

The nursing shortage statewide was an issue before the pandemic, but SSM Health is hoping an in-house initiative will help stem that tide.

The “Grow Your Own” talent program is just one of the ways SSM Health is looking to meet the nursing shortage head on.

The program is designed to work with existing staff, to focus on what area of expertise they are most interested in, and then work with them as they pursue certifications in those specific areas.

The hospital provides classroom time and clinical hours which are used as a trial period to try specific fields before an individual is hired in that specific area.

According to the Wisconsin Hospital Association, one of the main reasons behind the nursing shortage has been the fact that not enough nurses are leaving the field to train or teach, and not enough new nurses are entering the field.