Bayhealth launches student loan repayment program
DOVER — Expanding its efforts to recruit and retain nurses and other critical positions amid labor shortages, Bayhealth will launch a new program that will repay student loans up to $30,000.
The Student Loan Assistance Program is available to qualified positions that offer a three-year commitment to work at Bayhealth. Skilled positions include nursing (Licensed Practical Nurses and Registered Nurses, Respiratory Therapy, Patient Care Technician/Phlebotomist, Diagnostic Imaging Technician, or Clinical Physician Assistant.
For applicable positions, the health system also offers relocation assistance.
“This student loan assistance program is another part of our commitment to strengthening the health of our communities. This helps us address two challenges we face as a society: the national nursing shortage and student loan debt,” said Shana Ross, vice president of human resources and chief diversity officer of Bayhealth, in a statement. “At Bayhealth, we understand that these are tough times for students just entering the workforce. With our student loan repayment program, they can focus on their new career, not their student loan debt. »
Like much of the rest of the country, hospitals and health systems in Delaware are facing a labor shortage that is exacerbated by the latest surge with the omicron variant COVID-19.
The Delaware Department of Labor reports that the health care and social assistance sector had 74,100 workers as of February 2020. This includes registered nurses, orderlies, orderlies, medical secretaries, aides -home caregivers, physiotherapists, surgeons and more.
Bayhealth, Sussex Campus in Milford will see some of the $103 million in planned capital improvements over the next three years, such as $19 million in ned beds and a cesarean section suite. | DBT PHOTO BT KATIE TABELING
By November 2021, health and social care workers had shrunk to just 71,300, down 2,800 workers from the pre-pandemic period – although it’s unclear if they’ve left the job altogether. industry, have left Delaware or are now working in an out-of-state facility.
Bayhealth is hiring for approximately 334 nursing and nursing support vacancies, according to its job postings website.
This is not the latest incentive program offered by Bayhealth. Some positions are eligible for an $8,000 bonus and the health system recently announced a Bahamas holiday raffle combined with full-time benefits for nurses and technical workers wishing to cover part-time weekend shifts.
Bayhealth will host a Q&A session on Jan. 18 or Jan. 19 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bayhealth Kent Campus, Buildings 1 and 2 at 640 S. State St. in Dover. All visitors must wear a mask. Register by email [email protected] with the name, study program and date of the session you plan to attend. Visit Bayhealth.org/Join to apply online and view vacancies.