West Hartford's USJ, Saint Francis Try To Address Health Care Worker Shortage

WEST HARTFORD/HARTFORD, CT — A West Hartford-based university and two Hartford-based medical facilities are teaming up to address the ongoing health care worker shortage.

Earlier this month, it was announced that the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford will partner with Saint Francis Hospital and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, both in Hartford, to address the high demand for clinical health care workers in Connecticut.

The three institutions will increase the number of USJ students, including those from diverse backgrounds, who are placed in positions at Saint Francis and Mount Sinai.

They will also prioritize seats for Saint Francis and Mount Sinai employees in select USJ programs.

USJ officials announced the program Nov. 14.

Connecticut’s health care workforce shortage follows the nationwide shortage of clinical health care workers.

A variety of factors contribute to the problem, including the lasting effects of working during the pandemic, nurses aging into retirement, compensation issues and a shortage of college faculty and clinical placements.

Proponents said providing opportunities for USJ students’ clinical training at Saint Francis and Mount Sinai, the partnership creates a pathway for future employment there after graduation.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Saint Francis Hospital and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital to address the need for health care workers in Connecticut," USJ Provost Michelle Kalis, Ph.D. said in a statement.

"What makes this partnership truly unique is the close collaboration between the hospitals’ clinical staff and USJ creating stronger connections between the classroom teaching and the clinical experiences.”

“We are grateful to the University of Saint Joseph for their collaboration,” said Vernette Townsend, R.N., chief nursing officer, Saint Francis Hospital. “We know, coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, that health care has changed, and we are thankful to USJ for providing an avenue to strengthen the workforce in multiple ways.

"We look forward to having USJ students learning with our walls, providing care, and living our Mission to our community.”

Program highlights include tuition discounts for Saint Francis and Mount Sinai employees, enhanced connections between the hospital’s clinical staff and USJ faculty and mentoring for new nurses and USJ graduate student research projects.

“We are excited to build our partnership with the University of Saint Joseph,” said Thomas Burke, president, of Saint Francis Hospital and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital.

“This collaboration will enhance the USJ students’ educational and clinical experience, allow our colleagues to further expand their education, and, ultimately, provide our community with continued outstanding care.”

Learn more about USJ Health Care programs at this link.

Learn more about Saint Francis Hospital and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital at www.trinityhealthofne.org.