Fisher-Titus Medical Center, a prominent independent rural community health system in Norwalk, Ohio, embarked on a pioneering initiative to address its ongoing nursing shortage by recruiting international nurses. Due to the complexities of hiring overseas, Fisher-Titus partnered with PRS Global, an international direct-hire firm, to implement a comprehensive recruitment strategy to bolster its nursing workforce.
Fisher-Titus offers vital healthcare services to the local community, boasting a Level 3 trauma center, Level 2 cardiac catheterization lab, and primary stroke certification. Despite this, maintaining a robust healthcare workforce has posed challenges, predating the pandemic. Integration of these nurses into both the medical center staff and the rural community was crucial. Emphasizing sustainability was also key, with the existing nursing team playing a pivotal role.
Despite initial expectations of a year-long recruitment process, complications arising from the pandemic and immigration delays extended the timeline to 18 months. However, both teams remained committed to finding suitable candidates and developed a comprehensive interview process involving front-line leaders, staff and the chief nursing officer. Continuous support for international nurses extended beyond recruitment, focusing on seamless onboarding and ongoing training. This included community mentorship programs, cultural diversity classes and internal educational initiatives that addressed minor differences in nursing practices between cultures.
A notable surprise was the uplifting effect of hiring international nurses on the health system's culture. After enduring the most challenging years of their nursing careers during the pandemic, nurses were fatigued and grappling with burnout. The Filipino nurses who joined the staff expressed gratitude for the facility, equipment, the work environment and the camaraderie with fellow nurses. Their presence infused the tired nurses with renewed energy as they found solace in the positivity around them and witnessed improvements in the care they provided.
Fisher-Titus and PRS collaborated closely to provide comprehensive support to international nurses, their mentors and the local community to foster a sense of belonging and nurture long-term retention. By signing a three-year commitment with PRS, Fisher-Titus aims to create an environment that encourages international nurses and their families to remain at the organization and in Norwalk for years to come.
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