Dedicated efforts to grow interest in health care careers available close to home.

Richland Center, WI – Finding and recruiting the next generation of health care workers is important to the overall health of rural communities served by The Richland Hospital and Clinics (TRHC). By working closely with educators of students from middle school to college, TRHC has been an active partner in helping close the gap. Sarah Stibbe, event coordinator for the hospital’s programs geared toward middle school (Club Scrub) and high school (Career Day), invites students to spend time working and learning from professionals across the organization. “The hands-on learning is fun, informative and so good at opening kids’ eyes to what a career in health care looks like,” says Stibbe. Her annual events are hosted in coordination with guidance counselors from Richland Center, River Valley, Riverdale, and Ithaca school districts. “We had 27 high school kids spend the better part of the day with us,” Stibbe continues. “I think showing them the behind-the scenes work in addition to patient facing careers is such a strong way to show the opportunities available to them in their own back yards.”

The Richland Hospital and Clinics is also thankful for the strong partnership with Southwest Technical College. “We had four students work alongside two lab staff employees drawing blood for health screens at the recent Employee Health Fair,” says Dana Wilson, Laboratory Director and member of the organization’s employee-led Wellness Team. “Employees are able to get free labs which test for anemia, diabetes, and standard cardiac panels,” she continues. “We had over 170 employees come over the span of three hours. We wouldn’t be able get through that many without their assistance,” exclaimed Wilson. Dana Wilson, along with other staff members from TRHC, also attended SWTC’s career fair to meet with students and prospective employees. “It was a great chance to tell students about our fantastic work culture, and commitment to patient care,” Wilson added.

The power of face-to-face conversations with potential and existing students is also why TRHC staffers will be attending the CESA 3 Career Fair at the Richland Center High School on Tuesday, November 4. Over 750 students are anticipated, an incredible pool of potential health care workers. While all career opportunity questions will be welcomed, Dana Wilson has a special reason for attending. “I plan on being there all day to promote the Medical Lab Technician career. Most high school students are unaware of this career choice. There is a great shortage of lab staff nationwide, which makes promotion of the career very important to me,” she adds.