At MultiCare, we know we must train more health care professionals to meet the present-day needs of our communities — and the needs of generations to come. We also know we must maximize the skills and passions of our clinical team members while realistically addressing workforce gaps.
In 2023, we made strides toward a better future, from launching new training programs to embracing new technology to reimagining how we deliver care.
MultiCare Learning Center opens at PNWU
Many people in Washington live in medically underserved communities — areas with an insufficient number of health care professionals for the population. People in these communities may be forced to travel long distances to receive care and often have health needs that go unmet.
In 2021, MultiCare pledged $8 million to Pacific Northwest University (PNWU) to support education programs and facilities designed to foster the next generation of health care workers.
New training program helps fill shortage of CNAs
Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are a key part of the health care team — they assist patients with activities of daily living, check vital signs, help with mobility and work closely with registered nurses to support positive patient experiences and outcomes.
Hiring more CNAs is an important part of MultiCare’s plan to transform nursing care at our organization.
Capital Medical Center Career Day gives students glimpse into health care
Early on a Saturday morning in 2023, the halls of MultiCare Capital Medical Center buzzed with chatter, laughter and excitement. Twenty-three local high school students spent the day learning about careers in health care during Big Brothers Big Sisters Health Care Career Day.
Hosted by Capital Medical Center in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Washington, the career day brought together youth from Thurston, Mason and Grays Harbor counties who expressed an interest in working in health care.
New initiatives seek to transform nursing experience
Nursing shortages are affecting every state in the U.S., and it’s a problem the pandemic has exacerbated. At MultiCare, nurses at all levels — from executive to bedside — have been working together to find ways to mitigate this shortage while also improving the experience and culture of nursing at our organization.