Workforce development offers new beginnings at Banner Health

The World Health Organization estimates a projected shortfall of 10 million health workers by 2030. While the shortage is most acute in low- and lower-middle income countries, health care organizations and systems throughout the world are facing challenges in the education, employment, deployment, retention, and performance of their workforce.

A talented, engaged, and inclusive workforce is critical to delivering exceptional patient care, and Banner Health has made it a priority to support employees—professionally, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Banner is committed to engaging and growing our most valuable resource—our workforce—by offering opportunities for ongoing education, training, reskilling, professional development, mentorships, and career growth, plus resources to support employees’ physical and mental well-being.

Philanthropic investment from donors and community partners is critical to these initiatives, as they fall outside the traditional model of care delivery and reimbursement. Recently, generous donors including The Tony and Milena Astorga Foundation and Taco Bell Foundation have made this deepening of Banner’s bench of talent a priority with their gifts.

“Investing in workforce development provides individuals with opportunities to pursue meaningful careers and enhances our capacity to deliver quality care,” says Marea Bryson, Senior Director of Talent Management.

Building on its existing industry and higher education partnerships, Banner Health has recently piloted a variety of novel programs to promote career growth and reach a younger demographic (K-12) to cultivate interest and exposure to careers in health care. These strategic programs are helping to address industry challenges and foster a strong talent pipeline, especially for in-demand roles such as nurses, medical assistants, and device technicians: 

Career Explorers 

3,500 junior high and high school students have participated this year in hospital tours with built-in immersive experiences and have been introduced to potential careers with Banner at school-based career fairs. Banner hosts clinical rotations and hands-on experiences for area high schools’ Career and Technical Education programs, which give students co-educational opportunities so they can graduate from high school already having attained Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, and sports medicine specific certifications.

“Events like this provide students with the opportunity to see how we work in health care to practice hands-on skills in our environment,” Noelle Trinder, Senior Director of Healthcare Careers at Banner, explains.

Camp Scrubs

A one-week summer camp for 7th and 8th graders in a dynamic, hospital-based program, Camp Scrubs hosts 17 students per camp with two counselors each year. These young participants are fully immersed in the hospital setting, rotating through tours, activities, and shadowing—from nursing, wound care and Child Life to pharmacy, culinary and first aid/CPR. Watch a video of the most recent campers’ experiences.

One participant’s parent shared, “I think this is a wonderful opportunity for the kids to explore careers that may interest them and give them a goal to work towards in the future.”

Non-clinical Internships

Banner offers non-clinical internships for high school and college students. Departments that participate in training these interns include biomed, supply chain, human resources, administration, sterile processing, behavioral health, catheter lab, and others.

Career Pathways and Apprenticeships

Supporting entry-level Banner Health team members, this program provides step-by-step support, 1:1 advising, and financial aid to complete educational requirements to transfer into the next role. This novel program creates career-building connections and development opportunities for lower-wage employees to grow into progressively responsible careers over time. Since inception in 2022, over 80% of those who complete the Career Pathways program represent ethnic minority groups.

Elizabeth’s Story: From Transporter to Certified Nursing Assistant

Elizabeth Alvarez was hesitant when her leader first shared Banner’s Career Pathways program with her. Previously, she attempted going to school on her own; but, because of cost and lack of balance between school and work, she felt overwhelmed and left. After further research and talks with her leader and parents, Elizabeth decided to go forward with our program.

With full support from her leader and Banner’s career development throughout school and clinical rotations, Elizabeth passed her CNA certification exam. Confidently, Elizabeth now works in the Emergency Department and has a passion to keep growing.

She shares, “I want to continue school and pursue nursing. With Career Pathways, I feel confident enough to take up a registered nursing program. I plan to work in the Emergency Department and develop to be a trauma Intensive Care Unit nurse. I like challenges, so bring it on!”

Arizona’s growing population is rapidly outpacing growth in the health worker labor force. Arizona is forecasting 13.9% population growth over the next 10 years, with Phoenix recently cited as the second fastest growing city in the U.S. and Tucson’s growth rate cited as the fourth highest out of 12 western metropolitan statistical areas.

Although it is the 14th most populous state in the U.S., Arizona ranks 41st in the number of primary care providers per capita. By 2030, it is projected that Arizona will require more than 3,600 physicians to adequately meet the health care needs of communities across the state.

The U.S. Department of Labor knows that gainful employment is important for the mental health of young people, offering them stability, well-being, and security. Banner Health is continuously innovating within our medical facilities and communities to increase quality of life on many levels, with a keen eye and guiding hand on the workforce of the future.

Joseph Miller: EVS associate to Sterile Processing

As an environmental services associate, Joseph spent his days cleaning and disinfecting medical equipment, patient rooms, and other common areas within our hospitals. He joined Career Pathways to pursue his goal of becoming a Sterile Processing technician. The information was challenging, he felt at times that he didn’t understand it, and considered quitting just one week into the program. But Banner’s Career Pathways team assured Joseph that they were with him every step of the way. With their support, he was able to complete his training and now says, “without my Career Pathways team, Quinn Villanueva and Monique Peralta, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.”

Tracey Lloyd: Diagnostics scheduler to certified Medical Assistant

Although Tracey had been a Medical Assistant for more than 10 years, she never received her certification. As a Diagnostic Scheduler now for four years, she desired being an MA again – but this time, she needed to be certified.

Tracey joined Career Pathways to get her MA certification and pass the National Healthcareer Association exam. While there were plenty of times she wanted to quit, Tracey recently completed clinical rotations, passed her exam, and is now ready for her new role.

To learn how you, too, can support our workforce development programs, click here.

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