Talent & Workforce – Indianapolis Business Journal

Content sponsored by Adult & Child

In this Thought Leadership Point of View, Adult & Child Health President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christine Negendank discusses how Adult & Child attracts and retains staff through its mission-driven work, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.

In a competitive health care job market, what specific strategies are you using to attract providers to your organization?

The health care industry is facing a critical shortage of therapists and nurses, making the competition for top talent incredibly fierce. To address this challenge, we’ve adopted a strategic approach that includes offering competitive compensation packages, such as recent significant increases in starting salaries for therapists as well as sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement. We also offer career development opportunities, including career pathways and advancement, leadership training opportunities, staff development funds for continuing education, and support for specialized certifications.

You recently joined a parent company. How does this partnership enhance your ability to recruit and retain staff?

Our affiliation with our parent company, Brightli, has been instrumental in bolstering our ability to recruit and retain top talent. By joining forces with a larger network, we’ve gained access to a wider array of resources, including advanced training programs, expanded career development opportunities, and a robust support system. Being part of a larger organization enhances our ability to offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, which is crucial for attracting and retaining health care professionals in today’s competitive market.

Can you elaborate on your efforts to get more involved in the community and how this might attract potential hires?

While we’ve always been involved in our community, we’re significantly expanding our efforts. We’re actively building stronger community partnerships and increasing our presence at community events. We hired our first vice president of business development, Scott Miller. Scott will be instrumental in forging strong partnerships with local organizations, enabling us to collaborate on solutions that address the critical needs of Indianapolis. This focus demonstrates our commitment to making a positive impact on the community, which is a key factor for many health care professionals seeking a fulfilling career.

Can you describe the professional development opportunities available at your organization?

Our organization is committed to fostering professional growth and development among our providers. Through our partnership with our parent company, Brightli, we offer a wide range of training programs encompassing both general and clinical expertise, such as career development pathways and leadership training opportunities. By leveraging the parent company’s research capabilities, we are able to implement cutting-edge practices and enhance patient care.

Beyond attracting new hires, what are some key strategies your organization uses to retain your valuable therapists, nurses and other team members?

A key strategy is prioritizing employee wellness. We understand the demanding nature of health care and are committed to providing resources and support to help our staff maintain a healthy work-life balance. We also recently completed a compensation study for half our organization that resulted in increasing pay to recognize the invaluable contributions of our employees, with further compensation studies for the rest of our organization planned for the remaining staff. Lastly, our mission helps retain our staff. Serving underserved and underinsured populations is a core part of our mission. Our team members are passionate about making a difference in our community, and we believe this shared purpose is a powerful motivator for retention.

What are some of the unique aspects of working for your organization that might appeal to therapists and nurses considering a career change or new opportunity?

As a Federally Qualified Health Center look-alike, we are committed to providing accessible, integrated, high-quality care to underserved and underinsured populations. Our fast-paced environment is very different than private practice. It requires individuals who can balance compassion with efficiency, delivering excellent care while overcoming the unique challenges our patients face every day. Joining our team means becoming part of a dedicated group making a significant impact on the community.

In the competitive health care workforce, how have you remained competitive with pay?

We recently made significant investments in employee compensation, resulting in increased pay for numerous roles, including therapists and skills development specialists. This strategic move positions us as a competitive employer within the Indiana market.

Our partnership with our parent company provides additional financial stability and resources, enabling us to offer competitive compensation while maintaining our local focus on patient care.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your organization’s approach to attracting and retaining top talent in the health care field?

We are committed to building a thriving, mission-focused workplace where our employees can flourish. By prioritizing employee well-being and recognition, offering competitive compensation, and fostering professional growth, we aim to create a fulfilling and rewarding career path for our team members. Our dedication to serving underserved and underinsured populations provides our staff with a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the community.