Writer: Joshua Andino
2 min read September 2022 — Inspira Health’s Premier Partnership with Rowan College of South Jersey provides a potential solution to industry-wide workforce shortages while setting the stage for further economic growth.
Labor shortages have emerged as one of the key difficulties in the post-pandemic economy. Particularly in healthcare, burnout and early retirement driven by pandemic-fatigue have led to increased rates of turnover and prompted a wave of consolidation and partnership expansions across industries to shore up workforce pipelines, retain current staff and provide wider community benefits that aim to draw potential employees into the field.
“We are committed to drive economic development and create attractive jobs for the people who live in our communities,” said Amy Mansue, president and CEO of Inspira Health. “This partnership supports these efforts while, at the same time, creating a pipeline of well-trained healthcare professionals to meet the growing needs of our region.”
In South Jersey, Inspira Health, the charitable nonprofit healthcare provider that runs three hospitals at its Elmer, Mullica Hill and Vineland locations, recently announced the Premier Partnership with Rowan College of South Jersey. Upon the announcement in April, local officials touted both the advantages that family-sustaining jobs would provide local communities, while commending Inspira and RCSJ for an innovative solution to workforce shortages.
“This specific partnership between Inspira and Rowan College of South Jersey is making education more accessible by allowing our local students to receive quality, affordable education right here at home,” said Director of the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners Frank DiMarco. Cumberland County Commissioner Director Darlene Barber echoed the sentiment, saying, “The dynamic partnership between RCSJ and Inspira provides an unprecedented opportunity for our residents to pursue their healthcare education and careers in one location at our Cumberland Campus.”
Inspira employees enrolled in the college’s Nursing and Health Professions program, as well as non-health care programs, will receive a 50% Preferred Partnership discount on tuition and are encouraged to look into Inspira’s Tuition Reimbursement Program. The discount applies to both of RCSJ’s campuses in Cumberland and Gloucester counties. RCSJ is also a participant in the Community College Opportunity Grant, which can make college even more affordable for Inspira employees and community members. In an era dubbed “The Great Resignation,” where employees are retraining, reskilling and reassessing where they work, Inspira’s Premier Partnership with RCSJ offers what could arguably be considered as close to free education, while creating opportunities, access to viable employment, and career mobility.
“We view this partnership as an investment in our current and future employees, as well as an investment in the physical, mental and financial health of our community,” said Mansue. “The Premier Partnership discount will make Inspira an even stronger employer of choice for current and prospective employees.”
The partnership promises increased convenience to Inspira employees, offering an affordable path to the Rowan University 3+1 program, which allows students looking to secure a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to pay community college tuition for three years and just one year of Rowan University tuition. Inspira also provided a $2 million gift to the college, in support of student scholarships for those pursuing healthcare occupations and for funding future program development. In turn, RSCJ and allied health students will find themselves studying and training at the Inspira Health Nursing & Health Professions Center and the Inspira Health Professions Center, upon the latter’s completion, as a gesture of appreciation for Inspira’s support of the college.
Offering a selection of associate degrees, credit and noncredit certifications, more than 30 healthcare programs are available to RCSJ students and Inspira staff looking to advance or upskill their current roles. Programs include a wide range of fields, from nursing to nutrition, physical therapy, radiography, sonography, peer recovery, phlebotomy, mental health and others.
“Our premier partnership with Inspira Health aligns with the College’s vision to prepare students for employment in areas of need and enhances the opportunity for clinical experience in the healthcare profession,” stated Rowan College of South Jersey President Frederick Keating. “The College continues to expand and build robust partnerships within the education and medical communities. We thank Inspira for the generous financial and educational support provided to our students through scholarships, clinicals and job prospects.”
The benefits of the program extend into the wider community. More nurses, where the labor shortage is particularly felt, means local hospitals and medical centers across Gloucester, Cumberland and Salem counties will have the staff necessary to provide the necessary care to residents. The partnership provides an easy transition from studies to practice, and ensures opportunities for recent graduates and upskilled workers to stay local, enjoying jobs that provide strong starts or advancements in a healthcare career and strong wages.
“We serve two of the most economically challenged counties in the state. By making education more affordable and convenient, Inspira and RCSJ are providing a tangible means for local residents to grow their skills and expand their career opportunities,” said Mansue. “We are already seeing strong interest among our employees.”
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