Metro Health - University of Michigan Health offers sign-on bonus to new medical assistants

There’s no question that healthcare workers are—and have always been—heroes in our communities. They were heroes long before yard signs celebrating and thanking them filled neighborhoods. They were working long hours and providing critical care to patients before PPE shortages and face shields were the norm. Now, the shortage we’re facing isn’t equipment, it’s the heroes themselves.

Department of Health and Human Services data, collected by The Atlantic in mid-November of 2020, shows 22% of American hospitals faced a staffing shortage, and that percentage is expected to rise. This puts extreme pressure on healthcare organizations and staff.

METRO HEALTH – UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTH RESPONDS TO DEMAND

“In West Michigan, we aren’t immune to the healthcare worker shortage,” says Metro Health’s Chief Human Resources Officer Jennifer Gonzalez. “Because of that, we’re looking for innovative ways to attract talent and let them know that Metro Health is the best choice for their career.”

In response, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health is instituting a High-Demand Bonus Program to recognize, retain and provide meaningful reward to qualifying positions that are in extreme high demand. Qualifying positions include:

·       Certified/Registered Medical Assistant

·       Endoscopy Technician

·       Endoscopy RN

·       Central Processing Department Technician

·       Certified Central Processing Technician

In particular, Metro Health is in seeking qualified medical assistants to fill positions in a variety of service lines and departments, including cardiology, primary care, neuroscience, and obstetrics. The positions are at office locations in Rockford, Wyoming, Grand Rapids, Hudsonville, Lowell, and Comstock Park.

Visit Metro Health’s career site to see the full list of available positions, requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities.

Qualified new hires who begin employment on or before January 31, 2021, will receive an initial sign-on bonus of $1,500, and an additional $500 every six months for the next 18 months of consecutive employment, adding up to a maximum bonus of $3,000.

MEDICAL ASSISTANTS SHARE EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

“I love what I do,” exclaims Metro Health Cascade medical assistant Ijlal Nuriddin. “I love my interactions with patients, and I love assisting our physicians with patient care.”

Nuriddin has been with Metro Health for almost seven years and says the culture within the organization is very special. “Metro Health is a place where you are encouraged to grow, learn, and ask questions,” she shares. “The providers consider MAs partners in patient care and encourage us to dive deeper, not only for our patients, but for our own career advancement.”

Pam Craine-Turley has worked as an MA within the endocrinology department at Metro Health’s Park East office for the last few years. But she actually got her start in healthcare at Metro Health back in the ‘90s when the hospital was on Boston St.

“Coming back to Metro Health after many years away was the best career move I’ve ever made,” Craine-Turley reveals. “Here, everyone from our care teams, to managers, to executive leadership care about each other. People here are warm and welcoming, and it feels like home.”

Even though Nuriddin works as an MA in the primary care setting and Craine-Turley is an MA in a specialty department, they both share similar views of Metro Health’s inclusive culture and supportive work atmosphere. They say Metro Health has a true team environment where everyone’s thoughts and expertise are valued. The team recognizes that, as a medical assistant, you play an integral role in the care team model.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO TRULY MAKE A DIFFERENCE

“As a medical assistant, I am on the front lines of patient care,” Nuriddin explains. “You never know what a patient is going through physically or emotionally, and it’s our job to meet them where they are—with whatever they’re carrying—with compassion and empathy. I get to be that bridge between the patient and the physician and make sure they both feel safe, informed, and comfortable.”

Because of the high demand for medical assistants across the country, MAs have many options to choose from. However, Nuriddin and Craine-Turley agree that Metro Health is the smart choice for those looking for a place to make a difference in the lives of patients.

“Look for an organization that values your insights and allows you to exercise the full capacity of your training,” Nuriddin says. “That’s what you’ll find at Metro Health. This organization produces strong, confident MAs who are appreciated.”

“I would encourage MAs looking for employment to find a place that offers an open-door policy with managers and providers,” Craine-Turley suggests. “Look for team members who are approachable and transparent. I’ve found that at Metro Health. I’ve enjoyed every bit of my experience over the last three years. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”