NEMG prioritizes staffing improvement

A Q & A with Christine Hines, executive director of Operations for Northeast Medical Group’s Bridgeport region, on the impact of staffing.

What is one of the biggest challenges facing NEMG Operations?

Hines: It would have to be staffing, namely, trying to recruit medical assistants (MA), and practice administrative associates (PAA) for our offices.

What steps has NEMG taken to improve staffing?

Hines: NEMG is partnering with local schools with MA programs, which require students to fulfill an internship requirement. We provide an internship with the hope that we can hire students. We also are using the employee referral program, “Good People Know Good People,” to encourage our current employees to refer someone who may be interested in joining NEMG. We also offer the MA Career Ladder for MAs. We work closely with Talent Acquisition to promote our organization and the MA position at local career fairs.

Northeast Medical Group is partnering with which schools to enhance recruitment?

Hines: We work with trade schools such as Lincoln Tech, Porter and Chester Institute and the Stepful School. In addition, we have arrangements with Goodwin University and the other Connecticut community colleges.

Can you explain more about the MA Career Ladder?

Hines: The Career Ladder recognizes medical assistants for exceptional patient care and service and provides internal growth opportunities. The MA Career Ladder serves as a roadmap for those seeking advancement to the MA II level.

Which of these measures to improve staffing have yielded the best results?

Hines: All of these efforts are making a difference, plus what we are doing with area schools to offer training and internships at our sites that can lead to future employment.