One of state’s largest health networks seeks to hire hundreds

In an effort to fill hundreds of vacancies throughout its network, Hartford HealthCare is holding a series of job fairs this week.

At three recent events, HHC conducted 113 interviews and hired 93 people, according to an internal memo to employees that was shared with Hearst Connecticut Media Group.

A recent orientation was held for 413 new employees.

John Rossi, vice president for Fairfield and system operations, said there are a variety of positions open, including registered nurses, certified nurse assistants, and trained personnel for labor and delivery wards, emergency rooms, intensive care units and more.

“Those are the areas in biggest need,” he said. “Radiology is an area we’re particularly interested in. All of these areas have been impacted in some level by the pandemic.”

Unskilled positions are also hiring — including, cafeteria workers, guest services and patient transportation, among other roles — which would allow an employee to take advantage of tuition assistance programs offered by the health system, Rossi said.

“These are roles where you don’t need a degree,” Rossi said. “They can be a feeder spot for some people to come up.”

Rossi said the goal is to allow prospective employees to meet a hiring manager, do an interview and “get an offer all in one day.”

“We thought that was a worthwhile thing to do,” he said.

Hartford HealthCare is not alone in its need. Health care facilities around the state and the country have reported a significant need for skilled staff.

That has made it a “competitive marketplace,” Rossi said.

“The reality is it’s an extremely competitive marketplace,” he said. ”The supply is not matching demand.”

“Realistically, we gotta compete for the best staff,” he said.

Job fairs will be held Tuesday at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport and Backus Hospital in Norwich.

On Wednesday, another job fair will be held at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington.

Two more job fairs will be held Saturday at Hartford Hospital and The Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain.