Becker’s Healthcare Podcast
Workforce Challenges and Solutions with Hackensack Meridian Health’s CEO Robert C. Garrett
Apr 4, 2025
Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, the largest healthcare system in New Jersey, shares insights on addressing critical workforce shortages. He dives into the impact of burnout among healthcare professionals, exacerbated by the pandemic. Garrett discusses innovative tactics such as educational partnerships, AI solutions, and virtual nursing to improve retention and morale. He also highlights his organization’s recognition for fostering a supportive workplace culture, particularly for women in healthcare.
22:48
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Quick takeaways
- Hackensack Meridian Health is addressing workforce shortages through educational investments, including its own medical school to retain local talent.
- Innovative technologies like AI and telehealth are being utilized to reduce administrative burdens, enhancing healthcare delivery and alleviating workforce stress.
Deep dives
Current Challenges in the Healthcare Workforce
The healthcare industry is currently facing significant workforce challenges, particularly concerning staff shortages, retention issues, and burnout. These problems have been ongoing for years, but the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation, leading to many physicians retiring early or leaving the profession altogether. Specific shortages have been noted in key specialties such as primary care, surgery, and obstetrics, as well as significant nursing shortages with about 100,000 nurses leaving the profession since the pandemic. Alarmingly, projections indicate that around a million more nurses may consider leaving in the next five years, highlighting the urgent need for solutions in the healthcare workforce.
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