Pursuing a career in health care remains a popular choice, as evidenced by the number of people in attendance at the RVH Career Fair recently.
“The job fair was extremely successful,” said Dara Marcoccia, vice-president, people experience and chief human resources officer at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie.
Marcoccia told BarrieToday that the Jan. 31 event had approximately 420 pre-registered candidates and 323 walk-ins, with 70 pre-scheduled leader interviews and 67 walk-in leader interviews.
“We were able to give 58 offers and counting," she added.
Marcoccia said the event was an opportunity to engage with people who are interested in RVH and share what the local hospital has to offer.
“Even if they didn’t walk away with an offer, we were grateful to meet each candidate and hope we created a positive experience for them to continue to consider RVH for future employment," she added.
Marcoccia noted an overwhelming interest in the patient care assistant position.
“There were some incredible candidates who are passionate and eager to contribute to patient care at RVH," she said. "Unfortunately, we had limited positions available at this time.”
However, Marcoccia said that RVH is working to create talent pools so those candidates that attended the career fair and had a successful interview will be the first to be engaged as new positions become available.
Leanne Weeks, vice-president, clinical and chief nursing executive of RVH, was equally excited about the event.
Weeks noted that working in health care is an incredibly rewarding experience
“Each and every single person who works in health care contributes to making a difference in the lives of patients and their families," she said.
Weeks also said she enjoyed talking with prospective employees about how the role of health-care workers has evolved since the pandemic and why people should consider working in the field.
“As we’ve come out of the pandemic, we’ve had the opportunity to reflect on the experiences and challenges we faced,” she added. “It has given us the insight to prioritize creating an optimal working environment for health-care workers.”
Weeks explained that RVH has made significant improvements already to provide a better working experience for its staff. These include a mentorship program, peer support program, psychological wellness supports, clinical skills supports and professional development.
“We’re excited continue to focus on how we provide better flexibility and work-life balance, more development and growth opportunities, and improved equity and inclusivity," she said.
Weeks added that providing a greater overall well-being for staff members is key to ensuring high-quality, patient-centred care.
“It’s so important that our people feel that they are supported, cared for and have what they need to succeed in doing what they are passionate about," she added.
Marcoccia, in turn, said that supporting and mentoring newly hired employees is paramount at RVH.
“We encourage an environment where experienced health-care professionals actively engage with and guide our incoming staff," she said.
Marcoccia emphasized the commitment of RVH to building a healthy workforce that ultimately contributes to she called the delivery of exceptional patient care.
“We strive to create a culture of equity and inclusion where people feel safe and valued, and can be their true, authentic and genuine selves," she said.
For more information on career opportunities at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, click here.
