ASHHRA eNews Pulse

While hospitals are pressed by budget constraints and rising benefits costs, there is a major untapped opportunity: free federal student loan programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). These programs can unlock tens of thousands of dollars in savings for healthcare workers at no cost to hospitals, but they are notoriously complex to navigate. In this session, an expert panel will share how HR leaders can leverage PSLF and related programs to strengthen recruiting, simplify program complexity, and improve employee retention.
Sponsored by: Summer

As many health systems continue to grow, there is a trend toward eliminating individual hospital CEO roles in favor of regional leadership models, according to Peggy Loughery, MSN, RN, senior vice president of executive search at Kirby Bates Associates. 

The Physicians Foundation surveyed doctors about their well-being, and even with progress in some areas, it’s clear that hospitals and health systems need to be taking steps to help their doctors. The survey found 54% of physicians reporting symptoms of burnout, down from 60% a year ago. 

Chief Healthcare Executive
Thousands of employees at hospitals and health systems have lost jobs in recent months. Several health systems have announced layoffs since the beginning of June. Some point to mounting financial pressures, or the impact of grant terminations from the National Institutes of Health, the prime source of federal research funds.

To help address a shortage of nurses in Pennsylvania, York-based WellSpan Health has launched a new financial assistance program called the WellSpan Scholars program. Enrolled students who commit to joining WellSpan after completing their education can receive as much as $65,000 in financial assistance, depending on their role, the company said.

The rate of physicians exiting clinical practice is increasing, and some specialties have higher attrition rates than others, according to research published in Annals of Internal Medicine. Compared to a hospital-based specialty, physicians at greater risk for attrition were those practicing in psychiatry, primary care, and obstetrics and gynecology.