Emory Healthcare recognized for supporting frontline health care staff

Emory Healthcare, the most comprehensive health system in Georgia with more than 21,000 employees, was recently recognized as a 2019 "CareerSTAT Frontline Healthcare Worker Emerging Champion" for its program, School at Work.

CareerSTAT is an employer-led initiative of the National Fund for Workforce Solutions that "recognizes employers who are making great strides to support employees on the frontline workforce," according to a university news release. Through its SAW program, Emory Healthcare connects its motivated and qualified employees — including those who might be apprehensive about returning to school — with education resources and job advancement opportunities.

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Over the past 15 years, more than 200 Emory Healthcare employees have graduated from the program, which offers classes during daily work hours throughout the academic year plus online activities, guest speakers and facilitated modules.

According to Debbie Longo, corporate director of Emory’s organizational development and learning services, participants learn a variety of skills, from computing, communication and medical terminology to math and grammar.

“SAW builds a skilled, motivated and loyal health care work force resulting in increased employee retention and engagement, improved job performance and increased patient/customer satisfaction,” said Longo, who accepted the emerging champion award from CareerSTAT at the recent Dallas conference.

The National Fund for Workforce Solutions also named Alameda Health System in Oakland, California; Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and Oregon's Southwestern Oregon Healthcare Industry Partnership among the 2019 emerging champions.

This year’s five champion organizations include Advocate Aurora Health, Cincinnatti Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Methodist Health System, Parkland Health & Hospital System and RWJBarnabas Health.

More at news.emory.edu.