Job fairs aim to ease nursing shortage within Cape Fear Valley Health System

Cape Fear Valley Health Systems is just like hospitals all across the state. and across the country for that matter. The system is experiencing a nursing shortage. That's why they put together a series of nursing hiring events to try to tackle the problem.

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Just ask about any nurse you bump into and they'll tell you this is a tough profession. Many times, it's a thankless job. It's also one that's very easy in which to get burned out.

Administrators at Cape Fear Valley Health systems are aware of that. That's why there's an all-out blitz to hire nurses at job fairs.

"We've had a good response," said Jennifer McKinnon, a nurse recruiting specialist. "The one that we had today had anywhere from between 35 and 50 registrants."

Today's job fair was virtual. But several are walk-in events where administrators and potential employees can meet eyeball-to-eyeball.

Experts say the COVID pandemic stretched the healthcare system to its limit. Many long-time nurses are retiring and there just aren't enough in the pipeline at nursing schools across the country.

Still, administrators in the Cape Fear Health System are confident with the right job atmosphere and recruitment bonuses, they'll be able to close the nursing shortage gap.

"We do have several sign-on bonuses across the disciplines," said McKinnon. "It ranges anywhere between $5,000 all the way up to $20,000. We also offer relocation."

"So it doesn't matter if the interview is virtual or in person. You should be dressed professionally, have your resume available, and get ready to be hired."