Like the hospitals in Chicago and nearly 400 more around the nation, Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale has implemented the SAW program, aimed at providing entry level workers a path to job advancement, a bridge to continuing education, and an opportunity for increasing job satisfaction.

 

During the recruitment phase, more than 50 associates showed an interest in the program and 26 associates completed the screening process. To ensure success, those interested were interviewed and required to take an adult learning screening test. Eleven associates were ultimately selected for the first class and agreed to partner with the hospital for the eight-month program. The class meets for two hours each week; associates receive their hourly wage for one-hour of the class and complete the remaining hour on personal time. Participants in the first class are from diverse areas of the hospital, including the medical group, nutrition, coding, and sterile processing.

 

The course is divided into two sections with the first offering an introduction to healthcare, which also serves as a refresher course for continuing education with sections on grammar, math, reading, writing, and computer skills. The subsequent course examines paths to becoming a healthcare professional. Sessions include lessons on medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical ethics, and communication skills.

 

The program uses a blended approach with a combination of DVD classes, online activities, and group exercises. In customizing the program, Holy Cross has invited associates in different fields to speak to the class to offer real-world insights and serve as mentors and role models. Opportunities also exist to shadow associates in various jobs to learn more about those careers. 

 

While the program is still in its infancy at Holy Cross, we are encouraged by our early anecdotal results. Documented positive outcomes experienced by others who have implemented the program are supported by detailed surveys of 693 graduates at 50 hospitals and managers of more than 300 SAW employees from 24 sites:

 

Continuing Education: Leroy Grant was employed in environmental services at Bon Secours Richmond Hospital in Virginia when he completed SAW and subsequently was promoted to patient care advocate and obtained his certification as a surgical care technician. He is now enrolled in a nursing program at the local community college in preparation to becoming an RN. One-third of SAW graduates choose to continue their education with 67 percent of those students enrolling in a healthcare-related field of study.

 

Career Advancement: As judged by managers, SAW graduates showed more than an 80 percent increase in seven different skill sets including willingness to perform new tasks, communication, teamwork, professionalism, reading and compliance. Seventeen percent of SAW graduates achieve career advancement within 90 days after completing the program.

 

Increased Job Satisfaction:   Offering a comprehensive view of the importance of every associate’s job in ensuring patient safety and satisfaction as well as providing opportunities for personal enrichment and advancement, SAW creates loyal bonds between associates and their hospitals. Ninety-four percent of SAW graduates agreed with the statement "I plan to be working in this organization one year from now."

 

The SAW program is an important and promising opportunity to invest in our entry level employees and to help meet the healthcare staffing needs of the future.