In the bustling metropolis of New York City, where the demand for healthcare professionals is ceaseless and the competition fierce, finding the right talent for the job can be a daunting task. Recently, we had the privilege of talking with Gina Garifo, a Nurse Recruitment Manager at a prominent healthcare facility in the heart of the city. With over a decade and a half of experience in healthcare recruitment, Garifo shed light on her journey, strategies for attracting top talent, and her perspective on the future of healthcare recruitment.

A Remarkable Journey

Garifo’s journey into healthcare recruitment began unexpectedly and was full of surprises and opportunities waiting to be discovered. While pursuing her education, she experienced an injury that led her on a unique path into the world of healthcare. After a year of recovery, she applied for a position at a homecare company, despite having no prior experience in the healthcare industry. Her strong communication skills and a successful interview allowed her to secure the role.

From there, Garifo’s career took off. She joined a staffing firm, where she was mentored by a NICU nurse and trained to recruit and onboard registered nurses. Her extensive experience includes working with the Department of Education in New York City, various staffing firms, and even managing recruitment processes for different companies. Gina's journey culminated in her current role as Nurse Recruitment Manager at a prominent hospital in New York City, where she transitioned from a director-level position to get her foot in the hospital's door on the facility side.

Building a Strong Healthcare Workforce

Recruiting top healthcare professionals in a city like New York can be challenging, but Garifo has a knack for it. She emphasized the power of referrals and word of mouth within the industry. Being part of a teaching facility, her organization benefits from a steady stream of students, interns, and referrals. Her transparency in presenting the facility and the job plays a crucial role in attracting potential candidates. She ensures that candidates understand the expectations, values, and the community they will be serving.

Additionally, Garifo's team collaborates with outside agency staff who come in for contracts. They focus on showcasing the facility's commitment to patient care and the opportunity for agency staff to convert to permanent positions. With multiple avenues for candidates to join, Garifo has successfully built a strong healthcare workforce.

Recruitment Channels

In the digital age, the recruitment landscape has evolved, and Garifo shared her insights into the channels she finds most effective. LinkedIn has become a vital resource for her, allowing her to connect with potential candidates and stay updated on industry trends. Her organization's marketing department manages social media, enhancing their online presence.

However, when it comes to recruiting nurses and healthcare professionals, Indeed remains Garifo's go-to platform. Its user-friendly interface and detailed job descriptions attract a high volume of qualified candidates. The organization's website is another recruitment channel, though Garifo admits it may not be as user-friendly as LinkedIn or Indeed.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

When it comes to measuring success in recruitment, KPIs play a crucial role. However, Garifo explained that their organization is somewhat outdated in this regard. Instead, they focus on thorough candidate assessments, delving into their backgrounds, experience, management styles, and future goals. This in-depth evaluation allows them to match candidates effectively with their roles.

Collaborating with Marketing

In many organizations, the relationship between the recruitment and marketing departments can be challenging to manage. Garifo acknowledged that in her organization, marketing is handled by a separate department. While she would like more involvement, she appreciates the existing collaboration, especially when it comes to job fairs and promotional materials. Finding ways to bridge this gap can enhance the overall branding and recruitment process.

The Future of Healthcare Recruitment

The future of healthcare recruitment is crucial. When asked about what it may look like in five years, Garifo expressed concerns about healthcare workers who missed out on essential skills due to the disruption caused by the pandemic. She also pointed out the potential burnout among healthcare professionals who felt let down by some health systems' responses. She believes that the healthcare industry is in for a period of ups and downs. While some nurses may struggle due to the pandemic's impact on their education, the next generation of healthcare workers may need to pick up the pieces. In addition, she highlighted the shortage of nurse educators as a significant issue that needs to be addressed to ensure the industry's future.

In the heart of New York City, healthcare recruitment is a complex and ever-evolving field. Gina Garifo's remarkable journey, insights, and strategies provide a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of healthcare recruitment in one of the world's most demanding cities. As the industry navigates the post-pandemic landscape, the commitment to building a strong healthcare workforce remains unwavering. Garifo’s dedication and passion for her role underscore the importance of finding the right talent to ensure the city's healthcare needs are met, now and in the future.