A recruitment event at the Fort Meade VA Hospital in Sturgis Wednesday served to cut some red tape from the typically months-long federal hiring process.
Todd Otterberg is a provider and recruiter for the Black Hills VA. He said they’re looking for everything from registered nurses to psychologists.
“The VA, even though we might not be the biggest medical provider in the state, we are the second largest medical provider in the world," Otterberg said. "So, when things slow up, it’s a large process to get through. It’s just not what we want here at the Black Hills VA, it's what does the VA want nationally?”
Otterberg said while behind in staffing, recruiting efforts overall are adding up.
“The tough part is what everybody is having the hard part of filling these positions with people who are qualified," Otterberg said. "We’re behind like everybody else, especially in the nursing area. We’re doing quite well because we had a way to get that message out. For the Black Hills VA we just took it up a couple notches again.”
One thing the VA can offer is a mission for candidates to get passionate about – caring for the nation’s vets.
Serena Lorenz is a new hire in the extended care and rehab department. She said that mission drew her to Veterans Affairs.
“My grandpa is a veteran, so I just wanted to come support them and take care of them – I just have a special place in my heart for them," Lorenz said. "I just want to give back, is my biggest thing, because they’ve given their whole lives up for us and our freedom, so what can I do to help with their healthcare? Just trying to be the best positive person I can be for them and a smiling face.”
According to a recent Veterans Affairs report, over the next three years the national VA system will need to hire 45,000 registered nurses to keep up with turnover and growing demand.