Hospitals Strategize to Solve Workforce Shortages

April 29, 2026

Responding to the ongoing needs of our members, HAP hosted a Workforce Summit that brought together clinical, administrative, and workforce leaders from across Pennsylvania to learn and share best practices for developing and engaging health care teams. We’re highlighting some of the innovative ways Pennsylvania hospitals are addressing the workforce crisis.

Leaders at Geisinger are being proactive in their approach to the ongoing workforce shortage. By creating a clear pathway from education to employment, hospitals can build the future health care workforce, according to Andrew Capalong, MSN, RN, system director of workforce development at Geisinger.

Capalong, along with Melissa Curnow, BSN, RN, explained that the approach emphasizes early engagement—connecting high school and college students with hands-on health care experience and paid opportunities. Capalong and Curnow presented on Geisinger’s program at HAP’s recent Workforce Summit in Harrisburg.

Programs like student co-ops and nurse intern/extern roles allow learners to gain real-world skills, explore career paths, and transition more smoothly into full-time positions after graduation, said Curnow, nursing professional development practitioner.

“The hands-on experience builds confidence and clinical judgement,” said Curnow.

 Key Takeaways:

• Early exposure is key:  Introducing students to health care careers in high school and college helps build interest and readiness.
• By the numbers:  Statewide vacancy rates for nurses and nursing support professionals are at 19 and 17 percent, respectively. Annually, Pennsylvania will need to add 8,890 more RNs and 11,232 more nursing assistants.
• Structured career pathways improve retention:  This makes it easier for students to transition into long-term roles.
• Partnerships = Pipelines:  Partnerships with schools and communities strengthen impact, creating sustainable pipelines of future health care professionals.
• Investing in workforce development supports better care:  This ensures communities have access to skilled, prepared health care teams.

HAP’s Workforce Summit brought clinical, administrative, and workforce leaders from across Pennsylvania together to learn and share best practices for developing and engaging health care teams. Watch for more #WorkforceWednesday coverage in the coming weeks of the innovative practices shared during the summit.