HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital in Port Charlotte recently teamed with Big Brothers Big Sisters to increase students’ opportunities and access to health care careers.

A spokesperson for the hospital confirmed there are job openings in virtually every department, and Fawcett, like hospitals nationwide, wants to hire more health care providers.

The partnership between the hospital and Big Brothers Big Sisters is beneficial to both parties: While providing students access to health care careers, some might choose to work locally at hospitals such as Fawcett.

“We are honored to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters and inspire the next generation,” said Stormy Dulovich, chief nursing officer at Fawcett. “We support one-to-one mentoring relationships, and students will have the opportunity to learn and interact with all departments and careers in a hospital setting.”

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the U.S. is expected to experience a shortage of registered nurses that is expected to intensify as baby boomers age and retire, while the need for health care providers grows.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment Projections 2021-2031 report reveals the RN workforce is expected to grow by 6% over the next decade, from 3.1 million in 2021 to 3.3 million in 2031 – an increase of 195,400 nurses.

There will be an expected 203,200 openings for RNs each year through 2031, according to the report.

The Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, or APRN, workforce, which includes nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives, is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations – by 40% through 2031.

In the mentoring program, leaders at Fawcett Hospital are partnered with 12 students who visit the hospital monthly. The group already has experienced surgical services, where they were able to visit the operating room and learn about sterile environments.

Most recently, the group spent a morning at the hospital’s outpatient rehabilitation facility to learn about physical therapy and the respiratory department. Following the interactive tours, the students have an hour-long session with their mentors.

“We are grateful for our relationship with HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital,” said Joy Mahler, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.

“Through a collaborative partnership, we have extended the education of our youths beyond their school. We invite other local companies to take their lead and provide this workplace mentoring opportunity for their employees.”