“MomForce” takes on the talent shortage for Atlanta pediatric healthcare provider

Editor's Note

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta aims has an unusual strategy for addressing the healthcare worker shortage: providing a pipeline for parents who want to rejoin the workforce. 

Officially known as “MomForce,” this pipeline of fresh talent launched in 2013. As reported in Becker’s Hospital Review January 5, the number of participants continues to grow, and the organization is taking notice. "What we came to realize about a year ago was that this is a great pipeline for us. And we need to actually step it up," Linda Matzigkeit, chief administrative officer of Children's, told Becker’s. "So each cohort we've added, we're adding more and more."

So far, Children's has hired approximately 70% of the MomForce participants. The most recent cohort, in 2022, had 13, and the hospital now aims to increase that figure to between 20 and 30 parents every year.

To be eligible, participants must have been away from the workforce at least three consecutive years, have a relevant bachelor's degree, and at least five years of related professional work experience. Participants receive assignments and work part time in nonclinical areas over a 12-week session, receiving skill training and presentation training, and can then pursue a permanent role at Children’s or another institution.