Workforce Challenge 

Shimira wanted a career in nursing and decided to enroll in a job readiness training program. 

Workforce Solution

One of these programs is the Healthcare Careers Alliance, which trains young people for careers in healthcare, Baltimore’s largest economic sector. Participants receive on-the-job training and certification as clerical associates, client service representatives, nursing assistants, dietary aides, distribution clerks, environmental service workers, linen and laundry service workers, medical records clerks, medical transporters and patient transporters. The alliance is comprised of Sinai Hospital,
University of Maryland Medical Center, and Civic Works.

Shimira Anderson enrolled in the Healthcare Careers Alliance Program in August 2014. She successfully completed job readiness training in September 2014 and began occupational skills training a few days later. She was assigned to Sinai Hospital’s emergency room (ER) department as a patient access assistant.

According to her supervisors, Shimira’s performance during the training was outstanding. Because of her excellent performance, she was offered employment in the ER. Less than a month after she started
training, she completed the application process to be hired for a position in the ER. She started in her
position in Sinai’s ER on October 6, 2014.

Outcomes & Benefits

In the year since she was hired, Shimira’s manager said she has proven to be courteous and respectful to staff and patients alike, and she has excellent work habits.

Shimira said she is looking forward to taking advantage of the workforce development opportunities the hospital has to offer.