BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - New language-learning opportunities at Vermont's largest hospital are achieving dual objectives: assisting new Americans in acclimating to their surroundings while simultaneously aiding the hospital in rebuilding its workforce.
“It’s so empowering when you can finally find the words to express yourself,” says Stephanie Schmidt of the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. At the UVM Medical Center, the English language classes are not only beneficial for employees like Vinoc Lunzamba, who moved from the Congo to South Burlington, but they also positively impact the hospital's operational success.
Lunzamba, who articulated his journey, explained that the hospital’s English language learning courses significantly improved his communication with colleagues. “I took this class for my integration into society and my communication,” he stated, revealing how the program inspired him to further his education. “The future, I think I want to continue the class. Not here, then continue the class at college. Maybe even a university,” he shared.
The COVID-19 pandemic sadly left a significant mark on the workforce at UVM Medical Center. Many healthcare facilities faced labor shortages, prompting the hospital to eliminate its requirement that all employees must speak English. Opening positions to new Americans was a crucial step in addressing the workforce crisis.
“You feel so infantilized and we don’t want those people to come here who have been through so much, who work so hard to be feeling those things,” Schmidt noted. She added that the initiative fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment for new employees, vital for their success and mental well-being.
As UVM Medical Center works to rebuild its staff after the pandemic, they are also focused on creating opportunities for career advancement. Jennifer Bergeron, a representative from the medical center, highlighted the hospital's commitment to offering pathways for growth. “We are working right now on creating those pathways so they are very clear for our employees. So they know exactly what they need to do for next steps for that career advancement,” Bergeron explained.
The response to this initiative has been promising, with expectations that if the program continues to flourish, other hospitals within the network may adopt similar classes.
Through English language education, the UVM Medical Center is fostering an inclusive environment that empowers new Americans to navigate not only their professional landscapes but also their new lives in Vermont. This blend of support for employees and care for patients illustrates how hospitals can adapt to emerging challenges in the workforce while nurturing the communities they serve.
In a world grappling with workforce shortages and immigration challenges, the case of UVM Medical Center exemplifies a proactive and supportive approach. Programs like these not only help fill vital healthcare roles but also transform lives, providing new Americans with the tools they need to succeed in their new endeavors.
As the hospital continues its efforts to enhance its workforce and ensure a diverse and capable staff, the potential of English classes to empower individuals and strengthen communities cannot be overlooked. The program represents not just a response to a labor crisis but a vision for a more integrated society where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
With the ongoing emphasis on rebuilding and revitalizing its workforce, UVM Medical Center stands as a model for how institutions can make significant strides toward inclusivity and empowerment, making a profound difference not only in the lives of individuals but for the healthcare system as a whole.
