February 23, 2021
Building Teams Through Referrals
It started when Janessa Johnson referred her friend and former college classmate, Sheay Taylor, to join her as a sleep technologist at the St. Cloud Sleep Center. “Janessa and I both went to Minneapolis Community & Technical College (MCTC) for the sleep technology program and we had a lot of the same classes,” said Taylor. “She was already at CentraCare when I was looking for a job and she put in a good word for me.” Johnson referred Taylor, who was hired in March 2020. He describes working at CentraCare like being part of a big family. “Everyone is really warm and inviting and always willing to help you out. On top of that, I get to help people improve their health, which feels great.”
“Everyone is really warm and inviting and always willing to help you out. On top of that, I get to help people improve their health, which feels great.”
A few months later, Sheay’s younger brother, Elijah, was finishing his training at MCTC where he too was studying to become a sleep technologist. Around that same time there was a position open on Sheay’s team, so it was his turn to make a referral. Like Janessa did for him, Sheay referred his brother and he was hired in December 2020. Now, the two brothers find themselves working shifts together. “We’re close, so it’s fun working together.”
Beth Hartneck, manager of the Sleep Center, is always appreciative when her staff refers candidates. “When employees make a referral, it tells me we are doing something right,” said Hartneck. “It means they enjoy their work, teammates and they believe in us. Our employees are the best ambassadors for our program and their referrals have helped bring great talent to our team.”
Between CentraCare and Carris Health, the search for talent never stops. “At any given time, there are between 900 and 1,000 open positions,” said Brent Bultema, Senior Director, Talent Solutions. “Our team is constantly working to find great people to fill these positions and we always appreciate when an employee refers a candidate.” Overall, one in five employees who are hired are the result of an employee referral.
Overall, one in five employees who are hired are the result of an employee referral.
If you know talented people who you think would be a great addition to our team, have them check out the current open career opportunities. And be sure to have them list you as a referral if they apply!