Bridging Policy and Healthcare: SJVC partners with Adventist Health to Tackle California’s Nursing Shortage at Hill Day

Vivian Cao is a Kern County manager of philanthropy operations for Adventist Health, a faith- based non-profit system that operates eight hospitals, 131 clinics and a world-class cancer center as part of the Central California Network. Prior to joining Adventist Health, Vivian was a policy advisor and communications executive for the Orange County Board of Supervisors. She then joined the California State Senate as a district representative covering Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties before moving to the Central Valley to represent Kern, Tulare, and Fresno Counties.

Vivian knows policy, and even more so, the needs of the community when it comes to the healthcare of the Central Valley and Southern California. She was a perfect addition to the SJVC cohort to visit 35 Congressional representatives in Washington, DC on “Hill Day,” sponsored by CECU (Career Education College and Universities), a national association representing the vocational sector of higher education. Not only was she familiar with the political scene, she brought her experience and perspective on the healthcare industry to discuss the policy implications for Congressional action in Southern California.

How did you get into the healthcare field after your experience in government?

I had complications with all three of my pregnancies and was actually intubated during the birth of my youngest son. So, I really recognized the impact and importance of healthcare!  Equally as important, during my time in the Senate, I witnessed firsthand problems with equity and access in the Central Valley, and that’s really guided my current journey today.

What was your overall experience of Hill Day?

Hill Day was nothing short of amazing. We called on 35 congressional members within 2 days. Even with a hectic schedule of committee hearings that day, they took the time to sit with us; that’s a huge deal. Each representative in the State of California casts votes on behalf of approximately 800,000 people in the district. It was such a pleasant experience for me because I knew a lot of the members, and already had a level of rapport with them. They were all so open, inclined to listen, and eager to learn what the issues are and how to help get us where we want to be.

What was the major discussion?

Primarily we talked about the nursing shortage. In 2022, UCSF’s research showed a 17 percent gap in nurses until 2030. In other words, we are short 44,500 registered nurses until 2030. And the need is constantly growing. As one of the largest healthcare systems in the Central Valley, we rely heavily on the pipelines of graduates from schools like SJVC to fill the gap.

As someone who understands how to create policy that solves big problems, could you add that perspective to the nursing shortage?

I expressed how a nursing shortage in California could have downstream impact across the country; the Central Valley feeds, fuels, and defends the Nation. We have the top 3 food producing counties in the nation and supply a significant part of the state’s renewable energy and fossil fuels. Further, we have Edwards Air Force Base, China Lake Naval Air Weapons, Naval Air Station Lemoore, and Fort Irwin, Army National Training Center. Thus, that workforce is only sustainable if they have reliable healthcare, and that’s where we come in. Needless to say keeping all of that staffed and working for the nation makes healthcare in the region more critical to maintain.

How did your team suggest the shortage be solved?

The goals are: (1) to help the students get funding, (2) to generally support the growth and pipeline of graduates from programs like SJVC and connecting them to new job opportunities, and (3) to maintain a high quality of graduates.

How has the relationship between Adventist Health and SJVC improved the situation? Do you think vocational colleges are getting more of a spotlight these days? Was there any discussion of that?

Conventionally, we expected some resistance on Capitol Hill, but out of a dozen representatives we spoke with, almost every one was supportive and agreed that schools like SJVC are part of the solution to address the workforce crisis. They all agreed that healthcare is at the heart of community and without these relationships the community would not be doing as well. They (the representatives) were cognizant of the problem and the focus is on how to work toward a solution together. They liked the dynamic of what we discussed.

In addition to the graduates we work with from SJVC and other vocational colleges, Adventist Health is reaching out to high schools now. We have our COPE Health Scholars program so students can see what it’s like to work in healthcare and shadow a nurse for a day. It’s inspiring when you see them realize an actual pathway.

Based on your experience at Hill Day, do you have any advice or insights you would like to share with the healthcare professionals and alumni reading this blog?

I believe the possibilities for transforming healthcare in California are endless. I welcome any outreach to us directly at Adventist Health. We are always open to engage as much as possible. As far as I can see, the sky’s the limit for healthcare in California.