Best Places to Work: Best Buddy System

By Susan Keen Flynn

Location: Garfield Heights 

Number of Employees: 345 

What They Do: Offers a continuum of care for older adults, including assisted living and nursing home facilities 

Why It’s a Great Place to Work: Its job shadowing, mentoring and apprenticeship programs help ensure that employees thrive.

Jennings partnered with the city of Cleveland’s Employment Connection to start a six-week apprenticeship program for new nursing assistant graduates and a two-month option for new nursing graduates that provides comprehensive on-the-job training. 

“The nurses who trained me were great,” says Alyssa Gonzalez, a nurse at Jennings’ rehabilitation facility. “They taught me to follow correct procedures, encouraged questions and provided support. I feel more confident in my patient care.”

Jennings also offers job shadowing for potential employees and mentors for new hires. “On-boarding is critical to bringing on and keeping talent,” says Denise Smudla, director of human resources.

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