Engaging & Elevating: The Recruiter's Role in NAHCR: Fostering engagement and building meaningful professional relationships.

Season 2 of The Hiring Scope launches Tuesday, January 13th, and we’re kicking it off with Gina Salazar—Talent Acquisition Consultant Lead at The University of Kansas Health System. We dig into why NAHCR membership can be a career multiplier—offering community, credibility, and the relationships that turn healthcare recruiters into true strategic partners. If you believe recruiter-ships matter, this episode is your starting line.

Transcript

Angela Pointer 0:00

Hi, I'm Angela Pointer, and welcome to the Hiring Scope Podcast from the National Association for Healthcare Recruitment, where we explore the latest trends, insights, and strategies in the ever-changing world of healthcare hiring.

Patrick Kelly 0:14

And I'm Patrick Kelly. Each episode we dive deep into challenges and opportunities facing recruiters, hiring managers, and healthcare professionals alike. Whether you're looking to attract top talent, navigate industry challenges, or build a stronger workforce, you're in the right place. Let's jump into our topic today.

Angela Pointer 0:33

Great. So today's episode, you know, this whole season is about recruiterships. And so today we're talking about a different kind of recruitership or engagement, specifically with how healthcare recruiters can stay connected, inspired, and empowered through the professional organization like NAHCR.

Patrick Kelly 0:51

That's right. Since we are diving into recruiterships, the power of relationships in healthcare, there's no better example than the actual community we built ourselves here. That is NAHCR And today with us, we have someone very special to speak with us about it.

Angela Pointer 1:06

Absolutely. I'm so excited to have Gina Salazar with us. She's the talent acquisition consultant lead with the University of Kansas Health System. And for NAHCR, she serves as our director of membership and marketing. Gina, welcome to the Hiring Scope podcast.

Gina Salazar 1:23

Thank you so much, Angela and Patrick. I am so excited to be here and to talk about something that is very near and dear to me: building connections and elevating our profession through NAHCR.

Patrick Kelly 1:35

Gina, before we jump into building those connections, why don't you give the crowd who doesn't know who you are a little bit about who you are, where you're from, and a little bit about your career.

Gina Salazar 1:45

Absolutely. So I am a talent acquisition consultant lead at the University of Kansas Health System. And I have been here for 24 years. So really enjoy what I do because I wanted to connect with others who truly understand the healthcare recruitment space. I decided to join NAHCR, and that was in 2011. And what it started out as attending webinars and reading the newsletter evolved into deeper engagement. In 2015, I got to attend my first NAHCR conference. And one thing I will say about myself, I love networking and connecting with people. And that is exactly what happened. I then started volunteering on a committee. I continued connecting with members across the country. And eventually I joined the board. It's been one of the most rewarding parts of my professional journey. I will tell you that.

Angela Pointer 2:38

That's awesome. Gina, I'm thinking now. 2015. Was that in Vegas? I'm trying to remember where that one was. Or wasn't it? I think I met you. I would know I was there at that conference because I was I um, but wherever it was, I do remember meeting you there in 2015.

Gina Salazar 2:54

Yeah, I I do have a picture that uh I still keep from a lot of people I met back then that are still part of the association. I just love that.

Angela Pointer 3:02

That's amazing. And it's such a great example of engagement and action. So for recruiters listening who might be thinking, I'm already stretched thin. Why should I add one more thing to my plate? How would you describe the value of getting involved in NAHCR?

Gina Salazar 3:18

Well, that's a fair question. Uh I think of NAHCR as an investment rather than an obligation. It's a community that gives back what you put in and often even more. Whether you're looking for mentorship, new ideas, or simply reassurance that you're not alone in the challenges you face, NAHCR provides that sense of belonging. Our jobs are hard, and we need a community of others that really feel our pain and want to support us.

Patrick Kelly 3:46

So the theme of this season really focuses on relationships, what we're calling recruiterships. How have the relationships you've built through NAHCR impacted your work at the University of Kansas Health System?

Gina Salazar 3:58

Honestly, they've been transformative. Through NAHCR I've met people who have become trusted peers, mentors, and even good friends. When I face a recruitment challenge like navigating talent shortages and hard-to-fill positions or developing effective recruitment and retention strategies, I can reach out to someone who's been there. That network of shared expertise is invaluable.

Angela Pointer 4:24

It sure is. And then Gina, my little shameless plug, because we have a community I think you're going to talk about in a moment, because we've already exchanged some things already on there. So it really shows that iron sharpens iron philosophy, that we grow stronger with each other. So what are some of the ways? And I think I might have led the witness here, but what are some of the ways members can begin building those relationships, especially newer members or for our first time attendees at conference?

Gina Salazar 4:50

That is a great question. I would say start small, join a committee call, attend a webinar live instead of watching the recording, or introduce yourself in the NAHCR member community. I'm also going to put a plug-in for the virtual roundtable held quarterly where you can soak up information from your peers and ask questions, get advice on something you're struggling with. And this is a live event where we talk to each other. Um, you don't have to jump into leadership right away. You can start really small and just join a committee. But engagement can be as simple as just showing up and sharing your perspective. We have a lot of opportunity for that.

Angela Pointer 5:29

We do, we do. So now let's talk about elevating the profession. So, Gina, one of NAHCR's strengths is how it elevates the role of healthcare recruiters as strategic partners. I always say that we're not just rec takers and order fillers, right? Or order fillers and rec takers, however you say that. How do you see NAHCR helping recruiters elevate their voice and influence within their organizations?

Gina Salazar 5:54

Well, that's a big one. And, you know, we really want to shift the narrative from recruiters being order takers, like you said, to being strategic advisors. Through our webinars, conference sessions, and CHCR certification, we provide education and tools that help recruiters speak the language of business. So that's metrics, ROI, workforce planning. When you come to the table informed, you gain credibility.

Patrick Kelly 6:20

That's so true. Uh I remember the session at the last conference about uh data storytelling, and it really clicked uh how powerful it is when recruiters can actually connect hiring metrics to patient care outcomes. A lot of actionable items that actually came out with it, and it was uh one of my best experiences.

Gina Salazar 6:37

Well, exactly. And NAHCR helps you build that bridge between talent strategy and organizational impact.

Angela Pointer 6:43

All right. So now let's put our money where our mouth is, so to speak. Um, let's talk about what do we do from here. So for those listening who want to be more involved with NAHCR, maybe you're a NAHCR member who hasn't engaged yet, or maybe they're members, you're not a member yet at all. So where do they start, Gina?

Gina Salazar 7:00

Well, start by visiting NAHCR.com and exploring the Get Involved page. You'll find opportunities to join committees, access our resources, and even volunteer at the annual conference if you want. And don't underestimate the power of reaching out. Message a board member or committee chair and say, How can I help? We would love that. That's often where the best connections begin anyway.

Patrick Kelly 7:24

And if you're already a member, uh remember engagement doesn't have to be huge. Sometimes the most meaningful impact comes from consistent small contributions, showing up, sharing insights, or even mentoring a peer or bringing those in your network.

Angela Pointer 7:38

Well said. Gina, thank you so much for joining us today and for the work you do to help elevate the recruiter's voice across healthcare.

Gina Salazar 7:46

Thank you both. This has been uh really a joy.

Patrick Kelly 7:50

That wraps this episode of the Hiring Scope Podcast from the National Association of Healthcare Recruitment. Thanks for joining us as we tackle the evolving landscape of healthcare hiring.

Angela Pointer 7:59

And if you enjoyed today's conversation, which I'm sure you did, please be sure to follow or subscribe so you don't miss an upcoming episode in season two Recruiterships the power of relationships and healthcare recruitment. So until next time, keep engaging, keep elevating, and keep making an impact.