Vivian Cao is the Manager of Philanthropy Operations for Adventist Health in Bakersfield, an organization that operates eight hospitals, 128 clinics and a world class cancer center in the Central Valley. Her work before this position is impressive as well. 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 for the first year that covered Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernadino counties. [Did I get that right?] Vivian knows policy, and even more so, the needs of southern California when it comes to the healthcare of the Central Valley and Southern California. She was a perfect addition to the SJVC cohort to visit 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 now have three children, a five, three, and one year old. When I was pregnant, I had preeclampsia and a stroke[ is that accurate?]. I really recognized the impact and importance of healthcare!
Wow, what a life changing experience. I can imagine the healthcare field is lucky you made the switch.
I like being focused on Central California healthcare because that’s where the need is. There are so many opportunities.
What was your overall experience of Hill Day?
Hill Day was nothing short of amazing. We hit 35 congressional members in a day. Even given attending their own committee hearings that day, they took the time to sit with us; that’s a huge deal. Each representative casts votes for approximately 800,000 people in their 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% gap in nursing employees until 2030. To put it another way, we are short 44,500 registered nurses until 2030 [is there a specific name of that research? Thanks]. And the need is constantly growing. 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 Southern California could literally affect the rest of the country; SoCal and the Central Valley feeds and fuels the nation in food and oil. There are major military bases here too; the Navy, Marines, and Air Force [ Army too?]. 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 from Congressional members, but out of a dozen class members almost entirely everyone 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.
It’s clear traditional academia is in crisis. 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 Hope Scholars so students can see what it’s like to live as a nurse for a day. We are exposing students from 8th grade into high school. 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.
