Asheville -- May 4, 2026: Mission Health announced this week that it has surpassed its aggressive "90 in 90" hiring goal, successfully onboarding more than 90 medical-surgical nurses in a 90-day window. The achievement marks a significant step in the health system’s ongoing efforts to stabilize its nursing workforce and reduce reliance on contract labor.
Since the start of 2026, the growth has extended beyond just nursing roles. Mission Health reported the addition of approximately 400 total employees across various departments. This surge is the result of an intensive recruitment strategy that included nearly 40 recruitment events held over the past three months, ranging from local career fairs to specialized clinical mixers.
Strategic Recruitment and Incentives
To meet the "90 in 90" target ahead of schedule, Mission Health utilized a multi-pronged approach to attract and retain talent:
Sign-on and Referral Bonuses: The hospital offered enhanced sign-on bonuses for new full-time and part-time nurses while simultaneously incentivizing current staff through referral programs.
Paid-to-Learn Programs: To bolster the clinical pipeline, the system expanded "paid-to-learn" initiatives for Medical Assistants and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), allowing individuals to earn a wage while completing their certifications.
Fast-Track Career Pathways: New internal programs were highlighted that allow current Imaging professionals to transition quickly into advanced specialties such as CT or MRI.
Addressing Regional Healthcare Needs
The hiring milestone comes at a critical time for Western North Carolina’s healthcare landscape. "Reaching this goal ahead of schedule reflects the dedication of our recruitment teams and the strong interest from nurses who want to make a difference in our community," said Jorie Matijevich, Regional Vice President of Human Resources for Mission Health.
While the healthcare industry nationwide continues to grapple with post-pandemic labor shortages, Mission Health’s success with this initiative—and a previous "200 in 100" campaign—suggests a stabilization in local healthcare employment. The influx of permanent staff is expected to bolster patient care consistency and support the health system's long-term operational goals.