Partnership will help drive measurable improvements in nurse engagement,
retention, and operational efficiency
June 2025 – Burlington, Mass. – Wellstar Health System, a nationally ranked integrated healthcare system with 33,000 employes across 400 locations, has selected StaffGarden by Ascend Learning, a leading digital clinical talent development platform, to support nursing excellence and strengthen workforce engagement. This strategic partnership encompasses the full suite of StaffGarden solutions, designed to transform onboarding, mentoring, professional development, and clinical laddering. The collaboration reflects Wellstar’s commitment to empowering nurses through streamlined workflows, data-driven insights, and meaningful opportunities for growth.
By consolidating key workforce development programs—including onboarding, credentialing, clinical ladders, and ANCC Magnet compliance—into a single, efficient platform, Wellstar will enhance operational efficiency and workforce satisfaction. StaffGarden’s integration with Wellstar’s HR and learning management systems will enable real-time data access, reduce administrative burden, and support Magnet and Pathway to Excellence standards.
“We are excited to implement StaffGarden to streamline our nursing operations, empower our clinical teams, and ultimately improve patient care,” said Starr Watson, system executive director of nursing operations and practice. “This platform will be instrumental in tracking credentials and certifications, supporting talent retention and fostering a culture of continuous professional development. StaffGarden also provides strategic insights into staff development, allowing us to focus our efforts where they matter most.”
Key outcomes expected from the partnership include:
“We’re honored to partner with Wellstar to help them achieve their workforce goals,” said Kyle Wollman, senior solution executive. “Together, we’re not just implementing technology — we’re helping change lives by empowering nurses with the tools they need to grow, lead, and thrive.”
Wellstar’s decision followed a comprehensive evaluation involving clinical nurses and leaders across the organization. StaffGarden stood out for its ability to integrate diverse healthcare needs into one user-friendly platform, built and delivered by clinicians with deep expertise in workforce development. Its customizable features align with Wellstar’s high standards of nursing excellence and patient care.
About StaffGarden by Ascend Learning
StaffGarden is a digital clinical ecosystem dedicated to empowering healthcare systems, uplifting clinical professionals, and improving patient care. Its centralized approach to workforce intelligence streamlines tracking, management, and enhancement of clinical excellence at scale, supporting structured professional advancement, competency tracking, peer reviews, and more. Learn more at staffgarden.com.
About Wellstar Health System
Wellstar personalizes the patient experience. We call it PeopleCare and it's only possible thanks to our 33,000 team members who provide compassionate care for every stage of life. PeopleCare also means we serve our communities as a non-profit health system, providing more than $1 billion annually in charity care and other community benefits, and operating the largest integrated trauma network in the State of Georgia. We embrace innovation and technology, nurture early-stage companies through our venture firm Catalyst by Wellstar, and train future generations of caregivers with academic institutions including the Medical College of Georgia. Wellstar honors every voice, earning Newsweek's recognition as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity, and one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. To learn more, visit Wellstar.org.
About Ascend Learning
Ascend Learning is a leading healthcare and learning technology company. With products that span the learning continuum, Ascend Learning focuses on high-growth careers in a range of industries, with a special focus on healthcare and other licensure-driven occupations. Ascend Learning products, from testing to certification, are used by physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, certified personal trainers, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers. Learn more at www.ascendlearning.com.
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