JANESVILLE (WMSN) -- When your loved one is sick, you know what it's like to need a doctor right away.

St. Mary's and Dean Clinic saw that increased need in Janesville.  Now they're partnering to build a new hospital campus.

"It's a very exciting time for us.  We're in the process of hiring 300 to 350 employees for St. Mary's Janesville Hospital," said Eric Thornton, Director of Human Resources at St. Mary's Janesville Hospital.

It's a much needed boost for an area hit hard.

Janesville's unemployment rate is at 9.4 percent from May numbers, according to the Department of Workforce Development.  That's the highest of all metro-areas in the Badger State.

Among the jobs that will be added are 80 new nursing positions.

"For those new nursing roles, we are looking for those with experience," said Thornton.

The idea for the hospital campus came after research showed the Janesville area needed at least 100 additional beds each day.

"I'm originally from Janesville so this project means a lot to me both in terms of health care, as well as the employment opportunities," said Thornton.

The new hospital off I-39/90 and Highway 11 Interchange will include surgery, cardiology and E.R. services.

Dean Clinic Janesville East will also be adding new positions over the next five years.

"We've done some really wonderful partnerships with Blackhawk Tech to open up some opportunities for re-training," said Diane Wilhelm, Dean Clinic Administrator.

One of the new specialties Dean Clinic plans to add here is a brand new psychology department where they plan to add new jobs from social workers to psychiatrists.

"Whether it be for children with ADHD or other disorders," said Wilhelm.

State-of-the-art oncology care will also be available.

"We've also designed an outdoor garden with electricity so if they want to get their treatment outside they can," said Wilhelm.

Opportunities hospital and clinic leaders hope to have open in less than six months.

"Just to have the patient choice - employer choice is wonderful," said Wilhelm.

Thornton says job opportunities for St. Mary's Janesville Hospital will be posted online for the next four weeks. For the link, click here.