Medical field proves healthy choice for veterans.
Book Excerpt:
Healing Health Care
Medical field proves healthy choice for veterans.
by Joshua Hudson
With an increasing number of retirees and fewer health care professionals to fill the growing demand, the need and compensation for new employees is high,” said Todd Davis, staffing manager for Health Net. “We need veterans to fill those jobs, because veterans are so well-trained.”
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the health care industry is not only the largest industry in America, employing 14 million people, but it is also one of the fastest growing (particularly in states like California, New York, Florida, Texas and Pennsylvania). The expected increase in jobs (averaged between all health care positions) between now and 2016 is 21 percent. This increase affects all levels of the industry from top executives (an average expected increase of 18 percent) to personal home care aides (an average expected increase of 53 percent).
Of course, the first thought of health care evokes the image of the pristine white doctor’s robes and nurses in light blue scrubs. That is only the thin veneer of a behemoth mechanism. From open-heart surgery to navigating health policies, everyone has a vital part to play to make sure that America stays healthy.
Opportunities
Former Air Force Lt. Col. Sue Irons retired in 2005. She spent her career caring for America’s military. Now she continues that work as a civilian. “For the last several years, I have worked in the area of health promotion,” Iron said. “My mission is to help military members stay healthy and fit.”
Irons started her military career as a nurse in the Army. After a three year break in service, she completed her career in the Air Force. Today, she serves as disease manager in the population health improvement division for TriWest Healthcare Alliance. TriWest is a privately-held company in Phoenix, Ariz. and is contracted by the DoD to administer the ?TRICARE program for 2.8 million beneficiaries.
Her clients haven’t changed dramatically even though her employer has. “I feel a strong connection as part of the extended military family,” Iron said. “I would recommend that everyone consider working for a health care organization … they all know the military provides excellent training.”
Health care is welcoming veterans with open arms. They understand that veterans have proven talent and professionalism while serving a very demanding military career. Health care employers know former military can be trusted to carry over that work ethic to their new positions.
“The training that service members receive is second to none in the medical support fields,” said Todd Davis, director of staffing at Health Net. “It is not just in clinical positions. We need veterans who have experience in logistics, finance and support. We are a very veteran-focused company.”
Vicky Bryant, director of corporate communications for Concentra, based in Addison, Texas; brought her 22 years experience in the Air Force National Guard as a Medical Services Officer to the company.
“Veterans bring intelligence, drive and leadership,” said Bryant. Concentra provides integrated services to their clients who are suffering employee-related injuries and occupational health care. She said that their industry needs problem-solvers who are focused on the mission of caring for their clients. “Veterans have the skills that we need to be successful in this industry.”
In September 2007, Tim Bryant successfully transitioned his 20 years as an Air Force radiologist into a position as manager of radiology and cardio-pulmonary services for Southeast Georgia Health System, in St. Mary, Ga. The former master sergeant manages the daily operations of the hospital’s radiology department, supervising personnel and ensuring his department runs smoothly.
“The organizational and managerial skills I developed in the Air Force help me every day,” Bryant said. “You have to get to know your people and how to motivate them. This is especially important in the civilian sector, because most companies [unlike the military] must manage overtime costs and constantly increase efficiency.”
With good basic military training Bryant’s extra value to the hospital is in his ability to work smarter and manage his staff. This not only saves the hospital money, but it also helps to save lives. “My facility is a great place for veterans to work too,” said Bryant. “The hospital values veterans with health care experience because they know that we can handle the stress and be prepared for the challenges of the job.”
With the growing demands for higher quality health care, staffing becomes a critical issue for most businesses. But it is not just the number of employees that companies are looking for, it is the quality.
“We like hiring military experience,” said Kenneth L. (Ken) Farmer, Jr., M.D, executive vice president and COO of ?TriWest. “Veterans on staff bring valuable insight, understanding and perspective to our business.”
Qualifications
“In my experience, most military jobs are highly specialized and those service members don’t have trouble finding jobs,” said Bryant. “It is important to check your state to see what licenses and certifications are required.”
Bryant started his civilian career search early, and researched how he could best prepare for his post-military career. “I purchased G.I. Jobs each month before I retired. It encouraged me to finish my education, and I was inspired to keep going. I graduated about a month before retiring. TAP class and resources like ?G.I. Jobs really helped prepare me and make the entire process of leaving the military less frightening.”
Most of the jobs in the industry that directly deal with the care and treatment of patients do require professional training and education. However, there are many programs, schools and employers that are willing to pay for that training, in addition to military tuition assistance and funding through the GI Bill.
Many companies also offer education and training programs to assist veterans continue their education. “Health Net offers education reimbursement for its employees,” said Davis. “We also have supportive management plans for positions that require continuing education and certifications.”
Some states have programs designed to fast-track separating veterans into health care. In California, the PROVet program is a job development/placement process that identifies interested service members in TAP class. It screens and assesses eligible (or those nearly eligible) transitioners with the goal to work in the medical field within California. They “work closely with Workforce Investment Act partners to deliver a full range of services.”
The Nature of Health Care
“We look for candidates who are seeking a career, not just a job,” said Farmer. “We look for candidates who are passionate about customer service [as well as] the experience.”
The health care industry needs employees who can perform at the highest quality standards of pride and professionalism.
“The biggest cultural difference between the military and civilian health care,” said Bryant, “is that military veteran employees are usually younger than their civilian counterparts.” This means that those with military experience will have the advantage of a longer career and more opportunities for advancement. “Young military employees have had a lot of experience for their age. Health care is about serving people, which is what we do in the military. The best part is in knowing that you make a difference.”
Genre:
Type of Work:
Publishers:
Original Published Source:
G.I. Jobs Magazine
Original Publish Date:
2007-12-01
- Send To A Friend
- Bookmark With:
