Inova Health System, Department of Defense Launch New Partnership

Inova to Train, Hire Military Spouses for Careers in Healthcare

Falls Church, VA – (October 6, 2008) – Inova Health System and the Department of Defense (DOD) have launched a new partnership that will train and support military spouses interested in careers in healthcare. The new program seeks to provide military spouses with streamlined access to training, career and job opportunities at Inova facilities.

“By simplifying healthcare job transition and access to training, we’re hoping to attract and develop military spouses for long-term career success in critical healthcare occupations,” said Daniel Nichols, director, Recruitment, Inova Health System. “In launching this program, we’re working to publicly recognize the value that military spouses bring to the community and the organizations they work for.”

Inova Health System currently employs numerous military spouses at every level of the organization, many of whom are advanced practice nurses and managers. According to the DOD, approximately 675,000 military spouses are married to active duty military servicemembers.  Of these, 77 percent report they want or need to work.

“Inova Health System is making a concrete commitment to military spouses who are interested in the allied health field,” said Leslye Arsht, deputy under secretary of defense for Military Community and Family Policy. “We have a national shortage of health professionals across the country, and we have spouses looking for positive, portable careers, and this is it. A system like Inova can help military spouses map their career choices if they aspire to work in the medical field.”

Inova’s new partnership with the DOD follows a similar agreement with the U.S. Army  Reserve, a public-private partnership that will allow both organizations to recruit, train and employ young people interested in both serving the nation and pursuing the healthcare profession. That agreement provides new Army Reserve soldiers opportunities for employment at Inova Health System facilities once they successfully complete military occupational training in areas of critical clinical support.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit health care system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services including emergency and urgent care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community we serve through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.