Military to Medicine Places Military Spouses in Key Role at Inova Health System

Spouses to Train Inova Staff on CPOE Use

Alexandria, VA – (November 20, 2009) – Military to Medicine, the program that provides an answer to the healthcare worker shortage by placing talented employees found within our nation’s military community in healthcare settings, has placed 15 military spouses as trainers for Inova Health System’s computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system. CPOE enables physicians to electronically enter orders to clinical staff and to such departments as the laboratory, pharmacy and radiology. The military spouses, who began their roles earlier this week at Inova Alexandria Hospital, are part of an underutilized talent pool that often brings years of experience and strong work ethics to employers.

“We’re honored to provide healthcare training and career opportunities to the extended military family – including military spouses, wounded warriors and their caregivers, reservists, veterans and our service members transitioning to civilian employment,” said Daniel Nichols, Executive Director, Military to Medicine, Inova Health System. “CPOE is an important tool for healthcare providers, and these spouses will play a vital role in ensuring that Inova’s staff is trained and prepared to use this system.”

The 15 military spouses represent both full- and part-time workers. “Many of these spouses are registered nurses or have healthcare experience and are re-entering the healthcare field,” said Nichols. Military to Medicine offers an employment pathway for extended military family members with healthcare experience and those who are interested in starting a healthcare career. Inova has hired 35 military spouses through Military to Medicine since October 2009.

Training for the military spouses was supported with donations from the Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association, Verizon and the Arlington-Fairfax Elks Lodge.

For more information about Inova’s Military to Medicine program, contact Lisa Klein at Lisa.Klein@inova.org or 571-235-8965, or visit inova.org/military.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare 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 it serves 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.