02/21/2023

CASA Values our Veterans

Veteran Spotlight - Stephanie McIntosh

CASA Values our Veterans

President’s Day celebrations provide us an opportunity to pay tribute to our country’s past, while also taking time to appreciate those who are currently serving in the military, and to honor our veterans. CASA’s Veterans Committee has been working to increase awareness about how veterans can transition into the ASC workforce, as military experience can translate well into the healthcare setting. ASC facilities should look to veterans to help fill staffing needs as they often have critical strengths in problem-solving, teamwork, creativity and responsibility. There are a variety of organizations that can help connect you with veterans for potential job opportunities.

• Skillbridge Program
• Hiring our Heroes
• Check out your local CA Military Base for opportunities and career fairs.

The demographic profile of U.S. veterans is becoming more diverse over time: “Between 2021 and 2046, the share of veterans who are non-Hispanic White is expected to drop from 74% to 62%. The share of veterans who are Hispanic is expected to double from 8% to 16%, while the share who are Black is expected to increase slightly from 13% to 15%” (Pew Research). Additionally, the veteran population is becoming more female and younger, with about 18% expected to be female by 2046 and 33% being younger than 50. This veteran population will be able to connect with and serve healthcare patients in new and valuable ways.

Honoring our veterans is important and so is finding ways to incorporate them into new roles in the civilian workforce. Do you have a story about veterans at your ASC? We’d love to hear it! Email CASA Executive Director Beth LaBouyer at blabouyer@casurgery.org.

Veteran Spotlight

Stephanie McIntosh, MSN, RN, CAIP, CPHQ Director, Clinical Quality for SCA Health

What was your role in the Military?

Sergeant, United States Army Medic

Why did you choose the ASC industry?

My nursing career started in the Pediatric ICU which was extremely fulfilling, but I missed a close-knit team and was ready for the “work week” lifestyle of the outpatient settings. My experience recovering craniotomy and trauma patients after surgery made an ASC the perfect fit.

What military experience is useful for ASCs?

Teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. 

As a reservist, I had the opportunity to work in many settings from wound care and pediatric clinics to labor and delivery with a variety of teams, resources, and leaders. I discovered how resilient I am, the importance of teamwork and what kind of clinical leader I wanted to be. These experiences have help provide me with the strength, discipline, and courage to be who I am today and who I strive to become.

What was the coolest thing you ever did?

Becoming a Combat Lifesaver Instructor.  We trained soldiers preparing for deployment in advanced casualty care: bandaging chest wounds, IV administration and tourniquet application, essentially stabilizing casualties until they can reach their company medic or a field hospital. It was incredibly rewarding to be part of such a critical program to the survival of our soldiers, especially during such a tumultuous time when IEDs and convoy attacks were escalating.