New program helps veterans serve at Ascension Florida

Ascension Florida is helping military service members get boots in the door by providing them with real-world healthcare experience that helps them bridge the gap to civilian employment.

With over 200,000 veterans leaving the military each year, the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge Program serves as a strategic workforce development pipeline, connecting veterans with job opportunities that align with their skills and interests to meet staffing needs across various sectors.

As the first civilian healthcare organization approved as a program training site four years ago, Ascension Florida is serving as a blueprint for other markets, including Ascension Texas and Ascension Kansas.

Tony Messina, who served 25 years in the U.S. Army and is Ascension’s Military Talent Attraction Specialist, said the program is a perfect fit for military service members and Ascension.

“Ascension’s Values and Mission resonate with the principles that initially attract service members to the military, " he said. “SkillBridge is mutually beneficial because it allows participants gain valuable experience in new fields while Ascension provides a pathway to meaningful employment without the financial constraints of training.”

Jennifer Smith, Director of Nursing at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, has mentored close to 20 SkillBridge candidates over the years, successfully hiring half inpatient care technician roles at the hospital.

“Sometimes candidates start their internship with limited medical experience, but they are excited and motivated to learn,” she said. “Six weeks later, it’s like they’ve been doing this all their lives. It’s rewarding to watch them grow.”

Trent Harmon, an associate manager of Integration at The Resource Group, made his mark as the first intern at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola. His journey is a testament to the success of the SkillBridge program. At the time, he was conducting a six-month internship in Administration while completing his master’s in business administration in healthcare administration at the University of West Florida.

“The internship complemented my studies because I learned about the importance of patient flow and patient care processes,” he said. “I was also impressed with the inclusive culture at the hospital, where each associate had a voice and played an essential role in the hospital's success and productivity.”

Roles available for military interns include nursing/patient care, cybersecurity, healthcare administration, facilities management, construction, engineering and operations. When their six-month internships conclude, managers have the option to hire them if they are a good fit for their department.

Ascension continues to expand the program. Get more information on joining our military talent network.