When Army veteran Kalli Koepplin was surprised with a $5,000 military and veteran scholarship from Sanford Health, it meant the world.
“Higher education is expensive. Having this scholarship has really relieved a lot of stress,” says Koepplin. “For Sanford to honor veterans even if they don’t have to, that’s pretty huge.”
Search veteran jobs: Find your next landing zone at Sanford Health
Already a full-time RN case manager and clinical lead at Good Samaritan Society – Robbinsdale Home Health in Minnesota, the 26-year-old is striving to do more. She is currently studying for her MSN at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.
“I love school. I love learning,” says Koepplin. “In my free time, I love researching anything related to nursing. Right now I am going to get my masters degree in nursing leadership and management.
Understanding and Supporting the Military
Hiring veterans like Koepplin and providing them with opportunities for growth is a top priority for the Company and Sanford Health. The integrated health system is particularly interested in researching and developing nurses with military training.
Flexible hours, development grants, and differential pay are just a few of the ways organizations try to attract veterans or those actively serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Koepplin’s own team includes several other veterans, some of whom are on active duty in the reserves. She and her fellow Society leaders are prepared to do whatever it takes to support their service to the country.
“The values of the military are so instilled in me to this day, and I can carry them into my nursing practice and into my personal life. I really think everyone should experience something like this,” Koepplin says.
Welcoming veterans “with open arms”
Values that now allow Koepplin to provide quality care to its customers.
“Integrity is a huge honor. Our nurses need it,” Koepplin says. “The military really has a different set of values and we really should welcome them with open arms for those reasons. It can really improve the workplace culture.
Sanford Health has been recognized by the Military Times “Top Employers for Vets List” and is a military-friendly employer for the third year in a row.
Over the past year, the organization has hired over 100 nurses who are veterans.
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Posted in Nursing and Nursing Support, Scholarships and Sponsorships, Services for Seniors, Veterans Affairs
