WILMINGTON, DE — ChristianaCare, Delaware’s largest private employer, has been named the best healthcare employer for veterans in the United States by Forbes magazine. The recognition came as part of Forbes’ fourth annual list of Best Employers for Veterans 2023.
In addition to being the top-ranked healthcare employer for veterans, ChristianaCare also placed sixth overall among all employers nationwide for veterans.
Christopher Cowan, MEd, FABC, Chief Human Resources Officer at ChristianaCare, expressed gratitude towards veterans who choose to work at ChristianaCare after their service. “Veterans answer a calling in their life to serve our nation, and we are deeply appreciative that so many of them during the second half of their career choose to serve others by working at ChristianaCare,” said Cowan.
ChristianaCare has implemented several programs to support veterans in the workplace. One such initiative is SALUTES!, an employee resource group that connects veteran caregivers to bond with one another. This group, consisting of more than 100 ChristianaCare employees, aims to improve the experience of veteran caregivers.
Sam Wetherill, PharmD., MHA, MPS-SCM, Vice President of Laboratory and Pharmacy Services at ChristianaCare and executive sponsor of SALUTES!, acknowledged the unique skills that veterans bring to the health system. “Their traits include leadership, camaraderie with their fellow caregivers and a strong sense of pride in their work, which ultimately enables us to provide better and more equitable care,” said Wetherill, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army.
Furthermore, ChristianaCare offers support services to veterans through its Center for WorkLife Wellbeing. This center provides programs to prevent burnout, manage stress, and find joy in work. Among these is the psychological first aid training, which trains caregivers to identify and support colleagues impacted by stress. The Care for the Caregiver program also offers confidential individual peer support and group support following stressful events at work.
ChristianaCare has also partnered with Wellthy, a support solution that assists healthcare workers in balancing work and family responsibilities.
Forbes’ Best Employers for Veterans were identified from an independent survey of more than 8,500 veterans working for companies employing over 1,000 employees. Respondents were asked to rate their organizations on various factors, including salary, company image, the presence of support systems for military families, and whether they would recommend their employer to friends and family.
This recognition by Forbes adds to ChristianaCare’s commitment to inclusion and diversity and underlines the organization’s dedication to creating a supportive environment where veteran caregivers can thrive.
Click here to learn more about ChristianaCare’s commitment to inclusion and diversity.
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