By Ken Bukowski/ Special to Healthcare Facilities Today

The reasons to hire military personnel are many. And the healthcare industry can benefit from the talents and leadership qualities of former service people. These are the individuals who have sacrificed their lives to protect freedoms. If that dedication and commitment alone is not enough to convince you that military personnel have a place in your healthcare facility, consider this:

An affinity to serve - Healthcare professionals and military personnel share a common bond in their dedication to service. Helping others and contributing to the betterment of a group or organization come naturally to those who align with such noble professions.

Ability to perform under pressure - When faced with crowds, emotional families, distraught patients and overworked peers, your team needs to include individuals who perform well under pressure and can lead others to do the same. Military veterans deliver quality performance under pressure in the corporate world just like they did when their lives depended on it. 

Diverse backgrounds - Healthcare professionals interact with individuals from a range of places and backgrounds. Military personnel often have had this same experience and understand the need to be culturally sensitive.

Adaptability - In the healthcare setting, tasks and priorities can change quickly. Military personnel continually adapt to changing situations and new responsibilities and thrive in environments that require employees to be flexible.

Trainability - In healthcare, we are always learning. Professionals who see value in and seek out training and other ways to advance or refresh their skills are highly desirable. Military personnel are accustomed to training and crave new opportunities to learn.

Highly dependable - Military veterans don't show up late for work, can be relied upon to perform their duties properly, and will always put forth their best effort to achieve the highest standards of performance. When patients' lives are on the line, you need to know you have a team you can count on. 

Bukowski is the vice president of healthcare, AlliedBarton Security Services.