District Manager at Kelly Healthcare Resources
Corpsman injects Navy skills into her civilian career as a medical recruiter.
by Warren Duffie 

The nurse was unhappy in her job at a Florida doctor’s office. But what could she do? The economy was bad and she knew she was lucky to even have a job. But she was still miserable. So she contacted the Tampa office of Kelly Healthcare Resources, where she met Christie Waller.

Within a month, Waller helped the nurse find a contractor with a prominent local medical group practice, and five months later, she was hired permanently.

“It was really satisfying to help this accomplished woman find a new lease on her career,” said Waller, a Navy corpsman. “That’s probably the best part of my work – making a positive difference in people’s lives.”

It’s a thrill that Waller experiences often as the district manager of Kelly Healthcare Resources’ Southern Florida region. The division is part of Kelly Services, Inc., which offers a comprehensive array of temporary staffing, permanent placement, outsourcing and consulting services.

On the Job
Waller’s job involves a variety of responsibilities. The petty officer first class recruits nurses, medical assistants and other medical professionals for jobs with hospitals, insurance companies and doctors’ offices. Along with the two recruiters working under her, Waller places about 150 candidates in jobs yearly. Her office currently serves nearly 100 clients, most of them in Jacksonville and Orlando. Waller’s other duties include attracting new clients to her office and providing personal customer service to existing ones.

Waller, 34, works from 0800 to 1700. She spends much of her time on conference calls and in-person meetings with current and prospective customers, driving about 200 miles weekly.

“The biggest challenge of my job is selling potential customers on the value of hiring us,” she said. “Let’s face it: Companies are cutting costs anywhere they can. My experience as a Navy corpsman really helps me communicate with them. I can speak the industry language and understand their issues and concerns.” 

In Uniform
A native of Rawlins, Wyo., Waller joined the Navy out of high school to travel and find adventure before going to college. After basic training in Orlando, Fla., she completed corpsman training at Naval Station Great Lakes. She served in Rhode Island, Spain and Georgia.

The Transition
In 2000 Waller left active duty to “try her hand” in the civilian world, though she decided to stay in the Navy Reserve. After taking transition classes, she worked as an EMT with the Camden County Fire Rescue Department – near her final duty station, Kings Bay Naval Base, Ga.

After a year as an EMT, Waller switched to the retail field, working for Nordstrom. In 2002 she traveled to Florida to open a Tampa store, when she befriended a woman who worked as a recruiter for Kelly Services, Inc. She told Waller the company was looking for recruiters with medical and health care backgrounds. Waller applied and was soon hired. She worked as a recruiter until 2007, when she was promoted to her current position.

“The work ethic, discipline, and adaptability I learned in the Navy helped me succeed as a civilian,” Waller said. “When I left active duty, it was a stressful time. The military had taken care of all my needs. I questioned myself and whether I could make it on the outside. The skills I picked up in uniform made the difference.” 

Waller's Advice

Make financial preparations. “When I left active duty, there were no more housing, food or cost of living allowances. I went from making around $31,000 a year in the Navy to making $8 an hour as an EMT, though I’ve made a lot more money with Kelly. Think hard about the financial impact of your transition.” 

Prepare for a variety of leadership styles. “In the military, there’s a pretty consistent management style. In the civilian world, you’ll encounter a lot of management personalities. Be flexible.” 

Don’t sell your military experience short. “The military teaches you a lot of intangibles that civilian employers seek. Really sell yourself.”