Patient Services Manager at Presbyterian Healthcare Services
This Air Force security forces airman used his military skills to start a civilian career as hospital patient service manager.
By Warren Duffie
After two decades in Air Force security forces (military police), Kevin Cooper was ready for a career change.
“I loved the military, but I had spent 20 years carrying a gun,” he said. “I wanted a career that was completely different yet would still allow me to lead and make a difference.”
On the Job
Cooper, 38, found the ideal profession with New Mexico-based Presbyterian Healthcare Services – a not-for-profit system consisting of eight hospitals, a health plan and expanding medical group. The system serves more than a million patients each year.
The former technical sergeant works as a patient services manager in Presbyterian Hospital, located in downtown Albuquerque. Cooper manages a staff of 51 total food service workers and dietician aides who make sure hospital patients stick with their diets.
“We serve about 350 people daily,” he said. “A doctor will tell us a patient’s dietary requirements and we’ll work to see they are followed. So we obviously won’t serve a bacon cheeseburger to a cardiac patient.”
Cooper starts work at 0530, inspecting the kitchen area to make sure it’s clean and supplies were properly put away the day before. His staff arrives at 0700 to complete the breakfast service. After breakfast, Cooper spends a couple of hours checking on patients before the lunch service. After lunch, he participates in staff meetings before going home after the shift change at 1430.
“What helps me succeed each day are the military skills I highlighted on my résumé when I first applied,” Cooper said. “Leadership, discipline and personal bearing. Although I had never worked in a hospital setting, these qualities enabled me to step in and do the job pretty seamlessly. Also, as a former MP, I’m good at thinking on my feet and resolving issues quickly.”
In Uniform
Cooper enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from high school in 1991. He completed basic training and security forces school at Lackland Air Force Base. He served in Wyoming, Germany, Qatar and New Mexico.
The Transition
When Cooper began thinking about leaving the Air Force in 2010, he took several transition classes and read G.I. Jobs almost religiously. Of particular value, he said, were the articles on résumé writing.
Cooper also attended many career fairs and spent hours applying to jobs online. When he found the online listing for the job with Presbyterian Healthcare Services, he liked the fact that it required someone with strong leadership qualities, one of his strongest suits.
“I applied to the job four times,” Cooper said. “In addition to my résumé, during interviews I brought a book filled with award and outstanding-performance citations. I also had a list of 35 character references I had compiled since 1993. The book was a history of me and really helped me get the job.
“My biggest fear was doing something completely new after
20 years in a different field,” he continued. “I also had to get used to different regimentation and structure, so my first couple of weeks on the job were an adjustment. But the military taught me to be adaptable, so I soon fell into a great routine.”
Cooper’s Advice
Read G.I. Jobs. “Aside from the great career and transition advice, their articles about successful military veterans are great motivators.”
Network. “When I first started my job search, I tried to go it alone. This didn’t work. Network with people you know in and out of the military. Build relationships and a support network consisting of colleagues, friends and family.”
Be positive. “Realize that you might experience some rejection. Don’t give up. Remember the skills and strengths the military gave you.”
How’d You Get That Job?
When Cooper began thinking about leaving the Air Force in 2010, he took several transition classes and read G.I. Jobs almost religiously. Of particular value, he said, were the articles on résumé writing.
Cooper also attended many career fairs and spent hours applying to jobs online. When he found the online listing for the job with Presbyterian Healthcare Services, he liked the fact that it required someone with strong leadership qualities, one of his strongest suits.
“I applied to the job four times,” Cooper said. “In addition to my résumé, during interviews I brought a book filled with award and outstanding-performance citations. I also had a list of 35 character references I had compiled since 1993. The book was a history of me and really helped me get the job.”