From Navy nurse to Sharp HealthCare: Susi’s journey
After 21 years in the Navy, Susi was used to high-pressure moments like leading teams, solving problems on the fly and keeping patients safe. But stepping into civilian health care felt different. She wondered if she would find a workplace where her experience counted. What she didn’t expect to discover was Sharp HealthCare, a place that recognized her skills and made her feel genuinely valued.
"For the first time in my adult working life, I heard the words, ‘I’m so glad you’re here’ and I’ve heard it now at Sharp numerous times.”
Experience that shapes belonging
That sense of belonging reflected everything Susi brought from the Navy. Her path — from deck seaman to clinical nurse specialist — shaped her into a leader with deep clinical expertise, adaptability and a steady commitment to patient care. Those experiences also guided what she looked for in a civilian employer.
Stepping into a new rotation
While still on active duty, Susi completed several civilian clinical rotations. One stood out. During her time at Sharp Chula Vista, she noticed a culture that felt different.
“I want to work in that family-type environment where people just take good care of each other, celebrate wins and work together.”
Navigating the transition
Working at Sharp was top of mind as Susi prepared to transition out of the Navy and into the civilian sector in San Diego, one of the nation’s largest military communities. Still, she felt uncertain. “There can be a lot of stress on a veteran who sees a civilian position posted and then wonders if their military experience can translate into a civilian position,” Susi says. “So I would encourage them to apply to Sharp HealthCare and be pretty open and honest.”
What makes Susi sharp
From her first days at Sharp, Susi felt supported for who she was and what she could contribute. Today, as a clinical nurse specialist in perioperative services at Sharp Memorial Hospital, Susi draws on her Navy experience while continuing to grow.
For Susi, the journey proves that with the right team, transitions can be more than successful; they can be transformative.
“I really do believe that the people at Sharp HealthCare want people to be successful and they want to help — and that only contributes to the overall team success.”
Benefits to build your career
If you’re looking to build a fulfilling career in health care, Sharp has everything you need. Our benefits and support programs extend far and wide across a variety of categories and specialties to put you in position to write your own success story.
Our career assistance programs include:
Employer-Sponsored Education
Educational benefits that include tuition-free education, built-in career pathways and expanded access through an increase in funding levels.
Employee Assistance Program
Helps employees develop and maintain a lifestyle that supports good health and productivity. Includes free, confidential support via counseling.
Wellness Programs
Focus on your well-being with tools to improve mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally and environmentally. Everything from health screenings to on-site programs such as yoga and more.
Generous Paid Leave
We offer one of the most generous plans among health care systems in San Diego. New employees begin with 25 days of paid time off in their first year alone.
Discount Programs, Perks and Other Benefits
Legal, college savings, critical illness insurance, group insurance plans, pet insurance and more ways to support you in your personal and professional life.
