Northwell Community: Women’s History Month

In celebration of Women’s History Month, meet two of our many inspiring, innovative and strong women leaders at Northwell Health. Watch our Northwell Community series to hear how Teri Manno, vice president of Regional Ambulatory Operations, and Sandra Lindsay, director of Patient Care Services in Critical Care at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, have made an impact on others due to their accomplishments, from being the first person in the United States to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to keeping team members engaged by organizing clapouts for frontline healthcare workers during one of the most challenging times.

Watch to learn more:

Healthcare workers reflect on one year of delivering care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic

March marked one year of our Northwell Health team members delivering care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a disease that has impacted our world on an unprecedented level. While the past year has been like no other, our team members have come together to become health raisers. Throughout it all, they have been a bright light of hope amidst some of the darkest times. We asked our team members to take a moment to reflect on their thoughts and feelings on what the past year has meant for them and how they’ve grown.

Read the reflections of our healthcare heroes:

“I am forever changed as a healthcare professional. It was difficult watching all of our patients come into the hospital alone without the support of their families. It has changed me as a nurse to also be their support system and make being in the hospital less scary for them.”

“I have learned that I need to take time for self-care in order to be a better me, including a better ‘work me’. I’m really happy our workplace supports that.”

“I learned that we are able to fight anything. Northwell has made us all strong in fighting this pandemic. We learned to take care of ourselves along with our patients and we will continue to Raise Health.”

“Throughout the past year, we’ve been inspired by our patients. Their recovery is our recovery. Their hope is our hope. In those dark times they were beams of light. Together we will persevere.”

“I have learned to really appreciate the impact we make for our patients, even working remote or in an office. COVID reminded us of the role each and every one of us has in helping patients get better.”

“This past year has shown me how awesome my Northwell coworkers are. When faced with challenges, we rise to the occasion. I am still in awe of the dedication and compassion they have not only shown the patients but each other as well. I hope to never face a healthcare challenge like this again, but I take comfort in knowing that my Northwell family will be there to get us through it!”

“My whole life has changed tremendously since last March. Since being redeployed from my role as a standardized patient, I have worked with Workforce Safety on mask fit testing, met the nurses and support staff at different hospitals, mobile units and vaccine pods, and came to know church leaders in faith-based testing. With the unflagging, determined and courageous support of our outstanding Community Relations team, I and many others like me have had our eyes opened to the tremendous amount of goodwill, generosity of spirit, and all-encompassing empathy that our Northwell family possesses – and we are all so much the better for it.”

“Scientists and researchers are ‘behind the scenes’ healthcare heroes and this year I felt even more proud of being a medical researcher. It was empowering to see how the complex biology questions scientists spent time understanding and the knowledge/techniques they discovered eventually came together to produce and distribute the vaccines that are giving us hope that we can end this.”

“Being a respiratory therapist over this past year, in the height of a pandemic, has taught us to be creative in problem solving, to provide the bestcare for our patients during uncertain times and promote a positive working environment during the darkest hours. It has taught me the ability to positively influence coworkers and teammates to work together for a common cause and mission.”

“As an MRI radiology manager, my job changed dramatically (during COVID) as we focused on keeping patients safe during MRIs. COVID has given me a greater sense of pride than anything else I dealt with in over 20 years of my career. As a leader I watched my team step up in ways that I couldn’t imagine.”

“These unprecedented times have changed me as a healthcare hero in that I have gained a tremendous amount of respect for every single role within the system. I have witnessed heroism from everyone and I feel lucky to play a small role in a community that exudes cohesiveness, unity and respect – which was so palpable throughout the past year.”

Join our team members as they Raise Health in the communities where we live, love and work. Apply today!

Five Reasons Obstetrics Nurses love working at Peconic Bay Medical Center

At Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC) in Riverhead, NY, registered nurses won’t just find a rewarding career in obstetrics, they will find the opportunity to help their communities grow with expert family-centered care. Our nurses are there for patients during some of the most important moments of their lives.

And there has never been a better time to join the PBMC team. As our women’s health services grow, our nurses are able to work in a community setting within a department that is continually being updated and expanded to enhance the patient experience.

Discover five reasons why our obstetrics nurses love working at PBMC.

1. Career growth opportunities and resources are offered to all team members

PBMC registered nurses and team members benefit from receiving career resources provided by the largest private employer in New York State within a community setting. Some of these resources include our tuition reimbursement program, nurse certification program, and skills-based workshops at the Center for Learning and Innovation. These extensive resources have been put in place at PBMC so our team members can grow their careers while delivering compassionate and innovate care for our patients.

Jillian Cherry, BSN, RN, RNC-OB, manager of patient care, is the perfect example of what is possible at PBMC. See how she has been able to grow tremendously as a nurse in the obstetrics unit since coming to Northwell in 2018.

2. Delivering care in new and renovated units

As PBMC grows, so does the focus on our women’s health services. We want to provide an enhanced experience for our patients and their families. To that end, we are remodeling our patient areas, waiting rooms and adding a new nourishment center.

3. Continuity of care throughout the delivery process

The obstetrics unit at PBMC is a unique setting as our registered nurses provide care throughout the delivery experience. Our nurses care for patients not only during labor and delivery, but in antepartum, post-partum and the newborn period as well.

4. Interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork

Our registered nurses work closely with the obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and neonatal nurse practitioners who care for routine deliveries and C-sections, as well as unexpected high-risk deliveries at any hour. We also have a midwifery program, a certified lactation consultant and experienced nursing staff certified to care for all special need areas.

5. The opportunity to support patients beyond the bedside

At PBMC, we know how important it is to educate our patients as they prepare for this big moment in their lives. That’s why we provide resources for our patients prior to the hospital experience to help ease their concerns and ensure smooth deliveries. Our registered nurses are also trained to provide education regarding breast feeding, the importance of skin-to-skin, safe sleep, and infant care. Our team is also specially trained for emotional support and bereavement for helping our patients in need. We are also proud to offer telehealth lactation follow-ups for our patients.

Discover a career well cared for at Peconic Bay Medical Center. Explore our obstetrics opportunities for registered nurses today!

CNO Corner – A conversation with Susan Knoepffler

Susan Knoepffler, chief nursing officer (CNO) and vice president of Nursing at Huntington Hospital, first started at Northwell Health as a new graduate registered nurse in the Neonatal ICU at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH). She gained nursing experience at NSUH and beyond before returning to Northwell in 2008 as the patient care services director at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. From there, her career continued to grow and in 2011, Susan was appointed the CNO at Huntington Hospital.

“As I reflect back, I appreciate what an amazing and deeply rewarding journey my career has been,” says Susan.  “My passion for patient care and desire to influence through leadership has led me to where I am today.”

Today, Susan uses the experience she has gained to lead the registered nurses at Huntington Hospital. Read more in our CNO Corner interview with Susan.

What exciting nursing initiatives are planned for 2021 at Huntington Hospital?

At Huntington Hospital, we are continuing the Magnet® journey as we prepare for our fifth designation. Currently, our documents are in final review with an anticipated site visit in the fall. We are incredibly proud of our four consecutive designations. This would not be possible without the visionary leaders, excellent outcomes and collaboration across all hospital disciplines. In our mission to promote and improve the health of individuals, families and communities, there will be a continued emphasis made on nursing research.

How does Huntington Hospital support their team in growth and development?

Nurses represent the frontline of healthcare. We strongly encourage and support personal and professional development, job satisfaction and retention. One example is our nurse mentorship program, established to support growth for new nurses in the hospital and nurses transitioning into a new role. The success of this program at Huntington Hospital is evident by the increase in certifications and advances into leadership positions, as well as newly formed, lasting relationships. This program also served as a foundation for the Northwell Health system-wide nurse leader mentor program.

How has nursing evolved throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and as we support our nurses and team members throughout the COVID-19 recovery?

2020 was a year like none other. The pandemic hit Huntington Hospital in March of 2020 and oddly enough (or not so oddly) the World Health Organization had proclaimed 2020 as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife, honoring the 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Little did we know that we would face an unprecedented crisis.

As healthcare workers we learn about preparing for disasters such as hurricanes and mass causality events, but we never prepared for an event like this. This pandemic struck with speed and an incredibly high acuity. Our nurses arrived to work with the fear of becoming sick and the fear that they would bring it home and make loved ones sick.

It became a time of rapid evolution that lasted for weeks as the volume of COVID positive patients climbed at an alarming rate. Although they did not want to be referred to as heroes, our nurses responded in a way that was “truly heroic.” They fought this pandemic with courage, compassion, creativity and resilience.

For all involved, the pandemic forced us to face the challenging situations and impacted us in countless ways. Some of which we may have yet to be recognized. It made us feel softer but stronger, cynical but more sincere, discouraged but hopeful, saddened but joyful, uncertain but wiser and alone but together. The importance is we stayed true to Northwell’s values: Truly Compassionate, Truly Innovative, Truly Ambitious, Truly Together and Truly Ourselves.

What makes working at Huntington Hospital so unique?

We are a hospital that provides comprehensive medical care in a community setting yet supported by the well-established Northwell Health system. There is an incredible sense of pride among all caregivers. The classic matrix model is evident in the integration and collaboration across the organization. The caregivers at Huntington Hospital truly embrace our mission: to improve the health and quality of life for the people and communities we serve by providing world-class service and patient-centered care.

What advice do you have for nurses either starting their careers or looking to continue to grow?

Follow your heart, seize the next opportunity, and stay open to trying something new. Stop to enjoy the small precious moments when you know that you “made a difference” for a patient or their family member. If you are interested in further development, seek out a mentor. That relationship provides a guiding light for your journey ahead.

What it’s like to apply at Northwell Health

Starting the search for your next career opportunity may seem overwhelming at first. As a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For, Northwell Health wants to ensure you know what you can expect when you apply for an opportunity with us. Read our infographic below as we walk through the stages of Northwell’s application, selection, interview, and offer experience at New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer.

Prepare for your journey to a career well cared for at Northwell.

Ready for the next step in your career? Apply to Northwell Health today!

An appointment with: Dr. Lily Thomas, VP, System Nursing Research

When Lily Thomas, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, started her career as a nurse educator in nephrology at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) in 1983, she hadn’t expected that her career journey would lead to her dream job in nursing research.

“At the time there were no formal positions assigned to nursing research,” says Dr. Thomas. “However, that never stopped me from my vision of creating a foundation for developing nursing research. I felt confident that I could seek mentorship from faculty and experts in the field.”

While working as a nurse educator, Dr. Thomas joined a Ph.D. program, eventually assuming the role of Chair of the Nursing Research Council at NSUH, and later was appointed as Chair of System Nursing Research Council. These roles helped her to build the nursing research capacity across the health system and  provided the foundation she needed to take on the inaugural role of vice president, system nursing research.

Read our discussion with Dr. Thomas below to learn about the important role of nursing research and its focus on care delivery and patient outcomes.

Can you tell us a little bit about the work of the nursing research team?

As nursing research and evidence-based practice continues to evolve across the health system, we are focusing on three key areas: Creating new knowledge through research; facilitating evidence-based practice (EBP), and building capacity and competency for research and EBP at the system’s sites. The overarching goal of research and EBP projects are to enhance patient care and outcomes. Our studies focus on patient safety, the impact of nursing interventions, symptom management, identifying and validating observed phenomenon and response to illness and treatment. Currently we are also working on some studies related to COVID-19.

What are some of the nursing research studies focusing on COVID-19?

Our team completed three studies after the initial surge in early 2020 and other studies are in progress. The research team at Northwell’s Institute for Nursing (IFN) and two of our hospitals conducted studies to understand the experiences of nurses and nurse leaders during the pandemic, impact of their deployment, as well as nurses coping during the pandemic.

Studies showed that nurses were motivated to work during the crisis because of their commitment to nursing and overall belief that nursing was a calling. Nurses never felt like they were doing enough for patients especially because they saw little recovery. Fortunately, the front line nurses used different coping mechanisms to remain resilient, and peer and team support mitigated feelings of being overwhelmed and powerless. Most nurses looking back on the care they provided during this period, described ways they had grown both personally and professionally. Quantitative studies are planned to utilize these results to explore programs that will ensure the physical and mental health of nurses.

How is research-based practice benefitting our nurses across Northwell Health?

Nursing research builds the knowledge base and science for practice, promotes excellence in nursing care, and impacts quality health outcomes. Our practice has evolved from a research-based practice to evidence-based practice (EBP). EBP combines the best evidence from research, the tacit knowledge successfully utilized in practice (clinician expertise) and patient values, and is utilized for problem-solving and clinical decision making.

We also have several sites that have Magnet Designation® (Magnet Designation is awarded by the American Nursing Credentialing Center in recognition of nursing excellence); and all the health system sites are on a journey to obtain the Magnet designation or re-designation. Meeting the Magnet criteria for Nursing Research and EBP are essential for this designation; the research team continues to prepare and partner with the sites to meet the criteria.

How can someone get into a nursing research career?

Gaining the appropriate knowledge and experience for nursing research will help in preparing for the role. That may include joining research teams as research nurses to becoming a nurse researcher/scientist, an EBP mentor or research faculty. My recommendation is to start participating in research-related activities as soon as your interest arises. At Northwell, this can be done by reaching out to site nursing research and EBP council members or nurse scientists/researchers. Nursing students can seek the mentorship of their faculty as well. Participating in research activities will give you an opportunity to understand research and assess if the role is right for you. Along with the experience it is essential to complete doctoral preparation for nurse researcher/scientist roles.

Why should nurses want to work at Northwell Health?

Northwell Health provides limitless opportunities for a rewarding career and personal and professional growth. The culture at Northwell is inspiring and empowering with unlimited opportunities for career changes or advancement. There are tremendous learning opportunities at Northwell provided through our IFN, Center for Learning and Innovation, and support for obtaining academic degrees through tuition reimbursement or for mentorship from nursing peers and leaders. My career is an exemplar ­­—in 2013, I was inducted as a Fellow to the American Academy of Nursing because the work at Northwell qualified me to obtain this honor.

What career advice do you have for nurses?

Follow your heart! It is important to find meaning in your work and enjoy what you do. Identify what you want and the preparation you would need to reach your goal. Your dream will help you stay the course. Seek mentorship and create a plan to work toward your goal; however, be open to different paths that could lead you there. Learn to persevere! Never lose sight of your goal and celebrate what you achieve!

Celebrating Health Care Human Resources Week at Northwell Health

Happy Healthcare Human Resources Week to all of our HR professionals at Northwell Health! Our HR professionals play an important role in caring for our team members as they care for our patients. Click through the photos below to meet some of the professionals who work across a variety of team to support our organization and learn why they love working in healthcare HR. 

Discover a career well cared for at Northwell Health. Apply today!

Northwell Health remembers and spreads the light of our fallen heroes due to the COVID-19 pandemic

This March marked one year since Northwell treated the first case of COVID-19. While it has been a challenging year for all of us, the perseverance of our frontline heroes, the power of science, and the hope of ongoing vaccinations and innovative treatment plans brings us comfort for the path ahead.

The most difficult challenge has been coping with the grief associated with the loss of our colleagues, friends, family members and those in our communities. From March 9 to March 14, Northwell held remembrance activities to “spread the light” for our fallen team members and those who we have lost due to COVID-19. New York City – the epicenter of this pandemic – has also declared Sunday, March 14, as a Day of Remembrance to honor everyone we’ve lost.

To spread the light throughout our remembrance week, team members were encouraged to wear blue in memory of those who worked at Northwell and as a show of solidarity for our Northwell community. On site, our chaplains hosted moments of silence and remembrance circles to help our team members find meaning, hope, connection and comfort through togetherness regardless of religious affiliation. Spread the light activities were also available at our facilities, allowing team members to reflect by writing messages on remembrance boards, prayer cards, and lighting luminary bags to symbolize fallen team members.

Team members and their families also continued to spread the light in our communities over the past week as they organized light parades in their neighborhoods, created luminary bags and took a moment to pause to reflect with their loved ones.

During our remembrance week, Northwell also held an organization-wide Town Hall featuring our President and CEO, Michael Dowling, and other senior leaders, to connect our 75,000 team members and speak about the strength and sacrifice of our healthcare heroes. In addition to honoring those we have lost, it also recognized the efforts and unwavering dedication of our team members throughout the pandemic. From March 12 to March 14, our corporate headquarters in New Hyde Park, New York was illuminated in blue to honor our fallen team members and recognize the enduring courage and spirit of our Northwell community.

Throughout these challenging times, Northwell has also supported our team members by expanding benefits, offering prayer groups and providing well-being resources from our Team Lavender, a program at Northwell that provides staff with an opportunity for timely emotional, spiritual and physical support. These resources, such as Tranquility Tents, which offered areas of respite for our hospital workers during their shifts, and opportunities for 1:1 counseling through our Employee Assistance Program, have allowed for us to care for our team members as they delivered care to our communities. A 24/7, free and confidential, emotional support call center for all team members and their families also provided emotional well-being experts to answer their questions, provide additional resources, or just listen.

At Northwell Health, we will continue to battle this pandemic, look forward to brighter days, and support our team members.

We will always remember our brave fallen team members and their families. Join us as we spread the light.

Grow your laboratory career inside Northern Westchester Hospital’s state-of-the-art clinical laboratory

With a state-of-the-art clinical laboratory built in 2020, Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH) is a perfect opportunity for laboratory technologists to grow their career and develop their skills with access to the latest in technology. Spanning 12,000 square feet across two floors, NWH’s lab team processes around 350,000 tests per year in Chemistry, Hematology, Coagulation, Urinalysis, and Molecular Microbiology, and provides a full-service Pathology lab.

And as part of a community hospital notably designated as a Planetree Hospital, NWH’s team members foster a culture of respect, empathy and quality care. This spirit of collaboration is embraced by the team members as they work in an interdisciplinary team to support services at NWH including the Emergency Department, the Cath Lab, Maternity unit and more. NHW’s dedicated clinical lab team members aid clinicians in determining their patients’ diagnosis and further the hospital’s commitment to providing the highest standard of quality patient care.

Beyond offering the latest technology, NWH provides its lab professionals with an innovative environment where team members are encouraged and supported with growth opportunities to continue their career journey. Support that Lori Robbins, senior manager of clinical laboratory operations, can attest to personally.

Lori started her laboratory career at NWH in 2003 as a part-time medical technologist working primarily in Microbiology and Chemistry. In 2007, she transitioned to a full-time position in Microbiology and when the opportunity for advancement arose, Lori took it. She became senior manager where she now works to ensure compliance with regulatory agency requirements, oversees orientation of new employees, manages laboratory safety and serves as the quality systems manager.

Beyond just developing her skills in the laboratory, Lori benefitted from Northwell’s professional and clinical development opportunities, such as classes at the Center for Learning and Innovation (CLI). She credits participating in ALEAD, a leadership development program at CLI, with helping her to further grow as a leader. “Being part of Northwell provides us with ample professional support and all the necessary resources,” says Lori. “ALEAD was a great opportunity to develop leadership skills in all aspects of management. Working with peers from different disciplines throughout the system, we shared experiences and, through open discussion sessions, imparted practical knowledge with each other.”

When asked why they love working in the lab, technologists listed work/life balance, great benefits, understanding and supportive leadership, knowledgeable team members, and an environment where everyone is always willing to help among their top reasons. “NWH is a welcoming, friendly facility whose mission is to provide quality patient care supported with the latest technology,” says Lori. “In addition to our patient focus, NWH is fully committed to its staff and community.”

And with the potential for a $10,000 sign-on bonus for eligible laboratory technologists applying to our night positions, there has never been a better time to join the team at NWH! Explore opportunities today.

How our Registered Dietitians make a difference for our patients and communities

At Northwell Health we have an amazing team of registered dietitians (RDs) across the organization who provide both essential and exceptional care to our patients. March 10^th is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day and we are proud to recognize the work of our RDs and their commitment to helping our patients lead healthy lives.

Here are four ways our RDs are making a  difference for our patients and community:

1. Teaming up to deliver medical and dietary needs

An important part of a registered dietitian’s role is to partner with physicians and health care professionals to coordinate medical and dietary needs specialized exclusively for their patients.

“A part of my role consists of collaborating with physicians and other members of the health care team to address nutritional concerns and provide diet recommendations that will best serve the patient.” –  Amanda Sinobio, registered dietitian, Plainview Hospital

2. Setting goals for healthy living

Registered dietitians provide nutrition information to their patients. They help their patients focus on lifestyle changes, meet their health goals, or help them understand their disease better.

“As part of my role I help to plan, supervise, and coordinate team members on all pertinent patient and nutritional concerns.” – Colleen M. Chiariello, manager, nutrition and dietetics, Syosset Hospital

3. Making the right food selections for specialized care

Every patient is unique with different bodies, goals and tastes. Our RDs help tailor a healthy eating plan that is special for all our patients. They discuss with the executive chef of that site possible menu options and how to adjust these recipes as needed.  Some of our sites use a food service program to implement an individual patient’s requests, taking into consideration their therapeutic diet, food allergies and preferences. Not only does this help support their nutritional needs so they recover faster but it also comforts the patient to have foods they enjoy during their hospital stay.

“When I speak with a patient/family, I always obtain patient food preferences and try to help with their food service experience as best as I can.” – Rachel Blumberg, registered dietitian, Cohen Children’s Medical Center

4. Promoting health and wellness for long-term benefits

Our RDs use their expertise and knowledge to help their patients understand how they can create lifestyle changes by explaining to them their nutrition assessment. The nutrition assessment consists of obtaining a patient’s diet, review of medical history, assessing nutrient needs and review of related laboratory values/medication. They not only help their patients live a healthy life but also a happier life!

“My favorite things about working as a RD is knowing I am promoting the health and wellbeing of our patients. I find it fulfilling to work in a teaching hospital where possibilities for learning are endless and hope to bring awareness to all regarding the value of nutrition and the pivotal role RDs play.”  – Geralyn LaVecchia, registered dietitian, Long Island Jewish Medical Center

Lead a healthy career as a Registered Dietitian at Northwell Health. Apply today!

Eight reasons you should join the Cardiac Cath & Electrophysiology Team at South Shore University Hospital

South Shore University Hospital (SSUH), formerly Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, NY, has delivered award-winning heart care for years. And they didn’t become one of the best by maintaining the status quo. By investing in their facilities, recruiting top talent, and delivering innovative treatments to their patients, they’ve become the best through transformation—and it was all for the community where we live, love and belong.

With the growth our cardiac program, that means more opportunities for registered nurses and techs to grow their career at Northwell as part of a team that “mends broken hearts.” Currently we are recruiting for team members in the Cath Lab to join the South Shore family.

Why should you join us? Here are eight reasons:

1. South Shore University Hospital provides growth and development

At SSUH, we know the way to provide the best programs and care to our patients is to develop and invest in our team members. Along with offering benefits such as our tuition reimbursement program and training (including at our Center for Learning and Innovation), our team members have the opportunity to grow within our team.

See the growth that Rachael Haddock, MSN, RN, CVRN-BC, and director of Patient Care Services in Cardiology/Interventional Radiology at SSUH, has grown at Northwell.

2. A Level 2 trauma center and home to Northwell Health’s largest Cardiac Cath and EP program in Suffolk county

Along with being a Level 2 trauma center, SSUH is proud to have two Cath Labs, two EP labs and one Hybrid lab that is shared by Cath, Neuro and Peripheral Vascular teams. Additionally, we have a 17-bedded holding space located adjacent to the labs that helps to improve the patient and team member experience.

3. One of the 50 best hospitals in the U.S. for heart surgery, according to Healthgrades

SSUH is proud to have been ranked by Healthgrades as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiac Surgery for the past three years, recognizing our superior clinical outcomes in heart bypass surgery and heart valve surgery.

4. Four-year recipient and first hospital on Long Island to receive the American Heart Association’s “Mission: Lifeline” Gold Award

Mission: Lifeline is the American Heart Association’s national initiative to advance the system of care for patients with high-risk, time sensitive diseases that could be life threatening, such as severe heart attacks. SSUH achieved this distinction for its fast response time in consistently getting patients to the hospital’s cardiac catheterization lab where blood flow can be restored.

5. Among the nation’s best for heart bypass and heart failure, according to S. News & World Report

SSUH was ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s High Performing Hospitals in Bypass and Heart Failure, scoring significantly better than the national average based on criterion including patient outcomes, volume, advanced heart programs and more.

 6. Only Suffolk County hospital recognized by the Department of Health (DOH) as being among the state’s best for heart valve repair and replacement surgeries

SSUH has not only been nationally recognized for our heart valve repair and replacement surgeries, but also our surgeons have been ranked among the best in New York.

7. Opportunities to join one of Northwell’s many Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs)

The accolades aren’t the only reason our team members love working at SSUH–they love our culture as well. At Northwell, we foster an environment where our teams feel supported and encouraged to be Truly Ourselves. Our BERGs allow team members to network across our entire organization in groups with specific business priorities that interest them, helping them discover new ways to have a major impact on the communities we serve.

8. Being a part of New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer

There are many benefits to being part of New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer for Northwell’s vast cardiac network of doctors, registered nurses, techs and more. That includes opportunity for career movement across our many hospitals and physician practices who are all working together with the same mission: to Raise Heath.

Discover a career well cared for among the award-winning cardiac team at South Shore University Hospital. Explore our openings today!

#ChooseToChallenge: Northwell Health celebrates International Women’s Day 2021

March 8th marks International Women’s Day  and this year Northwell Health team members are standing together to proudly celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality–emulating Northwell’s culture and values to be Truly Ourselves. Hear how they’re celebrating this year’s theme and why they #ChooseToChallenge to help create an inclusive world.

Meet Truly Compassionate Nurse Practitioner Tiffany LaSister

Meet Tiffany LaSister, RN, BSN, MSN, FNP-BC, a Truly Compassionate family nurse practitioner (FNP) in the Department of Adolescent Medicine at Northwell Health.

Today, Tiffany works in a school-based health center within the August Martin High School in South Jamaica, Queens through Northwell Health. However, her journey with us started as a telemetry nurse at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) in 2005. As she advanced her credentials, Tiffany’s opportunities within the health system grew and she later worked as a float nurse at LIJ Medical Center.

Working as a registered nurse, Tiffany developed a strong desire to expand her knowledge and scope of practice by becoming a nurse practitioner. “My grandmother was an RN at Bellevue hospital in the 60s and she was one of the driving forces behind my educational advancement,” says Tiffany.” I felt a strong commitment to seek out new challenges in order to meet the evolving needs of society.” With this motivation and with the support of Northwell Health’s tuition reimbursement program, Tiffany returned to school and completed her master’s degree and became an FNP.

As an FNP, Tiffany returned to NSUH in 2014 to work within the Medicine Department. There, she later had the opportunity to work with their home care team, delivering care as a visiting NP for advanced illness and palliative care. Continuing to grow her skills, Tiffany joined the Department of Adolescent Medicine in 2019 where she now delivers care primarily to adolescents.

However, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, Tiffany was redeployed to LIJ Valley Stream (LIJVS) to help deliver care to the increasing number of patients. Though working throughout such an unprecedented global pandemic was challenging, Tiffany found hope and support through the Northwell team. “The year 2020 left an imprint on my heart that will remain forever. I have never been more thankful for my colleagues then I was at that time,” says Tiffany. “Working during the pandemic has not only made me a stronger clinician, but a stronger person as well. I learned how to adapt, strengthened my skills, and also served as a clinical investigator for the COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Study at LIJVS. Although the time was difficult, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve my patients and community.”

It was Tiffany’s unwavering dedication and compassion for her patients that led to her being recognized within her community as well. This February, Tiffany was recognized as an essential worker by the Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs as part of their Black History Month celebration after being nominated by a neighbor in her community. “As a local resident, I am honored to serve my community by working at LIJ Valley Stream during the pandemic,” says Tiffany. “This award would not have been possible without the support I have received from my colleagues, for whom I have the deepest respect, and from whom I have derived the strength to challenge myself and perform better at each stage in my career.”

And for any other nurse practitioners or clinicians looking for the next step in their career, Tiffany recommends Northwell Health. “Here at Northwell, we are embraced for who we are, our different cultures and different personalities. The teamwork here is amazing,” says Tiffany. “Our focus on our patients and their families isn’t just part of our culture, it’s the core of who we are and what we do.”

Discover a career well cared for at Northwell Health. Explore our open NP jobs today.

Celebrating National Nutrition Month with Health Choice recipes

This National Nutrition Month, our Employee Wellness team and registered dietitians are helping educate team members across Northwell Health about making informed food choices. Their resources are helping improve well-being by providing the education needed to develop healthy eating and physical activity habits.

And at Northwell, we know our team members are all unique, with different personal and professional goals. Since there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition and health, our Healthy Choice recipe videos provide instructions to a variety of recipes and dietary needs. Our team members even have the opportunity to submit recipes themselves, showcasing their favorite healthy dishes to eat at home with their family.

Join us at home with Loretta Desimone, outreach services associate from Staten Island University Hospital, to make her one pot, easy weeknight meal for the whole family.