When a mission to serve sparks curiosity that soars to new heights in nursing at Northwell

Jun 30, 2023/in Advance Clinical Providers, Inclusion and Belonging, Veterans /by ptaheri

Spotlighting Renne Rodriguez, a nurse practitioner at Syosset Hospital

When a mission to serve sparks curiosity that soars to new heights in nursing at Northwell

Renne Rodriguez, nurse practitioner (NP) at Syosset Hospital, reflects on the moments that made the greatest impact on his career journey. “Since I started here 20 years ago, Northwell has helped me grow professionally and academically. I’ve grown through–tuition reimbursement, mentorship programs, leadership and nursing courses at the Center for Learning & Innovation (CLI). Plus, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the best healthcare professionals and mentors I’ve ever known,” shared Renne.

Before he began his career in healthcare, Renne knew little about nursing other than what he encountered in a hospital when he was young. His start in healthcare happened when he was offered the surgical technologist field position upon recruitment into the U.S. Air Force. He knew nothing about the position but was eager to learn. Renne served for four years as a senior airman training as a surgical technologist at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX and then at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. In this role, he assisted in the care of setting up the operating room before surgery and passing/counting instruments, sponges, dressings, etc. during surgery. His training and experience included procedures such as ears, nose and throat (ENT), plastic, general, trauma, orthopedics and neurosurgery. One day Renne scrubbed in on an open-heart procedure and noticed the person who was harvesting the vessels from the patient’s lower extremity. Renne recalled, “I thought he was a doctor and was amazed to learn he was a registered nurse first assistant (RNFA).” In that moment, he had a new appreciation for nursing which sparked a curiosity and passion that would lead him to discover the many different fields nurses can pursue.

Renne joined Northwell in 2004 as a surgical technologist, leveraging the skills and training he received in the military to jumpstart his civilian career. Through encouragement and support from his managers, he applied for Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program to first obtain his associate’s degree in nursing (ASN), then again to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). After working at Plainview Hospital for over a decade, Renne had built such a positive and trusting relationship with his managers, that he was presented with an opportunity to join the perioperative leadership team at Plainview Hospital as the orthopedic nurse manager in 2013. After four years in this role, this led him to pursue another nurse manager role within several perioperative units at Syosset Hospital in 2017. In the years that followed, Renne was able to continue leveraging tuition assistance from Northwell to earn his master’s degree in nursing to become a nursing first assistant and family nurse practitioner.

Today, as an NP within the surgical oncology service line at Syosset Hospital, Renne directs daily operations for a two-room operating suite within the ophthalmology surgical unit. His responsibilities include developing and implementing operational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all regulatory and professional standards of care. Renne also partners with physicians, nurse managers and clinical staff to design strategic plans to meet patient care needs. Other responsibilities include securing all necessary equipment, implants, and instruments for upcoming surgical procedures, conducting surgical room inspections prior to surgery, and coordinating all phases of post-operative patient care to ensure all patient needs are met.

The U.S. Air Force’s core values are integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. “My time in the service gave me the opportunity to appreciate team building. Now working alongside a group of dedicated, proud team members at Northwell who also believe in these core values means so much to me,” shared Renne.

“Whatever the job function you served as in the military, I can guarantee that Northwell has a place for you. There is opportunity to grow within Northwell and be exposed to great people, technology, services and communities.” – Renne Rodriguez

Start your next mission at Northwell and search for job opportunities using your MOS code.

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Northwell Health funds ideas from its team members through our annual Innovation Challenge competition

Jun 29, 2023/in Academia and Research, Clinical Care /by kaiello

This image shows Tiffany Zavadsky, a nurse practitioner and manager at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, who is a team member on one of this year's Innovation Challenge winning projects.

Northwell Health funds ideas from its team members through our annual Innovation Challenge competition

At Northwell Health, we aim to create an environment that inspires growth, empowers leadership and promotes innovative breakthroughs. Since officially launching our Innovation Challenge competition six years ago, hundreds of Northwell team members have been encouraged to submit new ideas that could help improve and transform the future of healthcare. To date, Northwell has awarded funding for 13 projects to advance the progress and development of these innovative ideas within our own health system.

While often behind-the-scenes, the world of clinical and non-clinical healthcare research houses some of the most brilliant minds: transformational thinkers who envision the bigger picture of improved health for all. We believe awarding this type of research is vital to the success of our organization and professional development of our team members.

This year’s Innovation Challenge awarded two winning projects, iNav: AI-Driven identification and navigation for cancer patients, and StrokeFighter: Novel bioelectronic therapy for acute ischemic stroke. Each project could receive up to $500,000 in funding for research and development to advance innovations in care delivery and science.

“The Innovation Challenge is an incredible force multiplier for the health system, where every employee has the opportunity to present solutions and be heard by decision-makers,” said Tiffany Zavadsky, nurse practitioner and manager at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute, who also is part of the iNav project team. “I have spent my career caring for patients and running a practice focused on high quality, health-based outcomes. This challenge helps advance healthcare delivery that benefits all from providers and patients to the global healthcare community.”

Investing in the ideas of our team members through programs like our Innovation Challenge, helps us raise the standard of care for our employees and enforces a culture of innovation, teamwork and continuous change.

Learn more about Northwell Health’s culture and commitment to innovation.

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Meet Cynthia, a pathology assistant at Lenox Hill Hospital, encouraged to take on new opportunities and grow within Northwell

Jun 15, 2023/in Clinical Laboratory Science /by ptaheri

Spotlighting Cynthia Bender, a pathology assistant at Lenox Hill Hospital

Meet Cynthia, a pathology assistant at Lenox Hill Hospital, encouraged to take on new opportunities and grow within Northwell

As a pathology assistant at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan, Cynthia Bender is responsible for receiving and sorting various specimens, including blood, skin cells and saliva, that are sent for laboratory testing. After each specimen is tested, Cynthia reviews the collected clinical data and shares the results with the clinician, so the clinician can identify what procedures may be recommended for treating the patient.

Cynthia started her career with Northwell more than 30 years ago as an evening, part-time phlebotomist. From there, she was able to continue her education and receive her associate’s degree in business administration before moving into a full-time phlebotomist role. In 1995, she transferred to Northwell’s Raisler Testing, Outpatient Center in Manhattan, one of the largest laboratory systems in the Northeast and assisted at the center until September 2005. That same year Cynthia transferred to her current position in the send out department at Lenox Hill Hospital, a 652-bed acute care hospital located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. “I love that my work as a pathology assistant allows me to make a difference in the lives of our patients at Northwell. We help clinicians diagnose patients faster to better treat them. It brings a sense of fulfillment knowing that I am aiding in their treatment.”

Cynthia shared that she was attracted to Northwell long before she applied for her first job here because of our reputation as one of the best health systems in the nation. Throughout her career at Northwell, Cynthia has been able to serve in several different positions because she is always encouraged to learn more. “The support that I received to develop in my field encouraged me to take on new opportunities and grow within the organization,” Cynthia shared adding, “I have been able to take advantage of several programs, including our mentorship program that pairs new staff with different leaders.” Today, Northwell has over 60 mentorships programs to help prepare current and future employees through the support and guidance of seasoned Health Raisers who share their knowledge and experience.

When asked if she could offer any advice to those looking into the field of pathology, Cynthia advises anyone starting their career to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. “Where you are right now is not where you will end up at the end of your career. Hard work pays off, so take advantage of every opportunity that may come your way.”

Discover a career well cared for and learn more about clinical laboratory opportunities at Northwell Health

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Northwell Health celebrates Pride Month with our Expressions BERG

Jun 14, 2023/in Culture, Inclusion and Belonging /by kkeane2

Northwell Health celebrates Pride Month with our Expressions Business Employee Resource Group

Northwell Health celebrates Pride Month with our Expressions BERG

We at Northwell Health believe we’re made stronger by embracing the individual backgrounds and experiences of all our team members. Our Expressions BERG (business employee resource group) is a group of Northwell team members who are dedicated to a culture of inclusion and advocacy throughout Northwell to support the LGBTQIA+ community. In celebration of Pride Month, we’ve excitedly hosted programs and participated in events for our LGBTQIA+ team members to promote an inclusive and supportive environment.

Teri Manno is a co-chair of the Expressions BERG and provides support to LGBTQIA+ team members just as she received support to grow her career from administrative manager to her current role as vice president of talent acquisition in her 16 years at Northwell. “The Expressions BERG has helped me remain true to who I am and given me a space to feel genuinely accepted,” says Teri. Teri collaborates with her fellow co-chairs: Jared Olivera (community relations program manager), Edward Fraser (vice president, community relations), Kevin Beiner (senior vice president, regional executive director at Syosset Hospital), Allison Asante (supervisor of gynecologic oncology, advanced clinical providers at Lenox Hill Hospital) and Gio Giampietro (IT&S project manager, digital monitoring & telehealth services). Together they help provide a forum where our Health Raisers who identify as LGBTQIA+ can freely be themselves, meet and network with others who share similar life experiences, and provide the support needed both to celebrate pride or coming out.

“For some LGBTQIA+ individuals, it is a struggle to feel a part of a community of their peers. It can be very isolating. The Expressions BERG provides our members with that sense of community and belonging that is so critically important for those who might feel alone, especially for those who are not fully out to those around them,” says Teri.

Northwell’s Expressions BERG participated in several events throughout the month of June to celebrate Pride Month in our community. From Babylon Village Pride and Westchester Pride to NYC Pride and more, we are honored to be a part of these celebrations each year so we can continue raising health for all.

Learn more about how Northwell promotes diversity and inclusion for its team members.

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Explore a fulfilling career as a social worker at Northwell Health

Jun 08, 2023/in Career Paths, Social Services /by kaiello

Raise your career expectations as a social worker at Northwell Health

Explore a fulfilling career as a social worker at Northwell Health

Looking to gain new experiences with more opportunities for career growth as a social worker? Our team members have access to deliver outstanding care in a field they love with services that range from behavioral health and counseling to discharge plans and more.

By joining our social work team, you will benefit with mentorship programs, free social work CEU offerings, and other opportunities to further your skills and education. Our social workers have a comprehensive orientation program, department educators, and the opportunity to participate in strategic committees and site-based initiatives while learning new tools.

Below, you will find information about one of the many ways to grow your career as social worker.

Check out our available social worker positions.

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