Archive for category: Nursing
Career growth and development means different things to different people. For Jessica Jimenez and Tamaka Wallace, their nursing careers began along different paths but through tuition support and mentorship, they blossomed just the same and continue to grow at Northwell Health. Read below to learn more about these unique career journeys in nursing and imagine your own career path with us.
Jessica Jimenez, Clinical Professional Development Educator
Jessica Jimenez, clinical professional development educator for the emergency department at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream (LIJVS), started her nursing career at Northwell in 2013 as a student nurse extern. It didn’t take long for Jessica to envision what her career path could be. According to Jessica, Northwell is as much focused on expanding the services we provide to the community, as we are in expanding opportunities for our employees to learn and grow throughout their careers. “It’s one of the reasons I was attracted to the health system in the first place. I could tell that Northwell had big plans for the future and since joining, I have felt every bit a part of their vision.”
Jessica found tuition support in her strive for professional development when she enrolled in a nursing leadership and administration master’s program through a partnership between Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJMC) and Stony Brook University. She originally felt nervous when presented with this opportunity, but the encouragement from her mentors outmatched any trepidation she had about her own abilities. “Whenever I wondered whether I was ready for the next step, my leaders and mentors at Northwell would provide me with encouragement so I could move forward with zero doubt.”
Jessica found the road from nurse extern to clinical professional development educator paved by infinite support. Today, she is responsible for onboarding the new nursing staff at the LIJVS emergency department and runs their orientation and nurse fellowship program, where she teaches new graduate nurses starting out in their career. “My role involves many different responsibilities. Mainly, I aim to provide exceptional training through courses and simulations so that my peers feel as prepared as I did.”
Tameka Wallace, Director of Patient Care
Tameka Wallace, director of patient care for out-patient ambulatory surgery at the Schwartz Ambulatory Surgery Center at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH), joined Northwell as a teenager taking advantage of an internship program in the summer of 2000. For Tameka, the attraction of a career at Northwell started at home. Tameka’s mother was a clerical support associate at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) at the time, so she became very familiar with the culture and knew that Northwell was where she wanted to be. “Everyone is respected and there is a palpable drive to promote diversity.” Not long after the internship, Tameka joined her mother in the nursing program at Farmingdale State College and together they graduated with their associate degrees in Nursing. Every step of the way, Tameka said she felt supported from the organization. From mentorship opportunities to tuition reimbursement, she had the support in continuing her education to obtain a master’s degree in Nursing, as well as a master’s degree in Business Administration.
Like Jessica, Tameka credits the relationships she has built with her peers and leaders for bolstering her confidence and opening the career path ahead of her beyond what she could have imagined. She attributes her achievements to both her own determination and the championing she received from her mentors. From attaining her associate’s degree, to her bachelor’s degree and then to a double master’s degree, she never felt alone in the adventure.
Since Tameka’s days as a support care associate, she has been passionate about patient care and has been able to grow in her position so that she can increase her impact on the patient community. “I love what I do every day. My duties include evaluating and directing all nursing employees, establishing goals for the nursing department, and creating and enforcing compliant healthcare policies.” Making a difference for the nursing staff and patients motivates Tameka to continue her growth and it explains a nomination she received for Magnet Nursing Leader of the Year at NSUH. An avid advocate for the special needs community, Tameka is also looking for opportunities to make strides in the healthcare of these patients and their families. She has her sights set on finding ways to incorporate more understanding and informed care in support of special needs patients.
Forge your own unique and passionate nursing journey at Northwell Health, discover a career well cared for here.
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After making history as the first American to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, more than one year later, Sandra Lindsay reflects on her experience and shares career advice for anyone looking toward the next chapter of their career journey.
I always knew I wanted to become a nurse. I was raised by my grandparents and took great pleasure in caring for my grandmother who suffered from chronic illnesses. Despite her health history, she was a fierce educator, church organist, community leader, and provider for our family. This fueled my passion for wanting to care for more people.
My journey at Northwell began at Lenox Hill Hospital (LHH). I started as a nurse extern in the emergency department, after which I was hired as a staff nurse in oncology. After three and half years in oncology, I moved on to critical care where I held clinical nursing roles in the medical intensive care unit and critical care unit, before being promoted into leadership roles. Prior to my promotion as director and subsequent transfer to Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJMC), I served as the nurse manager for the medical intensive care unit at LHH.
Today, I currently serve as the director of Patient Care Services for critical care at LIJMC, a position which I’ve held for the past six years. In this role, I have responsibilities for four intensive care units, as well as the respiratory care unit. I oversee the clinical practice of more than 200 employees in the and manage daily and strategic operations for the units.
I had a great experience in the emergency department, soaking up every bit of information that I could and thankfully the nurses were patient and kind. They took me under their wings. My first preceptor in oncology was stern but also very patient, and kind. She really helped me get a good foundation as a clinical nurse as did all my preceptors in the various critical care units that I worked in. I will also never forget the day I met the AED of quality management at LHH, who offered to mentor me. We shared a love of gardening, and over the years she shared many pearls of leadership wisdom with me, that still support my practice today. There have been other mentors who helped me to grow tremendously.
At the time that I graduated, I wish someone would have told me that in addition to building my nursing skills, building relationship skills with patients, families, and a multidisciplinary team is also paramount to a successful career.
I think it is important to follow your dreams and seek out mentors who will provide you with honest feedback. After landing that dream job, the work does not end. Staying engaged and passionate about whatever that role is, requires continuous learning. Treat it as a journey, not a destination.
Going into our third year of living with the COVID-19 pandemic, Sandra hopes that we can all get some much-needed relief and healing. She states, “We are closer to the end than the beginning and we should not give up now.”
Treat your career as a journey, just like Sandra Lindsay. Become a Health Raiser at Northwell Health and see available nursing opportunities here.
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Tiffany Powell, MSN, RN, NE-BC, and chief nursing officer (CNO) at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills (LIJFH), has experienced career growth and endless opportunities over nearly two decades at Northwell Health.
It all began in 2004 when Tiffany started at Northwell Health as a nurse extern. Passionate about learning, Tiffany sought every opportunity to gain experiences and grow her career. After completing the externship and achieving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Tiffany jumped at the chance to be part of the health system’s first-ever critical care fellowship in 2005.
During the next several years, Tiffany continued to gain experience working as a staff RN in telemetry and in a medical intensive care units (MICU). By 2014, she had transitioned to a leadership role as an assistant nurse manager, and was then promoted to nurse manager of a medical surgical unit in 2016. Her desire for exposure to more nursing specialties then brought her to North Shore University Hospital where she worked as a nurse manager on a palliative care unit and with a renal and liver transplant team.
All of her passion and experience took her career journey to Long Island Jewish Forest Hills (LIJFH) in 2019, as director of patient services responsible for the critical care, telemetry, and dialysis units and interventional radiology nursing practice. Now as chief nursing officer at LIJFH, Tiffany is looking to encourage and support others who strive for career growth and new opportunities.
Read our conversation with Tiffany below to learn what key advice she has for all nurses looking to develop their careers.
What attracted you to Northwell Health initially and is it still true today?
At the time I was looking for my first nursing job, I was offered two great positions at different healthcare providers and I chose Northwell Health. What attracted me to Northwell the most is their commitment to innovation.
I love working here, because at Northwell, your voice is heard and respected at all levels. Team members actively participate in the changes that take place in our organization, and they work in an environment that is exciting, never stagnant.
As a nursing executive, what would you say are the most important qualities a leader should have in order to positively engage their team in delivering exceptional patient care?
Throughout my career, I have always felt that the two most important qualities of any leader are authenticity and relatability. Strong, effective communication is also key but authentic leaders will naturally appeal to those around them, and develop a followership built on trust and respect. The foundation of a strong leader is their ability to build interpersonal connections with people, and to resonate with others you must be relatable.
We understand that you are passionate about encouraging personal well-being in the workplace. Can you share a few examples of how personal well-being is supported for team members at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital?
My team will tell you that my mantra is, “we must take care of ourselves before we can take care of our staff and patients.” I truly emulate this in all that I do because personal well-being is so important, and in the workplace, it starts at the top. At LIJFH, we have exercise classes in our memorial garden, and a meditation room where staff can go to relax. Sometimes it just takes small measures that result in big impacts. I have committed to starting all my nursing leadership meetings with a one-minute meditation for all the nurse leaders here and I have challenged my nurse managers to use this approach with their staff at their daily huddles and staff meetings.
What advice do you have for nurses who are looking to grow in their careers?
I recently heard someone ask, “What would the world be like if we were always working on ourselves or thinking of how we can help others.” For all nurses, my advice is simple, reflect after every day. What did I do well? What could I have done better? Always remember what motivates you, and act with humility. It is such a gift to be able to care for patients in their most vulnerable times.
For those looking to grow, networking is key. Meet new people and build relationships. Never burn any bridge. Get involved in hospital/organizational activities. Never stop being curious. Instead, always try to learn something new every day. And one especially helpful piece of advice that always works for me: once per year, set a professional goal that you can accomplish and when you do, it’s a feel-good moment, so celebrate it!
What would you say makes nursing at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital unique?
We are resilient, agile, and diverse. Our sense of community allows us to really get to know each other.
There is lots of positive energy pumping through the halls of LIJFH. Having achieved the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Pathway to Excellence designation in 2021, we are now beginning our Magnet Journey.
Among our goals is our continued focus on shaping our shared governance model and promoting professional development for our nurses. And we are incredibly excited about the roll out of new technology at our facility such as the myNora system pilot – a technology to assist with the efficiency of Interdisciplinary Rounds (IDR) – as well as telemetry monitors and zebra devices (healthcare mobile computers). All initiatives meant to inspire learning and growth.
If you’re inspired by Tiffany’s incredible career, explore nursing careers with many avenues to grow your skills at Northwell Health.
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Working night shifts at Northwell Health comes along with several benefits that can make a positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing. As a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®, Northwell offers career growth opportunities that are easily attainable to night shift professionals in labs and nursing roles. Check out our top reasons below, and jump start your journey to a career well cared for.
Check out our available positions in Labs, Nursing, and Nursing Support.
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At Northwell Health, nurses are celebrated and valued every day. This week, we are celebrating CRNA Week and IV Nurses Day with an inside perspective from two of our team members. Read on to learn what Kevin and Polina have to say about their unique careers at Northwell.
Kevin Chavez, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Lenox Hill Hospital (LHH), started working at Northwell as a new graduate in 2020. As a CRNA, Kevin is engaged in the care for patients that are in pre-operative, intra-operative, post-operative, and emergency settings. “The CRNA role to me is the pinnacle of nursing practice. It’s rewarding and humbling to take part in so many varied situations that patients seek care for.” Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia or sedation for surgeries ranging from minor procedures (such as same-day surgeries) to major procedures (such as open-heart surgeries)—and no two days are the same.
In the two years since Kevin began his career at Northwell, he finds that he is never short on learning opportunities, just one of the things he loves about his shifts at LHH. “There is encouragement to develop our skills on the job and through outside learning. I have attended multiple conferences and professional development programs to further enhance my practice.”
Taking advantage of learning opportunities and sharing knowledge is common among successful nursing teams, and is something that fellow registered nurse, Polina Bangiyeva, agrees with. Polina, RN, BSN, infusion nurse at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital (MEETH), joined Northwell more than 10 years ago. According to her, infusion nursing is unique because, “both patients and other nurses on the unit rely on the distinct care that IV Nurses provide.” Infusion nurses treat patients with needs from hydration to blood transfusions, and many treatment types in between. Polina’s daily rounds may include administering medication and fluid therapy, teaching other nurses how to properly gain intravenous access and PICC insertion, monitoring patient response to treatments, and coordinating the discontinuation of IV services with the medical team, patients, and their families. “I’ve been an IV nurse for a long time, but I continue to love my job every day.”
Polina didn’t start her nursing career at Northwell, but having been here for over a decade, she believes it’s the best place to continue to grow her nursing passion. “I plan on taking advantage of the tuition reimbursement benefit. I would like to go back to school soon to become a nurse practitioner.”
Northwell is proud of the skilled and patient centered care our teams of CRNAs and IV nurses deliver to our communities. Discover a career well cared for and raise your career expectations with a nursing career at Northwell Health.
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A wise leader once said, when a door opens, don’t be afraid to walk through it. Jennifer Tutone has had many doors open during her 27-year career journey at Northwell Health and she has walked through every one with encouragement from her leaders. Each time, the other side presented opportunity and growth and she continues to embrace new professional experiences at Northwell.
Today, Jennifer is an assistant director of Patient Care Services and Nursing Administration at Staten Island University Hospital with administrative oversight of the hospital inclusive of operational needs, staffing, and patient experience. However, her Northwell career journey began in 1994 as a behavioral health nurse at Zucker Hillside Hospital. During her career journey, she worked across many hospital sites at Northwell and held many roles such as staff nurse, clinical practice coordinator, ambulatory health nurse, assistant director for nursing, site transformation manager, nurse manager, director of information technology, corporate director of innovation, and director of nursing. “Working for Northwell Health has presented me with opportunities to follow my passion for patients and nursing,” says Jennifer.
Jennifer was offered many positions internally because of the skills she learned with each role and her desire to continue learning. There were certain projects she led which opened up doors to new skills and advancement opportunities in roles she never imagined. “What I have learned from each position is to be agile, I have increased my skillset for project management, increased my skillset to being able to acclimate to a role quickly, and I have embraced the organization’s culture to become successful.”
Along her career journey, she had many opportunities to expand her knowledge and grow her skills. Jennifer received tuition reimbursement from Northwell and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master in Public Health. In addition, with the support of her leadership team, Jennifer grew her leadership skills and became responsible for significant projects that impacted the way our organization cares for patients in and out of the hospital. Their encouragement and support created an atmosphere of caring and development which allowed Jennifer to soar to her highest potential. “I am grateful for all of the opportunities which have been presented to me, as they have created the clinician I am today,” Jennifer.
“I value the fact that I can still call Northwell “home” after working here for 27 years and I am incredibly grateful to the individuals I have met along my career journey. My Northwell family will always be special to me and I look forward to continuing to create relationships as my journey within the organization continues.”
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Westchester, known for outdoorsy fun and chic shopping hubs in the Hudson Valley, is also home to two award-winning hospitals, each recognized for the care they give and the positive work environment they provide Northwell Health employees: Phelps Hospital (Phelps) and Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH).
Located in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Phelps holds firm to a credence of going above and beyond medicine, taking into account not only an unwavering commitment to the community’s health, but also the well-being and support the staff needs to minister quality health care. “I would recommend Phelps to any nurse looking for change. You will be supported throughout every aspect of your career,” says Cecil Bonitto, registered nurse at Phelps Hospital. Phelps is proud to be listed by U.S. News and World Report as a High Performing Hospital and is honored for their numerous awards in cancer screening and care, among other highly coveted endorsements, none of which is made possible without the passionate workforce behind the services.
Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH), in Mount Kisco, N.Y., likewise praises its staff for two recent achievements: the designation of its Institute for Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC); and Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence for the third time. NWH’s commitment to improving the health of the people in the community is recognized by U.S. News and World Report with a ranking of #15 on its Best Regional Hospitals list. “I am surrounded by so many amazing individuals who give it their all, day in and day out,” says NWH emergency room nurse Samantha Miness. “It is truly remarkable to be among some of the best in providing care and comfort to our community.”
Both facilities continuously seek ways to create and promote a workplace that inspires the good work they’re known for. Never was this a more pressing need than during the height of the pandemic, when each hospital created a wellness garden as an oasis for employee reflection. These sanctuaries bring the vibe of nature and local community into the hospital setting while providing sources of nourishment for patients and employees. They also serve as a place for personal growth through opportunities to learn about horticulture. “It’s a great and friendly work environment,” says Natalia Avendano, a NHW patient care associate. “It feels like family, and there is always room for growth.”
These two highly regarded, state-of-the-art hospitals factor into Northwell Health’s recognition as a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®. Northwell is also devoted to creating an environment that is open to all, where everyone feels like they belong, regardless of their background. In fact, Northwell welcomes the sharing of diverse ideas and voices, which sparks innovation in medicine and care. “I was encouraged to continue my education and I received financial assistance with the Nursing Promise Program offered by Phelps,” says Phelps registered nurse Karla Vallejo.
Both Phelps and NWH embody all that Northwell aims to be: pioneers in both medicine and employee experience. The hospitals strive to impact the quality of life of everyone in the community — whether they live, work or visit Westchester.
So when you think of quality healthcare in Westchester County, you should also think of Northwell Health.
Explore nursing opportunities and discover a career well cared for by taking a look at available Nursing and Nursing Support Roles at Phelps and NWH .
Register for our Northern Westchester Hospital Virtual Nursing Event on Oct 20th
Register for our Phelps Hospital Virtual Nursing Event on Oct 21st
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At Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC) in Riverhead, NY, registered nurses won’t just find a rewarding career in the OR, they will find the opportunity to help serve their communities.
There has never been a better time to join the PBMC team. We are proud to be certified by the Joint Commission in Total Hip Replacement and Total Knee Replacement Surgery and are always seeking advancements that improve patient experience. As our 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 hospital stays.
Discover five reasons why our OR nurses love working at PBMC.
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 Northwell so our team members can grow their careers while delivering compassionate and innovate care for our patients.
Salone Ayala, BSN, RN, is the perfect example of a career well cared for at PBMC. “I enjoy working at PBMC because there is room for professional growth, and it is encouraged. I started my career as an LPN and I have gone on to complete my RN, an OR fellowship, and this past year my BSN.”
As PBMC grows, so does the ability to expand care to the community. In an effort to provide the best care for our patients and their families, we are building a seventh OR and purchasing a second Da Vinci Robot that will expand services in Advanced Thoracic, GYN and Colorectal procedures. Our remodeling efforts have also recently focused on our patient areas and waiting rooms, which is expected to be completed shortly.
PBMC is located on the east end of Long Island and is neighbored by miles and miles of sandy ocean beaches, world-renowned campsites, and unique specialty shops. As part of a self-care regimen, you may find some staff taking in the views and exploring the local cuisine during their breaks and time off. Nestled near downtown Riverhead – a town known for ease of access to several cultural and recreational hot spots – Peconic Bay Medical Center offers plenty of options to relax before or after the work day.
Our OR nurses work closely with the surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff who provide care on a wide range of surgical procedures. Largely in part of the incredible synergy within our OR team, PBMC has received a Level III Trauma Center verification from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma.
At PBMC, we know how important it is to educate our patients as they prepare to rejoin their communities and readjust to their lives post-surgery. That’s why we provide resources for our patients prior to the hospital experience to help ease their concerns and ensure smooth recoveries after they leave to minimize postoperative discomfort.
Discover a career well cared for at Peconic Bay Medical Center. Explore our OR nursing opportunities today!
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It’s not often that we’re faced with taking on challenges on a global scale such as was the case with the pandemic. In moments such as those, it’s important to pull together to raise each other. That is exactly what employees at Northwell Health did. They raised health, raised communities, and through it all they raised each other.
A simple thank you wasn’t enough. Northwell wanted to celebrate and thank all employees for their courage, determination and dedication throughout the pandemic and every day. Northwell Celebrates was launched as a multi-faceted token of appreciation. It is a series of events, activities and experiences curated for the enjoyment of employees and their families throughout the year.
Included in these activities are pop-up gratitude stations at various Northwell facilities where executive leaders from across the health system participate to give their personal thanks and offer a well-being gift box to employees. David Gill, assistant vice president of Employee Experience, was among the leadership present at the Syosset Hospital gratitude pop-up. David says, “It’s a way for us to provide in-person recognition and appreciation for the work our team members continue to do every day to make Northwell a great place to work and receive care.”
Inside each gift box are essentials to self-care such as a candle, a weekly reflection journal, a mindfulness coloring book with colored pencils, among other items. Such a gift was not taken lightly by employees like Elise Yan, lead lab technologist at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, who took to Facebook: “Thank you Northwell LIJ Forest Hills! Love it, can’t wait to start using them!”
Other events are planned throughout the summer, like drive-in family movie nights, a family fun book, concerts and an invitation to have six free chef-prepared meals from Freshly delivered directly to employees’ homes. The Freshly deliveries were a huge hit, with employees like Audrey McCullough, assistant director of patient care services for the Division of Nursing, who hopped on social media to say, “Thanks, Northwell, you really have my heart. Just received my 6 free and healthy, chef-cooked meals delivered right to my doorstep by Freshly!!”
At Northwell, all employees are valued and their hard work never goes unnoticed.
Discover a career well cared for at Northwell Health.
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There is a trademark characteristic that ties our Northwell home health aides (HHA) together: a deeply ingrained passion in caring for others. Often inspired by personal experiences, home health aides step up to provide at-home care for patients who cannot care for themselves. In such an intimate setting, relationships are built with the patients and their families who rely on the compassion our HHAs always bring.
Jeanette Mazzilli, home health aide with Northwell Health, says that one of the factors behind her decision to become an HHA was her own desire for a compassionate aide to help out at home with her father a few years ago. “While caring for my dad when he was ill, I realized that being a home health aide was a great career path for me. I took the free training course with Northwell Health and now enjoy helping my patients get better.”
Fellow home health aide of 13 years Sandra Chin also touts her own family as her source for inspiration: “My aunt Daisy was an HHA and I watched her care for her patients like they were her own family. When she became ill herself, I stepped up to care for her and loved doing it so much that I turned it into a career.” Sandra joined Northwell in 2019 and has found it to be a company like no other, providing support and training every step of the way.
A career as a home health aide is multi-faceted. Never a dull moment as you coordinate patient care with a team of nurses. Each unique patient comes with their own care plan and needs, and Northwell provides the training to meet those needs and assist the patient on a path to better health. “The RN who taught the course was a great instructor who answered all of our questions. I learned about patient care, safety, HIPPA compliance, and received many other home care instructions that prepared me for my role,” Jeanette says. When asked about the training course, Sandra Chin added, “The course is three weeks long, but very informative, and one of the best things is that I met some wonderful people.”
A day in the life of a home health aide can involve going over the patient’s care plan with the patient and their family, taking note of the patient’s progress. Sometimes the patient’s care plan requires monitoring their intake of medication, preparing meals, taking patients for walks, and assisting them with daily tasks. It’s a gratifying career according to Sandra: “The fulfillment I feel at the end of every shift when someone says, ‘thank you for being here’, makes it all worthwhile.”
That rewarding feeling continues outside of the patients’ homes because our home health aides know that Northwell Health is full of opportunities to raise their career expectations. Jeanette views her HHA position as the start to a long-term career in healthcare. “I have plans to expand my career at Northwell Health. This position has enabled me to use my natural compassion and incorporate new skills learned on the job so that I can grow.” Sandra agrees, saying that benefits at Northwell Health like tuition reimbursement, free training, and leaders who mentor you along the way create, “an environment and atmosphere that fosters the growth and development of its employees’ both career-wise and personally.”
HHAs are hands on as they play point person between patients and nurses which makes this role one of the best in healthcare to have a direct impact in the community. Jeanette recalls one particular instant early on in her career that stays with her to this day: “My most memorable moment was when a family member told the nurse assigned to my patient that they were relieved to have me in their lives. One day, I had noticed that the patient’s blood pressure was low and he seemed disoriented so I contacted the RN for immediate medical assistance. The family was grateful for my ability to keep calm and keep the patient stable while medical services arrived.” Sandra likens the role to being “an anchor” for patients and families going through a challenging time. Whether she’s serving breakfast, arranging transportation, or joining her patient on medical appointments Sandra says, “It gives me a sense of satisfaction I wouldn’t give up for any other job.”
If you’re ready to raise your career expectations as a home health aide with Northwell Health, apply now. A career well cared for is waiting for you.
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Seeing the Northwell Health Nurse Choir on America’s Got Talent reinforces what so many Northwell employees believe: Northwell is a place that is open to our endeavors be they personal or professional.
These nurses did not know each other prior to forming the choir but found it easy to make a connection through the power of music and a common passion for nursing at Northwell. Joining their voices from across the health system, the Northwell Health Nurse Choir aimed to inspire America – and they have!
“I still cannot believe that I am part of this experience and I have the honor of representing nurses on a national stage. I hope that the joy we show when performing is felt by healthcare providers and anyone else watching us. I hope that the hope we feel when singing can be hope for those watching too, and that everyone can feel our message: that we have survived a dark time together and we are moving into a hopeful next chapter,” says Winnie Mele, director of perioperative services at Plainview Hospital.
The decision to represent Northwell on the national stage was a chance they seized. They knew that the backing from Northwell would be there because of the organization’s commitment to uplifting their employees and the communities served.
Emanuel Remilus, registered nurse, Cohen Children’s Medical Center (CCMC), appreciates having the health system behind them citing, “Northwell provided a place where we could take precautions to be protected from COVID and practice together. That was the first time we met each other in person, and it was magic – our voices and personalities came together like we had known each other for years. We come from different towns, hospitals and backgrounds, which is great because it gives us diversity in our sound and an opportunity to learn from each other.”
Fellow choir member and registered nurse, Julieta Hernandez, who works at CCMC, adds, “If we hadn’t had a place to get together and practice singing together, I don’t know that we would have been so successful. Northwell also supported us by giving us time to practice and resources for choreography and vocals. It’s been a great experience because of this support!”
Northwell is a workplace where you don’t feel like you’re checking your personal life at the door in exchange for your professional life. It’s more like walking into your shift with extended family. With initiatives such as the BERGs (business employee resource groups) that bridge our external and internal communities, promoting growth and learning opportunities with a tuition reimbursement program, and the championing of employee interests, such as the nurse choir, an employee’s whole self is embraced into the organization.
That feeling of knowing that your interests are welcomed and supported is something that is sensed from the ground up. Fellow nurse choir member, Gaelle Clesca, pediatric nurse practitioner, Cohen Children’s Medical Center, affirms this: “This opportunity is evidence that Northwell supports its own.” You’ll even hear it often from our President and CEO Michael Dowling: “Our Northwell family pulls together to support one another.”
Be sure to catch our nurses during the live quarterfinal rounds of America’s Got Talent this August! AGT airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. eastern on NBC.
If you’re inspired by the passion that our Northwell Health Nurse Choir has for bringing joy to others, join our team of 18,000+ nurses and discover a career well cared for. Explore nursing opportunities here.
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Christine Kippley, chief nursing officer (CNO), started her nursing career journey in Chicago, Illinois as a staff nurse on a medical surgical unit. She obtained her MBA at Loyola University and soon became a nurse manager. Christine managed both a medical surgical unit and an outpatient diabetes center where she became a certified diabetes educator. In 2010 she moved to New York where her first job was as a nurse manager at Plainview Hospital on the medical oncology unit, and later she transferred to Huntington Hospital to manage their medical surgical unit.
In 2013 Christine was selected for Northwell’s high potential program and became a Beginnings new hire orientation facilitator, where she obtained her nurse executive certification. From here, she earned a great opportunity to be the director of case management at Huntington Hospital before being selected to lead nursing at Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC) as its chief nursing officer.
PBMC, which is located on Long Island’s beautiful east end, is a team of nearly 1,500 caring professionals who are delivering healthcare to Riverhead and the surrounding communities in Suffolk County and Eastern Long Island.
We learned more from Christine about what makes Peconic Bay Medical Center so unique for nursing and a wide variety of careers.
The nursing team at Peconic Bay is inclusive of both experienced and novice nurses. This provides a great environment for learning. Over the past few years, PBMC has added many new opportunities for nurses with experience and those new to the profession as we are experiencing significant growth. As our services have grown, our nurses have spread their wings and have been offered new opportunities in the Cath lab, PACU, OB, ED and leadership. Many of our nurses in these specialty areas started at PBMC on the medical surgical or telehealth units.
Our nursing councils provide a platform for our nurses and leadership to share information and be involved in decision making. The councils are comprised of nurses from each unit in our facility. We are well on our way to achieving nursing excellence and pursuing Magnet status. We were one of the 16 Northwell facilities that recently achieved American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Practice Transition Accreditation Program accreditation with distinction for our nurse residency program. Many of our nurses are currently enrolled in BSN and MSN programs and certification is highly encouraged.
One example is our recent application and acceptance to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Age Friendly facility initiative. This program will provide a framework for us to care for our most vulnerable and largest population. Another example is our oncology services expanding to the east end, and with that, we have designated one unit for our oncology patients. Educational opportunities are provided to the nurses staffing this area to care for this special population.
One of the best things about working at PBMC is the friendly community feel of the hospital. Being a smaller community hospital there are endless opportunities to explore new things and get involved.
My advice to any new nurse is to just say YES to any opportunity, both clinical and educational, that comes your way. Don’t be afraid! Every experience will help you grow and prepare you for the next step, wherever that may lead you!
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Anthony Bracco started his Northwell career four years ago as a registered nurse for adult open-heart surgeries, but he would eventually answer the call to join the pediatric open-heart team at Cohen Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) at Northwell Health. When asked about the opportunity to become a pediatric cardiac operating room registered nurse he says, “I couldn’t say no to a chance to help the pediatric population in the specialty I love.”
Working in a pediatric OR often means participating in life-saving surgeries. “I have the privilege of leaving work every day knowing we not only saved the life of a very young patient, but we also relieved the stress on the family,” Anthony says. He’s also excited about CCMC’s new operating rooms, which will offer more families access to the care he and his fellow OR nurses are passionate about.
Anthony says the cardiac OR team runs so smoothly because they all share the same devotion to saving lives. Witnessing that level of teamwork inspired him to pursue this career path, recalling a specific moment in an OR: “It was incredible to watch the scrub nurse and the surgeon move in perfect synchronization to protect the patient from being on the heart-lung machine for an extended period of time. In that instant I knew I wanted to be a cardiac surgery nurse.”
Declaring the operating room “an incredible place to work because you provide immediate patient care and are always learning,” Anthony encourages any nurse considering an OR opportunity to go for it. “Whether it’s removing a tumor, fixing a congenital heart defect or bypassing clogged arteries, the direct outcome you can have on a patient is incredibly rewarding. There’s no better feeling than being able to help a neonatal, infant or pediatric patient by performing life-saving surgery.”
The days are busy, fast-paced and perfect for those looking to make an instant impact on patients’ lives. Anthony says the interdisciplinary teams he collaborates with at CCMC work in tandem, a manifestation of Northwell Health’s value of being Truly Together, which flows without ebb through the halls and ORs at the hospital.
From the moment Anthony joined the CCMC’s cardiac OR, he felt surrounded by professionals with the shared mission of delivering outstanding care to the youngest of patients, a “heartfelt” desire that’s not limited to the OR.
Support from Northwell doesn’t start and stop with your shift — it tracks with your personal and professional aspirations. Through the relationships built and the knowledge gained while working at Northwell, Anthony has felt inspired to continue his education; he’s now enrolled in a family nurse practitioner master’s degree program. CCMC has also granted him the space to innovate and share ideas by supporting his desire to conduct research. “Currently, I am working on a research project to increase communication and teamwork in the operating room by using white boards for communication.”
The nurses at CCMC are driven to excellence, passionate about having a direct and immediate impact in a young patient’s life, and selfless in regard to helping others — whether it’s colleagues or the patients they treat.
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“I have been working at Northwell Health for almost 28 years and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” says Edie Marden, assistant vice president of operations, Northwell Health Trauma Institute.
Edie’s Northwell career comprised many roles, starting in 1993 at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) as a registered nurse in the medical intensive care unit (MICU). She then transitioned to medical oncology where she advanced to become assistant nurse manager. With that leadership experience, she transitioned to nurse manager of various units at NSUH. She then progressed to become the assistant director of Department of Surgery, where she was responsible for quality management, and then assistant director of clinical services. Today she is an assistant vice president of the Trauma Institute and the Department of Surgery.
“My day-to-day role varies and that is what is exciting to me,” Edie says. In her current role, she directs the system-wide development, coordination and administration of the Trauma Institute along with its policies, guidelines, services and programs across the health system. She spends most of her time collaborating and guiding team members at each of Northwell’s seven trauma centers. “I focus on employee engagement to ensure the team gets the support and direction they need from leadership,” says Edie.
Northwell provides many opportunities for professional and personal growth. With Northwell’s support, Edie obtained her master’s in healthcare administration at Walden University. She continues to develop her skills and leadership by attending Northwell’s educational courses at the Center for Learning and Innovation (CLI) and served as a mentor for Northwell employees. “Northwell has been supportive throughout my career,” Edie says, noting encouragement by her leaders to attend national conferences — she was even a speaker at several events. “The support of leadership is paramount and having leaders I could talk to and get advice from has helped me achieve these goals.”
“I’ve had the opportunity to advance my career without having to leave Northwell,” says Edie. “There are so many avenues to explore and different roles to pursue.”
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In honor of Nurses Week, which Northwell Health is celebrating throughout May, we are highlighting some of our amazing nurses as they share stories about their careers, growth and experiences. Throughout her 36 years as a registered nurse at Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH), Diane Geraci has achieved both professional and personal growth.
Diane started her nursing career journey in 1985 as a graduate nurse at SIUH. “It was my favorite hospital to do the clinical rotations,” she says. From her first days at SIUH, she knew she would grow and learn within the same hospital.
“Northwell and SIUH have been very supportive of my growth,” Diane says of a career that’s included roles in rehab/orthopedic surgery, the operating room and ambulatory oncology.
Because continuing education is very important to Diane, leadership encouraged her to enroll in oncology certification courses and offered tuition reimbursement for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the College of Staten Island. “It took four years and a lot of hard work, and I graduated with a BSN—and all thanks to the ease of the program because of Staten Island University Hospital. I’m so thankful for their encouragement and financial support!”
Not only did Diane receive her BSN, she also obtained her nursing certification in oncology and immunotherapy to further her knowledge in her field.
In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey made a Category 4 landfall in Texas, devastating much in its path. Northwell quickly assembled a medical mission team to assist at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. When Diane received the email about the catastrophe, she immediately volunteered to go!
“MD Anderson Cancer Center needed oncology nurses who were certified and who had a chemotherapy/immunotherapy certification, and thanks to SIUH I was certified in both,” she says. “The MD Anderson staff was great to work with, and I met so many cancer patients from all around the world. This truly was one of the highlights of my career.”
When Diane and her team returned home—with indelible memories from the front lines of care—they were greeted with a dinner reception and the opportunity to meet Michael Dowling. “I thank these two hospitals for their generosity to the teams, and for Northwell helping out a devastated community in another state.”
Another unforgettable moment of Diane’s career at SIUH was winning Northwell’s ”Win it Wednesdays” contest, a weekly prize drawing hosted by Northwell’s internal communications team on the Northwell Life Facebook page. What made it unforgettable wasn’t just the fact she won—it was what happened next.
Diane’s prize was a lavender, official New York Rangers hockey jersey. The jersey was too big, so she wanted to give it to a hockey fan. Her floor and nurse manager alerted her that there was a teenage boy—a big Rangers fan—who wanted a jersey as part of his Make-A-Wish request. “He was being treated for lymphoma on the pediatric oncology unit, which was right next to my unit,” says Diane, who met the boy and gave him the jersey!
When the social workers within the unit heard about Diane’s gracious act, they reached out to the team and received box seat tickets for the patient’s family to attend a home game! “It was meant to be,” she says.
Reflecting on her fulfilling career, Diane says, “Northwell is a great place to work! I feel well supported and encouraged to continue my growth with nursing and create more memories.”
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In honor of Nurses Week, which Northwell Health is celebrating throughout May, we are highlighting some of our amazing nurses as they share stories about their careers, challenges, and experiences. Nicole Natale faced one of her greatest challenges early in her career and her experience on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic has shaped friendships, as well as her understanding of what it means to be a nurse.
Currently a registered nurse at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) in the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Nicole Natale began her career in 2017, as a nurse extern at Huntington Hospital. Nicole fell in love with critical care after experiencing the various facets of nursing care while floating from the emergency room and ICU, to the medical-surgical and pediatrics floors during nursing school.
As fate would have it, Nicole was invited to interview with the Neurosurgical ICU at NSUH shortly after losing her aunt to glioblastoma brain cancer just before graduation. The loss of her aunt to brain cancer left Nicole feeling like she was destined to work with neurosurgical patients.
After successfully landing her dream job at NSUH, Nicole’s budding career took an unexpected turn. After she finished the critical care fellowship orientation, the world was suddenly turned upside down as the COVID-19 pandemic began. Being a new graduate in a global pandemic was one of the most challenging obstacles Nicole has ever faced, but she credits the support of her coworkers, her managers, and Northwell leadership for making the experience less tumultuous. As Nicole put it, “Northwell made me feel safe, cared for, and supported, and I am forever grateful to work for this health system.”
Despite the incredible hardships, the experience was invaluable, as Nicole learned so much so quickly. Her coworkers became her role models and her support system as they leaned on one another to survive. “It was such a scary time for all of us. Working in a COVID unit feels like you’re in a battlefield. Working in these conditions brought my work team together and the bonds I have with my coworkers grew so strong that they are like family to me.”
It is this level of support that Nicole cites as one of the many reasons she would encourage anyone to work at Northwell given the opportunity. Examples of the support she receives from Northwell include career growth with clinical ladder and research committees and physical and mental well-being with things like the Lavender Room where staff can relax and unwind. Northwell is proud to advocate for its nurses and all of our team members, at every step of their journey.
Explore nursing opportunities and learn more about a career well cared for at a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®
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In honor of Nurses Week, which Northwell Health is celebrating all month long, we are sharing the stories of some of our incredible nurses and their inspirational journeys. For Nicole Martinez, she decided to become a nurse all because of a smile.
It all began when her mother was being cared for at Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJMC) for pancreatic cancer in 2005. Although her mother’s outcome was not the one Nicole’s family had hoped for, the amazing nurses, doctors and patient care assistants left a lasting impression. The day Nicole was told her mother only had one week to live, she walked into the room expecting tears but instead found her mother smiling with her nurse. Reflecting on that moment, Nicole says, “To this day I do not know what that nurse said to make her smile, but I remember thinking here is a 46-year-old woman who was just told she was going to die…and someone made her smile.” That moment and that smile was what led Nicole to become a nurse so that she too could help others find comfort during the most difficult time in their lives.
After her mother passed away, Nicole needed to pause her education to help support her family, so she took a position as a receptionist at LIJMC where she worked for two years before applying and being accepted to nursing school. With the support of Northwell, her manager, and her coworkers, Nicole was able to continue working full time while attending school full time with support from Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program. Her determination and hard work paid off when she graduated with her Associate Degree in Nursing and began working as a registered nurse on the same floor where she was a receptionist. But she wasn’t finished yet. Nicole went on to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, once again aided by tuition reimbursement and encouragement from Northwell. But she still wasn’t finished. After transferring to the Ambulatory Surgery Unit, (ASU), Nicole again set her sights a little higher and completed her master’s degree. She was then promoted to her current role of assistant nurse manager.
About her amazing accomplishments, Nicole says, “Northwell gave me the opportunities, the strength, the financial support, and the courage that I needed to attain my goals. I tell everyone to this day if you want it, there is no excuse. Thank you Northwell for the past 15 years. Because of you, I am who I am today!”
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National Nurses Week is here and at Northwell Health we are celebrating every moment of it. In fact, we will be celebrating all month long to honor our 18,000+ nurses across Long Island, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island and Westchester. After a year unlike any other, we are stronger today because of our registered nurses’ commitment to raising the standard of care in the communities where we live, love and belong. And as we reflect on the selfless individuals the whole world considers heroes, it fills our hearts with gratitude to call these incredible men and women our colleagues, our friends, our family, and our neighbors.
During Nurses Week, Northwell has many activities planned to honor our nurses including, virtual cooking classes, blessing of the hands, award ceremonies, wellness initiatives such as yoga and wellness retreats, among other activities.
“Endless opportunities to shoot for the stars.”
“I love working as a nurse with Northwell because its more than a job, it’s a family. The support, the encouragement, the camaraderie, and the overall feeling that you are part of a team making a difference in people’s lives.”
“There are so many opportunities for a nurse at Northwell. Follow your passion and seek new challenges.”
“The fact that I’ve been a nurse at LIJ Medical Center since 1980, way before it was Northwell, speaks of my trust and dedication!”
“I love being a nurse at Northwell because I have the pleasure of working and meeting people with diverse backgrounds to improve the health of our communities.”
“Being a Northwell nurse is like having a second family and a home. Great teamwork, support, a safe place to work and my voice is heard. I like Northwell’s values and commitment to our patients and community.”
“I love being a Northwell nurse because I work with a great interdisciplinary team. Northwell supports my career advancement and continuing education.”
“Compassion amongst team members to provide the best care possible for our patients.”
“I love the ability to work in all different areas of nursing and be able to stay with a system who supports me.”
“I work with a phenomenal group of nurses who never hesitate to help one another, and who I consider to be my friends. We’ve all been working away on the COVID floor, staying strong for our patients and each other.”
“Because you come to realize at some point in your career that nurses are a powerful group that can affect and guide change. Our patients and our communities deserve the voice we can give them.”
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As National Skilled Nursing Care Week is approaching, Northwell Health would like to recognize the dedicated and compassionate care of our skilled nursing care facilities. Our skilled nurses and certified nurse assistants provide the highest quality care to patients requiring both long-term and short-term care.
As a registered nurse, Alice’s role is to educate her patients and their families about her patient’s health and help discuss their plan of care. “My work experience with Orzac has been very rewarding,” says Alice. “The compassion and support from the nursing managers and nursing staff I feel is what makes us a great team and contributes to the excellent care we strive to provide.”
Working as a registered nurse at Orzac, Courtney not only takes care of rehab patients but she is also a long-term care and hospice nurse. Her daily responsibilities involve wound care, pain management, patient and family advocacy, safe medication administration, and patient safety. She is a proud nurse who loves her job and finds it very rewarding. “You are more than just a nurse,” says Courtney. “You are your patient’s and their family’s sense of comfort–their educator and ears. The profession is not easy by any means but being able to assist and support people through what is the most difficult time of their life is what’s beyond rewarding.”
As a registered nurse, Nina believes her patient’s physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing is priority. She performs an age-specific plan of care based on the individual needs of each patient. Within her first year working as a new nurse during a global pandemic, Nina was supported by her team through every step. “Working together as a team and effective communication are the essentials for providing quality health care and safety.”
As a certified nurse assistant, Donna’s role is to provide the patient with the most dignifying care, and assist with their Activities of Daily Living to help them feel strong and confident enough to return to their community. “Working in my facility is extremely rewarding because I gain new perspective on aging. I also get an opportunity to interact with patients daily during a difficult time in their lives when they are away from their family and in a new environment,” says Donna. “I try my best every day to make this tough experience as easy and rewarding for the patient as I can.”
Working as a certified nurse assistant, Andrea provides compassionate care to her patients. Her responsibilities include direct patient care and putting a smile on their face! Her favorite thing about her job is her team who go the extra mile for their patients. “I find working at my facility rewarding because my team is pleasant and competent and I have professional, caring managers,” says Donna.
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Working in an operating room means being on the forefront of innovation and technology to deliver exceptional care to patients in their most vulnerable times. That’s why South Shore University Hospital (SSUH) is expanding its operating rooms and opening new areas, such as a Women’s Health Pavilion, to support patients before, during and after their surgery. It’s an exciting time to join their OR team and take advantage of new opportunities for registered nurses and surgical technologists with OR or OB/GYN experience.
With the opening of the Women’s Health Pavilion comes two new operating rooms at SSUH that will host all our OB/GYN surgeries, including robotic surgery and women’s health related surgeries such as breast surgery and plastic reconstructions. These services are supplementing the already exceptional surgical care our OR team delivers in bariatric surgery, colorectal surgery, surgical oncology and more.
The constant innovation of our surgical services also means continued growth for the OR team members at SSUH. Team members have the opportunity to take advantage of career resources from Northwell Health, such as training at our Center for Learning & Innovation or tuition reimbursement for those looking to expand their education. With support from Northwell, our OR team has the potential to do amazing things, and Nicholl Gonzalez, manager of patient care in the operating room at SSUH, is a shining example of what’s possible at Northwell.
Nicholl started her career as a certified surgical technologist at LIJ Valley Stream before becoming a registered nurse and entering our Perioperative Nurse Fellowship Program. “Northwell Health gave me the best opportunity by accepting me into the Perioperative Fellowship Program,” says Nicholl. “Even though I worked in the OR as a surgical tech prior to becoming a registered nurse, my fellowship gave me the confidence I needed as a new grad. I also love the team I work with at South Shore. The entire perioperative team always take care of each other and really know the true meaning of teamwork”
From there, Nicholl’s OR career continued to grow, being promoted to nurse manager at SSUH where she is leading the operating room team through this exciting expansion.
In addition to operating rooms, the brand-new Women’s Health Pavilion will include a new lobby entrance into our Labor & Delivery unit, new labor and postpartum rooms, and a state-of-the-art NICU.
Take a look at what these exciting new areas will look like at SSUH:
Discover a career well cared for in an organization committed to the growth and innovation of our team members and facilities. Apply to South Shore University Hospital’s OR team today!
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During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Maureen Hayes, an ICU registered nurse at South Shore University Hospital (SSUH), proposed a brilliant idea of knitting pairs of hearts for COVID patients and their families. One of the hearts would be given to a patient and the other to a family member, allowing them to feel connected although they are apart. She brought the idea to nursing leadership who thought her idea embodied Northwell’s value of being Truly Compassionate and was excited to see it come to life. This was the beginning of the Connected Hearts Project.
Both Maureen and her assistant manager, Andrea Freudenberg, were excited about the Connected Hearts Project but needed help getting started. That’s when Andrea reached out to the community for help in creating as many “connected hearts” as possible. Andrea was already a member of the Facebook group ‘The Islip’s Feed Southside Hospital Employees’ and during the height of COVID, their members donated money and ordered from local restaurants to help feed the staff at South Shore University Hospital, formally known as Southside Hospital. She knew this group would be more than willing to lend a hand with this effort.
The response was overwhelming. The outpouring of love and a united community was incredible. Once the hearts began to pour in, the team members in the ICU were able to distribute them.
“Since its launch in April 2020, our Connected Hearts Project has taken on a life of its own,” says Andrea. The Connected Hearts Group at SSUH has monthly meetings with ICU nurses who continue to come up with ideas to support and comfort their patients. This group not only distributes hearts to COVID patients and families but also to other families who are unable to see their loved ones.
The Connected Hearts Project is still new, but it has created a positive impact on our community, patients, families, and our team members. Members of the Facebook group have commented: “It helped me to feel useful during tough times” and “I was happy to be a part of this project.” SSUH team members have also commented that they love having the ability to provide family with a connection to their loved ones.
At Northwell Health, we’re dedicated to supporting team members’ interests above and beyond their day-to-day responsibilities. It allows team members to be creative while delivering compassionate care to their patients and partnering with the community.
Raise Health in our communities where we live, love and work. Apply today!
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Career growth means different things to different people. At Northwell Health, we support all our team members’ career growths and aspirations, whether they are growing in their current role, taking their career on a different path, or expanding their skills with continued education. Meet Colleen McKenna who experienced her own career growth at Northwell that began as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and continued in nursing.
Her Northwell career began in 2015 as an EMT, where Colleen developed skills to stabilize and transport patients who are in need of emergency medical care. Within a year, she completed a paramedic program at Northwell Health’s Center for Learning and Innovation and was promoted into a new role as a paramedic.
As both an EMT and paramedic, Colleen was exposed to direct patient care that inspired her to pursue a nursing career. From that time, she knew that she wanted to provide those skills to her community. “I have always been the type of person that wants to help others and make a difference,” says Colleen.
As Colleen’s determination and passion for patient care grew, she received much support from her leaders to pursue her interest in nursing. She enrolled in prerequisites for a nursing program and was able to continue to work as a paramedic while going to school. With the support of Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program, Colleen obtained her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. As her education journey continues, Colleen was accepted into the Farmingdale State College nursing program. “The support from leadership has been amazing. My direct supervisor checks in with me frequently to ensure I am on the right path to achieve my career goals.”
This upcoming December, Colleen will be completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and is looking forward to becoming a registered nurse at Northwell. “Northwell Health is a great company to work for because the opportunity for growth is endless and the health system provides you with all of the necessary tools to help you achieve your goals.”
Discover a career well cared for at Northwell Health. Apply today!
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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.
“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!
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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