CNO Corner – A conversation with Susan Knoepffler

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What makes working at Huntington Hospital so unique?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can someone get into a nursing research career?

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

Why should nurses want to work at Northwell Health?

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

What career advice do you have for nurses?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why should you join us? Here are eight reasons:

1. South Shore University Hospital provides growth and development

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. Marine continues to protect our communities as a registered nurse

For Brian Uster, a medical/surgical registered nurse at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH), nursing was the perfect next step after serving as a U.S. Marine.

“I always felt the urge to help others,” says Brian. “That is why I first joined the Marine Corps and volunteered with the Fire Department. Healthcare allows you the opportunity to directly affect other people in a good way.”

Brian served six years in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) as a foreign security force adviser where he helped train and educate foreign militaries while working through interpreters when necessary. He also served as an anti-tank missile-man before being honorably discharged as a Sergeant.

After his service with the Marines, Brian knew that nursing was the next way he could continue to help and protect his community. For Brian, Northwell Health was also the perfect place to pursue this next mission. “I chose Northwell because of the reputation this system has. Northwell has high standards and expects nothing but the best from their employees,” says Brian. “It’s also very veteran friendly. At Northwell, I’ve found a comfortable environment with many different career paths and opportunities.”

And Brian’s experience in the Marines taught him many lessons that he takes with him every day to the hospital. Beyond the reinforcement of the importance of teamwork and commitment, being responsible for creating, managing, and implementing training also provided Brian with leadership skills he uses today as a nurse. But for Brian, one of the most important abilities he gained was the knowledge of how to work in any situation, with anyone. “In the Marines, I learned to work under pressure and in extreme environments,” says Brian. “Working as a foreign security force adviser also taught me how to work with people with all different backgrounds.”

Today, the teamwork Brian experienced in the Marines is something he still feels within his team at NSUH. “I love the environment and the people I work with,” says Brian. “Whenever one of us falls behind, the other nurses help out right away.”

Discover your next mission at Northwell Health. Learn about our commitment to veterans here.

Cardiovascular professionals at Northwell Health never miss a beat

Cardiovascular professionals at Northwell Health work diligently every day to keep our patients’ hearts healthy and strong. Whether they are technologists, EKG or monitor technicians, supervisors, registered nurses or another role, their hard work provides outstanding patient care that creates a positive impact in our community.

Meet some of our cardiovascular professionals:

Maryann Colacino Boland, MSN, CNL, CCRN, CVRN, Registered Nurse, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Huntington Hospital

As a nurse in a Cath Lab, Maryann assists in performing diagnostic and interventional procedures through continuous patient monitoring, and administration of medications, and patient education. “My absolute favorite aspect of working as a cardiovascular professional at Northwell is how we are as a team,” says Maryann.  “We are cohesive, committed to one purpose with a  bond that enables us to always optimize our patient outcomes. In addition, we serve our community by providing emergency care 24 hours a day, to prevent life-changing, long-lasting heart disease.”

Suvada Louthan, RN, CV-BC, Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Interventional Recovery Room, Long Island Jewish Medical Center

Suvada has grown into her role as a registered nurse in both the Cath Lab and the Recovery Suite for eight and a half years at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. In her role, she works in the lab for scheduled and emergent procedures and works in recovery for the pre- and post-patient experience. “Working in the lab can be very exciting,” says Suvada.  “Professionally, there is instant gratification when we are in the lab, a vessel is opened, and the patient is no longer having severe chest pain. I am always learning and growing as a professional. It is so rewarding to contribute to the health and wellness of our patients both acutely in the lab and by teaching in the recovery room.”

Michael Kleinschmidt, Supervisor, Cardiac Services, North Shore University Hospital

As a supervisor in Cardiac Services, Michael’s role consists of the day-to-day operation and staffing of the technologists in the Cath Lab, along with scheduling, training, and maintaining equipment quality. “My favorite thing about working as a cardiovascular professional is being able to help people and make a difference in their lives,” says Michael. “Working in healthcare can be one of the most rewarding career choices there is. I consider myself very fortunate to work in a field that is always changing and growing with new technologies, capabilities and ideas.” Michael feels the impact of cardiovascular professionals on the community is indescribable. “The service we provide to the community is second to none. Not only do we help during their procedure, but we can often help post procedure.”

Leslie Pierre, Lead Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist, Adult Cardiac Cath Lab, Long Island Jewish Medical Center

As an invasive cardiovascular technologist, Leslie helps greet patients, set them up in the room and explain procedures. His role includes operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting a variety of diagnostic and invasive equipment. Cardiovascular technologists are tasked with maintaining a sterile field while preparing the table and equipment before and during procedures. “I feel the work we do in the Cath Lab can change our patients’ outlook on their health,” says Leslie.  “We have seen patients take that mindset back to their family and friends and become the foundation for them to want to be aware of their cardiac health as well.”

Kathi Augeri, Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT), Huntington Hospital

Working as an invasive cardiovascular technologist in the Cath Lab, Kathi works closely with physicians to examine and treat patients with cardiac diseases. She circulates, supports, and assists all aspects of invasive cardiology. “My favorite thing about working as a CVT is being a part of a talented team of individuals who can literally fix a broken heart. The satisfaction that comes along with helping someone get through a nerve-wracking experience is immeasurable,” says Kathi.

Patricia Soriano, DNP, RN, MSN, APRN-BC, Manager, Patient Care, Cardiac Cath Lab, Northern Westchester Hospital

Recently opening in September 2020, the Cardiac Cath/EP Lab in Northern Westchester Hospital is a great addition to Northwell. Patricia was initially tasked with opening the lab and developing all aspects related to operations.  “The impact on our community has been significant in that our patients can now obtain this care closer to home,” says Patricia.  “Additionally, with the implementation of our STEMI program, they can receive emergent treatment at their doorstep, saving time and cardiac muscle.” Patricia explained that her team’s favorite thing about working as a cardiovascular professional is the ability to deliver quality cardiac care utilizing advanced technology to  patients and achieving great outcomes.

Join our team of hearty cardiovascular professionals.

Northwell nurse newlyweds deliver heartfelt care to our community

When Vanessa Baral, BSN, RN, and Herwyn Silva, BSN, RN, CEN, first met over a decade ago, their shared nursing experience helped them to bond. Today, their love for nursing—now as Northwell employees—continues to complement their love for each other as they begin their married life together.

Though they work in separate Northwell hospitals and units, Vanessa in the ICU at LIJ Forest Hills and Herwyn in the Emergency Department at Lenox Hill Hospital, they appreciate how their shared profession helps them to understand each other on a different level. This unique insight became especially valued as they both cared for COVID-19 patients at their hospitals at the start of the pandemic last March.

“Both of us being RNs is very comforting, especially in these different times. In the ICU and ED, we work with some of the sickest patients and see things most people don’t see or go through,” says Herwyn. “Having that support person at home who knows what you go through at work is very comforting.” Vanessa agrees adding, “We can support each other whenever we have a rough day at work or at home knowing that we have been there and that we are doing it together.”

Hoda Kotb officiates Herwyn and Vanessa’s socially distant wedding live on the Today Show

And while they delivered care to our patients during this unprecedented time, Vanessa and Herwyn also made the difficult decision to put their wedding plans, originally scheduled for May 17, 2020, on hold to ensure the safety of their family and loved ones. Life, however, had other plans in store for them. In a celebration of their work as healthcare heroes on the front-lines, Vanessa and Herwyn were given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their wedding ceremony live on the Today Show on June 25th, 2020, ordained by Hoda Kotb herself.

After their wedding, they continued to deliver compassionate patient care and today they also serve in another role as nurses: working at our vaccination sites. Distributing vaccines allows them to deliver hope to patients in the form of a brighter tomorrow while working side-by-side.

“Distributing vaccines is an upbeat and happy moment we share with the community and a break from the difficult situations we sometimes deal with in the ICU and ED,” says Herwyn. “We vaccinated people who were looking forward to finally being able to see grandchildren, to essential workers and group home residents. These moments, full with nerves for some, are also filled with moments of hope and happiness.”

“The past year has been rough for everyone but being a duo has made it easier,” says Vanessa. “From working the frontlines as nurses, getting married live on tv during a pandemic, and now vaccinating our communities, we are happy to share our story with people to just spread joy in times when it feels more needed than ever.”

Discover a career well cared for in the community where you live, love and belong. Apply to Northwell Health today!

Northwell nurses deliver care at Henry Ford Health System as part of strategic alliance to fight COVID-19

When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit New York, nurses from around the country came to New York to fight on the front-lines alongside our healthcare heroes. Now as the pandemic surges in other states, the nurses at Northwell are returning that same support.

Recently Northwell Health sent 12 intensive care and medical-surgical nurses to Michigan-based Henry Ford Health System to help the clinicians as they cared for a rising number of patients in their system suffering from COVID. This staff-sharing initiative occurred as part of a newly formed strategic alliance between the health systems. In addition to staff-sharing, this alliance allows for collaborative emergency planning and an exchange of best practices, all in an effort to strengthen our ability to fight the new coronavirus and support the health and well-being of our communities.

Northwell’s intensive care and medical-surgical nurses are the first to participate in staff-sharing under this alliance, volunteering for the program to share their knowledge, skills, and provide a boost of morale and support to the nurses currently delivering care during a resurgence of COVID-19.

Fritz-Gerald Lochard, executive program director with the HR Office of the Chief People Officer, first saw the benefits of staff-sharing when he became directly involved with the clinicians who came to support our health system last spring from University of Rochester Medical Center and Intermountain Health in Utah. When he was offered the opportunity to lead the group of nurses on deployment to Michigan, he accepted immediately.

“I felt it was my duty to ensure that our Northwell nurses would have everything they needed while they were leaving their own families behind for a couple of weeks to help save lives,” says Fritz-Gerald. “The entire experience for me personally was a remarkable one for a number of reasons. The individuals at Henry Ford were spectacular and made sure that the nurses and myself had everything we needed to be successful while we were there. The administrative team and staff we all encountered were welcoming and supportive.”

The importance of strategic alliances has only become more apparent throughout the pandemic. As the disease spread, many health systems were severely impacted by staff shortages to support their clinical needs. Staff-sharing not only provides a way to increase staffing in a crisis quickly and efficiently, but provides vital knowledge sharing in an unprecedented time and a boost of morale for both teams.

“Deploying to Henry Ford Health System was extremely rewarding,” says Gina Zinzi, BSN, RN-BC, an ICU nurse at Northern Westchester Hospital. “It felt great to assist a fellow healthcare team who needed an extra set of hands. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

“I was so excited to be asked to go to Michigan and help out fellow nurses, knowing how much it meant to my ICU when we had nurses from out of state volunteer to come help us,” says Marisa Allen, a registered nurse in Interventional Radiology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center who was asked to deploy due to her ICU background. “The staff at Henry Ford Hospital was so welcoming and it was a great experience getting to work at their facility.”

To Fritz-Gerald, strategic alliances like this only serve as proof that our organization is willing to exhaust all options to ensure those on the front-lines had the support they needed day in and day out. “I think in the environment that we are in now with COVID, it can only assist us in how we deliver care to our respective communities while making our organizations innovative and agile,” says Fritz-Gerald. “I truly learned a lot and I would recommend anyone who has the opportunity to visit another health system to take it!”

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

Growing as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Northwell Health

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) are an invaluable part of our patient care teams, safely administering anesthetics to patients in our operating rooms. Whether they’re delivering anesthesia inside hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, obstetric units, or outpatient clinics, CRNAs enjoy autonomy and an abundance of opportunity in their professional roles at Northwell Health.

One of our incredible CRNAs is Arlene del Mundo, senior nurse anesthetist at Lenox Hill Hospital (LHH) & Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital (MEETH).  Arlene was inspired to pursue nursing at a young age.

“My desire to pursue a career in nursing was influenced by my younger brother’s turbulent battle with leukemia. At the time, my youth prevented me from understanding the extent of his illness. However, I was able to recognize the impact of the nursing team that supported him throughout his treatment,” says Arlene. “The commitment of the nursing team serves as my inspiration to continuously improve healthcare.”

After seven years of oncology and critical care nursing, Arlene pursued a career as a CRNA, seeking a higher degree and more autonomy. Her Northwell journey started in 2019 as a nurse anesthetist at LHH and MEETH where she provided an impactful anesthetic experience to patients during their most vulnerable moments. Now in her current role as senior nurse anesthetist, she enjoys being in a position to leverage the lessons learned throughout her career to provide quality patient care and innovative change in healthcare.

This opportunity came sooner than anticipated with the COVID-19 pandemic surging in New York City shortly after her promotion. To help with the new needs, Arlene transitioned her usual responsibilities to lead the CRNA COVID-19 intubation team and otherCRNAs, and to collaborate with intensive care units to provide advance clinical care at LHH.

“Numerous challenges were faced as we had never seen a pandemic of this magnitude,” says Arlene. “Fortunately, teamwork and dedication permitted beneficial improvisations and the process of resolving these challenges has provided greater insight into the fundamentals of effective leadership.” The experience of pandemic and her role of leadership throughout impacted Arlene, inspiring her to begin the venture of earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree at the University of Pennsylvania in 2021 with the support of Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program.

Working at the largest private employer and healthcare provider in New York State, Arlene has found ample opportunity and resources to support her desire to continue to grow professionally and she encourages others to do the same. “Our CRNAs provide anesthetic care between LHH and MEETH which are both renowned for premier patient care and innovative medicine. I’m proud to work at these Magnet® facilities that offer a wide diversity of procedures,” says Arlene. “It is an exciting time to join our rapidly expanding CRNA team as we strive to provide high quality patient care driven by innovation and best practices.”

Get moving with a CRNA career at Northwell Health. Apply today!

730+ Nursing students go virtual for our 2021 Golden Ticket Nursing Showcase

Though this year’s Northwell Health Golden Ticket Nursing Showcase may have looked different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our commitment to educating and impacting future nursing careers was stronger than ever.

To ensure the safety of our team members, students and communities, the 2021 Nursing Showcase pivoted from our traditional in-person format to an exciting and engaging virtual event. But this wasn’t your typical zoom meeting – the more than 730 junior and senior nursing students from 50+ schools had a full day of interactive events to choose from!

Students used our virtual lobby to navigate through the day’s events.

The morning started in our auditoriums where students heard from senior leadership, including Northwell’s President and CEO Michael Dowling who had a candid conversation with four of Northwell’s nurse heroes. After learning about our culture of nursing excellence and discovering how they could prepare for their own career journeys, students attended panels to learn about our Nurse Externship Program and new graduate nursing careers including our Nurse Fellowship Program with live Q&A. Depending on their year of study, panels connected students with fellow nurses who had worked as externs over the summer or new nurses who had been in their shoes not long ago.

After the morning sessions, students had the opportunity to explore our virtual Careers Expo and Culture Center. In the Careers Expo, students could virtually chat one-on-one with nurses across 24 specialties at our booths. It was a unique opportunity to learn about specialties that aren’t taught in nursing school, such as Perioperative, Teleheath and Home Care, or to discover what it is like to work in areas such as Emergency, Critical Care, Pediatrics, Float, Case Management, Women’s Health, and many more.

But at Northwell, we know a great nursing career goes beyond just specialty. In the Culture Center, students could see what makes Northwell Health unique – and why we’ve been ranked on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list. Here nursing students could explore 13 booths, connecting with Northwell team members to learn about the offerings of our Institute for Nursing, our commitment to diversity, inclusion and health equity, employee wellness, our Magnet© journey and more through presentations, live interactive trivia, videos and more.

And that’s not all! Throughout the afternoon, students were able to attend 11 Breakout Sessions. These optional sessions offered an in-depth look at some of our specialties such as the Perioperative Information Session, informed students how to optimize their resume and interview tips from our recruiters, or explored nursing career journeys from bedside nurse to leadership and more. Our final Breakout Sessions of the day also gave students the unique chance to earn Contact Hours. Through a partnership with our Institute for Nursing team, juniors and seniors alike could earn credits for attending the Navigating as a New Graduate Nurse or Caring through COVID-19 including Emergencies and Codes sessions.

Throughout the day students could also interact with other elements in within the platform. Whether it was visiting our robust video library to watch our team members talk about what it is like to work at Northwell or bringing Northwell leadership directly into their home through augmented reality, there were so many ways to explore nursing within our event. And every action helped students earn points as they competed to win prizes, including gift cards. Additionally, students could submit their photo to our virtual mosaic of attendees – a way to be together despite the unprecedented circumstances.

No matter what the next year holds, at Northwell Health we know the future of nursing shines bright!

Meet Vincent Thorpe OR nurse leader at Glen Cove Hospital

Meet Vincent Thorpe, nurse manager of the operating room unit at Glen Cove Hospital. Vincent’s career growth within Northwell Health highlights the amazing opportunities for personal and professional development possible within our health system. 

In 2012, Vincent started his career as a registered nurse in the operating room at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH). He was hired for the overnight shift, where he gained tremendous experience and worked for  five years. During his tenure, he continued to grow and became a charge nurse from 2014 to 2017.  In 2017, he was promoted to assistant nurse manager to cover weekend shifts before he transferred to Glen Cove Hospital in 2018 to work as a nurse manager in their operating room unit, where he works today. 

 “What I appreciate about Northwell is that I’ve been able to grow within the organization. Northwell provided me with the skills to accept a leadership role and help staff members grow to their potential,” says Vincent.

 Vincent’s role as a nurse manager for the operating room consists of supervising nursing staff and overseeing patient care. He assists with interviewing applicants for open positions within the department, coaching new and junior staff, conducting performance evaluations, and coordinating staff schedules. Additionally, Vincent has the important role of ensuring that the operating room is clean, sanitary and properly equipped for surgeries.  

For Vincent, his love of the operating room comes from how unique it is in its fast-paced and ever-changing environment. “My favorite thing about the operating room is that it is both challenging and rewarding. I particularly enjoy the detailed nature of the unit, learning about new procedures and seeing firsthand how technology in healthcare continues to transform the way we approach medical treatment.  Currently, Glen Cove Hospital is expanding its surgical procedural offerings and I’m excited to be a part of the OR’s evolution.” 

Within his current role, Vincent also assists in the professional development of his team. His role allows him to train, challenge, coach and connect with his colleagues to support their professional growth and goals.  “Nursing is my calling, it’s a dream of mine to inspire others.” His own experiences as a nurse has allowed him to grow into a leadership position and to help others follow in his footsteps.  

“My career has taught me to expect the unexpected. The key to staying grounded is to think critically, communicate effectively and trust in your team’s abilities,” says Vincent. “I am able to plan ahead and emphasize a positive, solutions-oriented mindset. My advice is to always touch base with team members regularly, ensure everyone knows what is expected of them, see the plan of action through and circle back, after-the-fact, to recap in team meetings.” His leadership has helped the operating room at Glen Cove Hospital be recognized on our employee engagement survey as a Tier 1 highly engaged unit in both 2019 and 2020. Also, during the pandemic, the Office of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recognized Vincent as a Patriotic Employer for his support of employee participation in America’s National Guard and reserve force.  

His tireless commitment to improving the operating room and to his team has cultivated a supportive environment to deliver care that is as compassionate as it is innovative. “As the OR nurse manager, I’m proud of the hard work and dedication that my colleagues and I have shown in our professions and our commitment to patient advocacy. As a unit, we come together to provide the best patient care possible.” 

Interested in joining the OR team at Glen Cove Hospital? Apply today!

Leading with compassion and experience that inspires others. Meet Nurse Manager, Lisa Peters

Lisa Peters, MBA, BSN, RN, NE-BC, CCRN, started her registered nurse career at Lenox Hill Hospital (LHH) with a passion in caring for others and a drive for making a difference. Today, decades later, her passion and drive are alive as ever.

Gaining valuable experience at each step of her career, Lisa began as a clinical registered nurse in medical/surgical, step-down, and the ICU departments, and grew in her role to nurse manager for the surgical stepdown/ICU. Her ambition was welcomed because at Northwell we are championed to think beyond our jobs and envision a long career path ahead of us. That’s just one reason why the health system has been named a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®.

Northwell takes pride in its employees by equipping them with the resources and support they need to reach their fullest potential, including continuing their education. For Lisa, that was a dream come true. Since starting with Northwell, she has benefitted from our tuition reimbursement and paid certification programs. “I love my career here at Northwell because it has afforded me many opportunities to grow personally and professionally,” says Lisa. “I have been able to complete my BSN and my MBA in addition to my NE-BC and CCRN through programs offered or supported by Northwell.”

As compassionate as she is ambitious, Lisa finds these opportunities are the perfect way to help give even more to her patients. Along with a commitment to growth, she values that Northwell encourages interdisciplinary collaboration that results in positive patient outcomes. She says, “Northwell supports us in being our best selves and this in turn allows us to be our best for our patients.” Being our best and true selves is a core value at Northwell and it goes beyond who you are as a professional. Named Best Health System for Diversity by DiversityInc., Northwell’s mission is to create an environment where employees feel embraced regardless of their backgrounds or identities. This in effect impacts the greater community because our workforce is representative of it.

Lisa’s work in helping to transform care, optimize patient satisfaction, and create better patient outcomes through teamwork and service excellence, has not gone unnoticed throughout our organization. Lisa received the Distinction in Nursing Leadership Award. Now as nurse manager in the surgical stepdown/ICU at LHH, Lisa is leading and guiding other registered nurses through their own career journeys. “I have a passion for nursing at Northwell because of my own growth, but also because Northwell supports my ability to foster the same growth in others. Anyone who has the desire to grow is nurtured.”

When asked why she loves Northwell Health, her answer was simple. “Our values are not just words on a banner; we actually live by them,” she says.

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