Serving her country and transitioning into a civilian career at Northwell

Angelica Motta served as a signal support specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve before starting her Northwell career. Today, Angelica is an administrative support coordinator for Northwell’s Military Liaison Services. Her career journey here began in May 2021 and she is looking forward to continuing to grow her career at Northwell Health.

When Angelica was in the U.S. Army Reserve, she served with the 8th Medical Brigade where she provided IT support to the medical professionals in her unit. In that role, she helped set up the maintenance of computer hardware and software, radios, antennas, and satellite transceivers to help medical providers complete their missions. When Angelica left the military, she wanted to pursue a civilian career that will help other veterans and their families.

As Angelica was exploring civilian career opportunities, she was looking for something more meaningful. “I was looking for a career where I could serve a greater purpose,” says Angelica, “and that is why I started to look into careers at Northwell Health.” She had heard about the sense of community that Northwell offered its employees and was attracted to an organization like that.

With her passion of helping the community, Angelica found an opportunity at Northwell’s Military Liaison Services (NHMLS), which provides health, wellness, and career resources for active-duty military service members as well as veterans and their families. Angelica assists active military service members, veterans and their spouses with career exploration that includes resume writing, job preparation and interview techniques.

“Knowing that I can apply all of my skills and be part of a team within a company that is here for veterans and their families gives me a real sense of fulfillment,” says Angelica. In her role she also supports her department with services that include behavioral, clinical, employment, education, and life transitions. Angelica took the skillsets she learned while in the Army Reserve and applies them to her daily tasks. Her ability to maintain discipline and being quick to adapt to any situation allows her to be more effective in communicating with her team and serving her community.

Northwell offers a wide range of services for our veterans and their families. Examples include the Barracks to Business career workshops and the VALOR Business Employee Resource Group (BERG). Northwell helps our team members who have served in any branch of the military transition into their civilian career by showing veterans how to translate the skills they’ve learned in the armed forces and to apply them in the workforce, offering mentoring programs and networking opportunities to connect with others who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military.

Looking to discover your next mission at Northwell Health? Enter a MOS code into our job search to find jobs.

U.S. veterans mentor students and share valuable career insights

Northwell Health launched a pilot student veteran mentorship program to deliver career insights and share life experiences between veterans and students.  With the initial program pilot, two participants from St. Joseph’s College, who were in their junior and senior year of college studying computers and biology, were paired with two veteran mentors in our organization.

The program goal is to give students who served in the military insight into our organization and help them to learn various career paths based on their major.  With plans to expand, the program is expected to continue to grow both mentor and student participants on a semester basis.

One of the mentors was Andy Roberts, senior director of corporate social responsibility in Human Resources Solutions, who helps plan for emergencies and ensures Northwell is ready for anything. Andy is also an Iraq war veteran who served in the U.S. Army. “I understand that the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging and I was eager to support the Student Veteran Mentorship program when I heard about it,” he says. “Mentorship programs offer insight into different careers and highlight opportunities many people may not normally be able to gain otherwise.”

Andy also gained a great deal during the program from his student. “Mentors can be reminded of the sacrifices our veterans have made and being a mentor can help you reinforce your own skills while providing a fulfilling opportunity to give back to someone making a career change.”

Northwell Health supports our veterans with a wide range of resources and opportunities for service members as they transition from active duty to civilian life as we strive to serve our patients, communities, and each other.

Make the transition to a civilian career with Northwell Health. Learn more about our commitment to veterans.

How discipline and a call to service propelled veteran Cynthia LaRocca’s successful career at Northwell Health

Serving country and community always came naturally to Cynthia LaRocca, director of clinical professional development at Plainview and Syosset Hospitals.

As a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, Cynthia served in a variety of roles including pharmacy technician and field medic. Her military path led to jobs at VA hospitals in Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Nebraska—experiences where “I found nursing and nursing found me.”

Cynthia’s transition to a civilian career at Northwell was eased by lessons learned during her eight years in the reserve. “Discipline is a skill that I have learned from the military and that serves me well at Northwell because it means seeing something through from beginning to end.”

In addition, the teamwork skills she acquired in the military translated easily to the Northwell Health value of being Truly Together: whether serving the country or serving the community, she says, “without your colleagues you cannot achieve your ultimate goals or complete your mission.”

Today, Cynthia manages the clinical professional development of orientations, annual training skills, new equipment and professional acumen for the clinical nursing staff at both Plainview and Syosset Hospitals. And by embodying the Northwell Health value of Truly Ambitious, she has seized opportunities to spread her wings and redefine what it means to work in health care, reaching career goals and achieving credentials including registered nurse (RN), registered nurse–board certified (RNBC) and doctor of nursing practice (DNP).

Work excites Cynthia every day because “I know what I am doing is helping others,” and appreciates that Northwell prioritizes ensuring all military employees feel supported, whether they continue to serve while on the job or are veterans who have completed their service: “The support Northwell gives to those who serve cannot be understated.”

Apply the lessons you learned in the military toward a Northwell Health career. Discover a career well cared for.

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.

Continuing to serve as a care coordinator at Northwell’s Military Liaison Services

Before Donald (DJ) St.Clair, LMSW, started his career at Northwell Health, he first served as a Corporal in the US Marine Corps.
It was after his return from service while transitioning to a civilian career, that DJ first began to think about entering the healthcare industry. “Health care is a great opportunity for any veterans who are exiting the service as it will continue to give you a sense of purpose,” says DJ. “There is a sense of accomplishment because we are able to give back to the very community we served during our time in the military.”
With the encouragement and help of a social worker in the Office of Veterans Affairs, DJ continued his education to become a Licensed Master Social Worker to pursue a goal of being able to help veterans and their families. With his help, DJ was able to obtain benefits he didn’t know he had access to –something he’s able to pay forward in his new role as care coordinator within Northwell’s Military Liaison Services.
Transitioning from his role as a social worker at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, DJ is now in a unique position to combine his clinical experience and time in the military to provide support to other veterans. As care coordinator, DJ works to help service members, veterans, and their families access Northwell’s healthcare and community services, as well as assists them with connecting with local resources for additional support. It is the exact kind of role he hoped for when he started a career in mental health.
“Physical and mental health are very important in the well-being of everyone, but especially the veteran population,” says DJ. “There are a great number of benefits that the veteran population might not know about and I’m able to connect them to these important resources. I’m happy for the opportunity to give back to my brothers and sisters.”
Along with offering peer-to-peer guidance, DJ takes pride in being able to connect veterans to things such as service-connected disability benefits, education benefits, and a support system of organizations that are willing to help veterans transition back into the civilian world, such as Northwell Health.
And being a former veteran himself, DJ knows firsthand what it’s like to be in their position as they return home or to civilian life. It makes him uniquely qualified to connect with those who need it and to help them figure out their next steps.
“It can be a challenge to work through the common stigma around veterans that reaching for help means you are weak,” explains DJ. “In my role, I’m able to create a bond with them in a short time and explain that this assistance isn’t much different than being together in the military. The same way we rely on each other while in the service to have each other’s backs, they can rely on me here.”
Make the transition to a civilian career with Northwell Health. Learn more about our commitment to veterans.

Protecting our country as a veteran and communities as an Environmental Service Worker

For Nelson Martinez, a supervisor in Environmental Services (EVS) at Plainview Hospital, a commitment to helping and protecting others led him to a lifelong career in healthcare and in the U.S. Army Reserves.
It was an unexpected career journey for Nelson, who back in 2004 hadn’t planned on an EVS career. “Over the years I’ve learned a lot from being in the healthcare environment and really became excited to pursue it,” says Nelson. “It’s so rewarding being in a field where you can help the community and people all around you.”
The reward of helping others was also one he found while serving in the Army Reserves, which he first joined in 2007 and continues to serve in today. As an engineer operating heavy equipment, Nelson has been deployed twice: once in 2010 for 14 months and again in 2014 for nine months.
“Northwell has shown me great support while I’ve been at work and whenever I have had to go on deployments,” says Nelson. “My management team has also been very supportive and has always asked if there’s anything I need or if they can help.”

Developing leadership skills in the Reserves

Throughout his training and deployment, Nelson has developed skills that he’s been able to bring back to his work at Plainview Hospital. “Serving in the military has taught me leadership skills, how to train others and the ability to adapt to any situation as they occur,” says Nelson.
Adaptability and leadership skills were especially vital to Nelson this year during the COVID-19 pandemic where our EVS team members played a vital role in keeping our patients, team members and facilities safe. Having just grown into his supervisor role at the start of the pandemic, Nelson relied on his leadership experience to stay on top of their new responsibilities, to make sure his team members and the patients were being safe and to ensure a thoroughly and properly cleaned environment.
Within the hospital, he has found a team environment where he has enjoyed being able to partner with various departments where each team member serves an important role in our united mission to deliver compassionate care. He also loves being able to build rewarding moments with patients and visitors, many of whom he is able to connect with over a shared experience of having served in the military.
At Northwell, Nelson has found an organization with diverse opportunities. “Northwell is an awesome place to build and pursue a career,” says Nelson. “There are so many different fields to choose from, just like in the military.”
Find your next mission at Northwell Health. Learn about our commitment to veterans here.

Formerly homeless veteran turned nursing hero is giving back to our communities during COVID-19

Overcoming his own adversities, veteran and registered nurse Andy is now giving back and caring for those who need it most.

Antranik “Andy” Garabedian, RN, BSN, is a registered nurse at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital (LIJVS) who uses his compassion to not only deliver care to our patients, but to our communities.

Prior to becoming a registered nurse, Andy first served in the U.S. Marines as a Private. “I think that people often forget that military missions are usually based off humanitarian issues first and that is why many military members join healthcare teams,” says Andy. “It’s a common thread, that leads to a common goal and the delivery method is embedded as a team. Northwell has been great to everyone I know who is a veteran across many different facilities because of the inclusivity. It is a feeling of belonging and that you matter at Northwell.”

After receiving a medical discharge from the Marines in the early 2000s, Andy later decided to find a new way to serve people as a nurse. “Nursing is a passion of mine because of my grandmother,” says Andy. “My grandmother became ill in 2004 and passed away. I took care of her for the last few weeks of her life and every patient interaction reminds me of her and why I am here. I came into nursing with her in my heart, the drive of a warrior and the passion for being there for those who need us.”

Today Andy still uses the vital experience he gained in the Marines while working as a nurse. “In the Marines I learned the ability to adapt to almost any situation and to press ahead and complete the tasks ahead – skills that have been invaluable to me as a nurse. What makes me a better team member is that I will jump in and help anyone who is struggling or needs that extra hand.”

Giving back beyond the bedside

On top of working at LIJVS as a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic, Andy was inspired in another way to help those struggling in our communities. “One random April day, I went into Manhattan to see how empty the city was at the height of the pandemic. Nobody was there except the homeless and hungry. I was homeless myself in my early twenties for about three years and I know how tough it is on a regular day, but add in a pandemic and the homeless people I encountered were really struggling.”

Doing what he could that day, Andy purchased meals, water bottles, drinks, socks and more, for the individuals he encountered but he knew there was more that could be done to help take care of our communities. Within 24 hours, Aggregate Hearts was born – a charity created to focus on supporting the sick, hungry and homeless during the pandemic.

Andy co-founded Aggregate Hearts with Dawna Scheich, a registered nurse with FlexStaff, and since their start they’ve felt support at Northwell. “Leadership has really been great,” says Andy. “In addition to helping me raise money, donating clothing and items, several members of the management team have physically joined us and came to deliver food and items with me. The overwhelming support of my colleagues and coworkers has been tremendous, from ideas of how to serve these individuals, to raising money.”

In addition to helping those in need, Andy and Aggregate Hearts have been sourcing food from several local businesses regularly to help support local and small businesses in our communities as well.

Make a difference with a career at Northwell Health. Explore jobs today.

The power of teamwork from the U.S. Navy to healthcare recruitment

Teamwork. Loyalty. Problem solving. These are all traits that Michael Ellis, MBA, SPHR, learned in the military that he uses today as a manager in Talent Acquisition at Northwell Health. Serving in the U.S. Navy for 22 years, Mike developed both leadership and recruitment skills that have set him up for success as a Senior Chief Petty Officer and in the recruiting world.

Whether it was learning the vital importance of teamwork while being stationed on a nuclear submarine or learning to think quickly on his feet to identify solutions, the experiences Mike learned in the Navy were invaluable. “In the Navy, I learned how to be loyal to my country, my command and subordinates,” says Mike. “I bring that same level of loyalty to Northwell and the people that work with me. To be successful we all have to work together to achieve common goals.”

Mike has the opportunity to lead our Staten Island recruitment team in finding top talent that helps to deliver exceptional care to patients in their most vulnerable times. And Mike knows firsthand the power that healthcare heroes can have for patients. “I recently was that patient looking for help and had the kindest, most professional and knowledgeable healthcare workers taking care of me. I definitely feel a sense of wanting to give back. I wanted a career in healthcare because I truly want to help people.”

At Northwell, Mike is able to let his own talents shine, all while doing something he loves. “The interactions you have with hiring managers, candidates and the Talent Acquisition team makes this the best job around! It is rewarding to me to help Northwell grow by finding the perfect team members to take care of our patients.”

It’s also here where Mike’s able to combine his passions for giving back, recruitment, and the military within a united workforce that reminds him fondly his time in the Navy. “The Navy was a melting pot of cultures, and I had the opportunity to work and live with individuals who were all different. It has made me think differently about situations, our world and made me a better person, work colleague, husband and dad. At Northwell, I get to continue to work with amazing people from all different cultures.”

It’s a natural fit, and though Mike hasn’t been at Northwell long, he’s already seeing his future here where he is valued as a team member and a veteran. “Being at Northwell has made me feel at home,” says Mike. “There are a variety of resources for veterans to make the transition easier such as the VALOR Business Employee Resource Group (BERG), a dedicated Military and Veteran Liaison Services Office and a Veteran Talent Specialist to assist veterans during the recruitment process.  I have made several friends with fellow veterans during my first three months at Northwell and it’s clear the camaraderie exists in the civilian sector.”

Explore our careers and discover how to leverage your veteran experience at Northwell Health.

Beyond the call of duty: answering the call to deliver care

When it comes to veterans finding careers at Northwell Health, during or after their service, the opportunities are limitless. Take Stephanie Leibman, a registered nurse at Northwell and a member of the Army Reserves. She began her journey here in 2016 and quickly discovered this was the place she was meant to be.

Starting as a patient care associate (PCA) at Glen Cove Hospital while in nursing school, Stephanie experienced an accommodating and supportive environment that encouraged her professional growth and helped her discover a different mission that she was more than ready to accept.

“My nurse manager was always very accommodating with my school schedule, and all of the nurses that I worked with were always willing to teach me what they knew,” she says. “Northwell was constantly holding career-related events which eventually helped me move from PCA to nurse.”

What she details is just an example of the programs we have available to help develop our talent. Following her transition from a PCA to a registered nurse, Stephanie first gained experience in pain management before accepting an RN position at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) in the Labor and Delivery department.

Although still new to the labor and delivery team, she’s quickly made herself at home within a department she’s dreamed of since her first day of nursing school. “Even though I’ve just started in labor and delivery, I love it,” she says. “I love the friendly and helpful environment, and how there is constant learning opportunities. I love being a part of such an amazing process and assisting women and their families through it.”

Her time serving the country, functioning as a healthcare specialist, provided her with a unique skill set that easily transferred to the work we do every day at Northwell. “In the Army Reserves, I’ve received a great deal of fast-paced trauma training which I find useful every day of my career. It really helped teach me how to function in high-stress situations,” she says.

Everyone who joins our team with a passion for redefining healthcare will find many opportunities for development and career growth. Northwell’s culture has tremendous revere and admiration for our veterans and reservists who have sacrificed so much to protect and keep our country safe. As Stephanie knows, there is always a place on our team. “I’d definitely recommend other veterans and military members to work for Northwell. The organization appreciates the work we do, and is flexible to reserve/army schedules.”

Explore our careers and discover how to leverage your veteran experience at Northwell Health.

From delivering care in the US Army to Zucker Hillside Hospital

Before Laren Lamonaca delivered care as an assistant nurse manager at Zucker Hillside Hospital (ZHH), he delivered care in the U.S. Army.

In the U.S. Army, Laren served as a combat medic with an LPN identifier from 2005 until 2011. It was there where his medical skills grew, exposing him to experience in the ICU/CCU. As part of the 1 First Surgical Team, Laren worked under the leadership of two doctors who work at  Northwell Health.

But his time in the Army provided Laren with much more than just technical skills. “The Army taught me leadership and the importance of duty to my country, my unit and my peers,” says Laren. “It taught me that giving respect is as important as getting respect.”

After he returned from deployment, Laren went back to school to become a registered nurse to further his healthcare career. Upon graduation, he accepted a nursing position that was a mixture of emergency and behavioral health nursing.

“Behavioral health nursing found me,” says Laren. “I fell in love with the behavioral health portion of my job and was then offered a job at Zucker Hillside Hospital. The rest is history.”

Laren started his ZHH career as a staff nurse in the acute geriatric psych unit and it’s a population he still loves working with today. “The stories they share of their lives are amazing. It’s very rewarding work,” he says. “Seeing a patient go from depression back to themselves after treatment is very heart warming.”

It was while he was working as a registered nurse at ZHH that Laren’s leadership saw his potential. He was promoted to an assistant nurse manager position where he continues to deliver compassionate care while helping lead his unit, a position he’s comfortable in after being in charge of new recruits in the army.

“I would highly recommend other veterans look for positions at Northwell,” says Laren. “I love working here, the environment is great. My coworkers really care for the patients we see on a day-to-day basis and the administration team is very supportive and engaging. I cannot say enough great things about working for Northwell.”

Find your next mission at Northwell Health.

Northwell Health named a top 2020 Military Friendly organization

Northwell Health has been selected as a 2020 Military Friendly organization in four categories – top 10 employer, supplier diversity, brand and company – as one of the nation’s top organizations for military veterans.

As New York State’s largest health system and biggest private employer with more than 70,000 employees, Northwell also is one of the largest employers of veterans and offers a host of programs that support service members and their families, from jobs fairs and educational opportunities to behavioral health programs in concert with the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

“We’re proud to support our veterans and their families by providing resources and career opportunities throughout our health system,” said Michael J. Dowling, Northwell’s president and chief executive officer. “Over the past two years, we hired more than 500 veterans into the health system, a commitment to those who served and a smart business decision on our part. Hire a veteran and you’ll understand what I mean. Few people are better motivated or equipped to contribute to the workforce than veterans.”

Northwell supports veterans professionally, clinically

Among the veteran initiatives Northwell Health has enacted:

• By partnering with 160 organizations that work with veterans, Northwell hosts various recruitment, networking and interview days as well as its homegrown Barracks to Business Workshop to educate transitioning veterans regarding resume building.
• A veteran-focused business employee resource group, known as Veterans and Allies: Liaisons of Reintegration (VALOR), provides an increased sense of community to these heroes and a chance to gain insight from each other and share their experiences. VALOR helps veterans with employment and medical care.
• Employees returning from deployment receive checks representing the difference between their military pay and the regular salaries they would have received had they not taken military leave.
• A first-of-its-kind Unified Behavioral Health Center in Bay Shore – jointly operated by Northwell and the Northport VA Medical Center – helps military veterans and their families cope with the emotional burdens they face when they return home.
• Extending its commitment to service members beyond the organization, Northwell created “Side By Side: A Celebration of Service,” a day-long celebration of military service in Manhattan that coincided with Fleet Week in May 2019. Northwell plans to host the event again in 2020.

Organizations must meet Military Friendly’s rigorous criteria

“It’s our distinct honor and privilege to deploy our administrative and clinical capabilities to improve how our military access services, employment and support,” said Juan Serrano, assistant vice president of Northwell’s Office of Military and Veterans Liaison Services and himself a Marine veteran. “In 2019, we proudly provide the most health care to active duty members, veterans and their families in New York.”

Military Friendly weighed companies based on six criteria: Hiring and Onboarding, Opportunity and Advancement, Culture and Commitment, Support and Retention, Policies and Compliance, along with Recruiting and Sourcing. Northwell Health greatly exceeded the standard in each.

“We are proud to support transitioning veterans in finding their next mission,” said Cheryl Davidson, senior director of Workforce Readiness at Northwell. “Our programs were developed to ease their assimilation from military service to civilian careers.”