The compassionate care of Northwell’s home care providers

Our home care professionals at Northwell Health provide a comfortable and healing space for our patients and their families. We’re proud to recognize our amazing team of nurses, therapists, aides, social workers and more, who are making a difference.
Meet some of our team members in home care and learn their favorite thing about their career below:

Danielle Walker, Home Care Registered Nurse, Staten Island

As a registered nurse, Danielle provides a full range of care to her patients from educating them on their disease, providing treatment to their wounds and offering emotional support. “I love being able to provide a sense of security and calmness to a patient and their families,” says Danielle. “We provide an “extra set of eyes” and ears for the doctors so that we can continue to provide the care that they need as they return to their home.”

Steven Boym, Registered Nurse and Coordinator of Care, Northwell Health at Home

Working as a registered nurse and coordinator of care, Steven performs initial admission visits to patients for the home care program. In this role he works with physicians and colleagues in the home care interdisciplinary team, such as physical and occupation therapists and social workers to plan the patient’s course of care. “Helping patients to recover from sickness brings the most satisfaction to my work,” Steve says. “I like to assist physicians in treating patients with chronic and complex wounds. Northwell Health has helped me in becoming a certified wound care specialist.”

Thomas Onorato, Home Care Physical Therapist, New Hyde Park

As a physical therapist, Thomas plays a vital role in providing evaluations of function, teaching exercises and skills to better improve movement and activity performance for his patients. “Providing physical therapy in the home is fantastic because of the one-on-one time we spend with patients,” says Thomas. “We see directly the environment with which patients must interact and can make meaningful recommendations to facilitate successful completion of their daily tasks. We work with patients to develop flexibility, strength, balance, endurance and coordination and suggest movement strategies and environmental adaptations to help them achieve what is most important to them.”

Yvonne Foley, Home Care Registered Nurse, Westbury

Working as a registered nurse, Yvonne facilitates a safe transition from the hospital and rehab to the community. She ensures the patient is safe in the home, taking medications correctly, and educates them on their disease and symptoms. “My goal is for all my patients to achieve their maximum independence in a timely fashion,” says Yvonne. “My favorite part of home care is the variety. No two days are ever the same and I have time to develop a relationship with patients and their families. It is extremely satisfying to discharge a patient from home care, and they are able to resume their previous lifestyle.”

Join our team of compassionate home care professionals. Apply today!

The power of connection for veterans at Northwell Health

After serving as a Sergeant (E-5) in the US Army, Matthew Scanapico joined Northwell Health as a per diem journeyman II maintenance mechanic at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH).
Matthew credits his time in the military for providing him with the discipline and leadership skills that were instrumental in developing his career at Northwell. Starting with a per diem position in 2008, Matthew enjoyed a flexible schedule that allowed him to go back to school. There he earned a BS in Construction Management and Engineering from SUNY Farmingdale in 2016.
Choosing a career in the healthcare industry, Matthew felt he was a part of an industry that shared many of the same core values as he found in the military. For him, these shared values made his transition easier to navigate.
And importantly, this new career path at Northwell also helped Matthew to feel like he was part of a team again. “Transitioning from military service is never easy, but being hired by Northwell Health provided me with the stability needed to start this new chapter of my life,” he says. “Both my leadership and my peers were aware of the hardships I faced overseas and provided me with the support I needed to be successful in both school and my career. For that, I will always be grateful.”
From his start in 2008, Matthew’s career has flourished and today, he’s a project manager for Northwell Health’s Western Region ambulatory sites.  Along with overseeing practice operations, environment of care, and safety at approximately 200 locations, Matthew manages practice renovation and refresh work. He’s also a proud member of our Veterans and Allies: Liaisons of Reintegration (VALOR) business employee resource group (BERG). In addition to talent development and recruitment, VALOR serves our military personnel, veterans and their family members by connecting them to resources that support their physical and psychological wellbeing.
“Northwell is a great organization for veterans looking for careers outside of the military whose core values are like that of the military, no matter which branch you served in,” says Matthew. “Between the Military and Veteran Liaison Service and the VALOR BERG, Northwell continues to develop and adapt programs that better serve our veteran community.”
Matthew knows firsthand how integral a stable work environment can be for military veterans during their healing process. Being able to connect with Northwell’s vast network of veterans has provided him with a support system throughout every step of his career while giving him a new way to serve his community.
“Northwell prides itself in being more than just a health system, it’s a family. Here you are able to be part of something greater than ourselves by serving our patients, communities and each other,” says Matthew. “This value is one of, if not the most, important foundation to a veteran’s life. Joining Northwell gives veterans an opportunity to be a part of that bigger picture again.”
Ready to translate your military skills into career success? Learn more about Northwell Health’s commitment to veterans.

Serving as a leader in the U.S. Marine Corps and at Northwell Health

Sean Christensen’s 20 years of honorable service in the U.S. Marine Corps developed him into the leader he is today as manager of Distribution Operations at Northwell Health’s Core Lab in New Hyde Park. In his role, Sean manages a team across two separate warehouse locations and is responsible for planning and implementing process and quality improvements, process redesign, benchmarking, and educating teams on the distribution operations process. 
Retiring as a Captain from the Marine Corps in 2017, Sean held many roles throughout his service, including Mortarman, Rifleman, Infantry Platoon Sergeant, Infantry Instructor, and Logistics Officer. Once he retired, Sean still felt the call to protect and serve people and he knew pursuing a healthcare career was the perfect opportunity for him to continue to better serve society. “I needed a job that allowed me to feel like I was a part of something bigger than myself and to give me a purpose, just like the Marine Corps had provided me,” says Sean. “Working in the healthcare industry provides me with the opportunity to continue to serve my local community.”
And serving in the military developed skills in Sean that made a career in healthcare the perfect next step. While he gained knowledge in planning and logistical operations in the Marine Corps that he utilizes now, Sean believes the leadership skills he gained are even more valuable. “Being able to work and lead a diverse group of people in any environment is the most sought out skill in any industry,” says Sean. “You can always learn the specifics of a job or role over time, but an individual who has leadership experience with various group sizes and cultures helps bring their team to the next level.”
Sean also feels he benefitted greatly from training with other militaries and interacting with citizens from around the world, having been deployed to over 20 countries, whether it was during peacetime, war, or for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. It’s an experience that he likens to being able to work as one of Northwell’s healthcare heroes. “They would look to our country and our military to help provide safety and relief whenever they are in a time of need,” says Sean. “Just as those who reside in the U.S. look to our first responders and hospitals to do the same for them when they need help.”
Now at Northwell, Sean has found a new team where he loves working among a group where everyone has a deep desire for continually improving how we provide services to customers and patients. Since Sean’s started, his team has restructured their receiving process and are currently restructuring their shelving system to better utilize the space available for storage of their more than 1,100 inventory line items. Along with implementing a new inventory system, they are continually changing and improving current processes to ensure the most efficient and effective workplace for the whole team. Sean feels that working at Northwell provides a collaborative environment where everyone’s voice can be heard as we all strive to better our organization.
“I would definitely recommend other veterans look to Northwell for their next career as this is a great place to grow your career and meet your professional goals,” says Sean. “Northwell looks out for their employees and is a very welcoming place to work for all.”
Find your next mission at Northwell Health. Learn about our commitment to veterans.

Growth through career conversations at Northwell Health

As one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For®, Northwell Health is invested in our team members’ development and their career experience is of the utmost importance. With opportunities across our organization, Northwell implemented the GROW (Goals, Reflect, Opportunities, Will) model as a guide for  important career conversations among team members and leaders to set goals, reflect on the career journey, explore opportunities, and how to get there.
We have a saying at Northwell that careers are well cared for and the GROW model truly supports our commitment in ensuring that the career aspirations of our team members are a part of their journey with us. Michael Dowling, Northwell President and CEO says, “We put our patients first, but to do that we need to take care of our employees and ensure a workplace that’s safe, life-affirming and team-oriented. Everyone at Northwell is connected by the common bond of service to our community.” Our commitment to the team member experience and alignment with their career aspirations is critical to our culture of innovation, and essential to ongoing efforts to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed, heard, and valued for their contributions.
Each member of the Northwell team is unique which means growth has a different meaning for every one of us based on our individual career interests and lifestyles. In order to celebrate these different strengths and goals, Northwell set out to create ways to support the personal and professional growth of our team.

Developing career paths with the GROW Model

The GROW model is what we use to guide career conversations and help leaders and team members collaborate on actionable, purposeful, and developmental plans aligned with their interests and available opportunities. This model shows members how to start or redirect themselves to their chosen and desired career path in one of our many career professions. It is completely customizable to meet their interests so that our team members can develop in a way that is most meaningful to them.
Careers conversations offer opportunities to strategize and develop action plans to reach certain goals and these conversations provide a structure that keeps the lines of communication open. They enable our leaders to be better career coaches and give a voice and a clear focus for our team members’ career paths.
Northwell is dedicated to helping employees achieve their goals by providing the steps and support necessary. Discover how you can GROW your career at Northwell Health.

Capturing life-changing images with Radiologic Technology

Our imaging professionals at Northwell Health play a vital role in helping patients get the diagnosis they need to receive care. Working at imaging centers and in hospitals across Long Island, New York City, Staten Island and Westchester, Northwell team members use state-of-the-art technology to guide and support our patients through every stage of their treatment. Whether they’re capturing x-rays or ultrasounds, these are true healthcare heroes providing care to the communities in which we live, love and belong.

Meet some of our team members in radiology technology below:

Carmen Arana, CT Technologist, Northwell Health Reichert Family Imaging at Huntington

As a CT Technologist, Carmen operates a computed tomography (CT) machine which creates detailed images of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels. “I have the unique experience of being able to provide a safe and complete diagnostic exam using state-of-the-art technology,” says Carmen. “I enjoy helping patients have the best experience possible and appreciate the thanks and smiles I am given in return.” And using her skills, Carmen even had the unique opportunity to work with The Nature Conservancy to scan samples of water from different marshes using a CT scanner, a project designed to help improve the quality of water that surrounds Long Island.

Enid Hernandez, Registered Vascular Technologist, Vascular Surgery at Lake Success

While most people associate sonograms with pregnancy, Enid is a sonogram technologist who specializes in vascular disease. Working as a vascular technologist, she captures images used to help diagnose diseases of the arteries or veins. Seeking a technology-based career where she could help people, Enid found her calling in imaging. “My favorite thing about being an RVT is the variety of different tests I get to perform on a daily basis,” says Enid. “Some days I even assist the doctor with venous ablation procedure. It’s one thing to read about these procedures in school but the actual experience of assisting in surgery is so rewarding.”

Erika Fernandez, Mammography Technologist, Reichert Imaging at Huntington

As a mammography technologist, Erika is responsible for capturing an image of the breast that helps doctors diagnose abnormalities including breast cancer. Though a mammography may only take 10-15 minutes, Erika knows the importance of greeting her patients with a confident and friendly face during an experience that may leave some patients nervous. “It is our goal to provide a warm and comfortable environment for patients while providing quality imaging, emotional support and a patient rapport,” says Erika. “Breast cancer is known as one of the most common malignancies among women. It makes me proud to know I play an important role in prevention and disease management for the women in our community.”

Jacqueline Benoit, Radiologic Technologist, Northwell’s Orthopaedic Institute at Great Neck

Working as a radiologic technologist is extremely rewarding for Jacqueline, who prides her team on being able to think outside of the box to deliver care to patients who may have unique orthopaedic conditions. As a team lead, Jacqueline aids our surgeons to diagnose fractures, bone pathology, diseases, deformities as well as providing images of organs, soft tissue, and vessels. Using her practice’s imaging machines, she is able to capture the vital images surgeons need to treat quality of life impacting issues and deliver life-saving solutions to our patients. “I take pride in my work here at Northwell, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to assist others in need,” says Jacqueline. “We are always ready for anything while trying to make our patients as comfortable as possible.”

Jamie Farina, MRI Technologist, Northwell Imaging at Great Neck

As a MRI technologist, Jamie first screens patients thoroughly to be certain it is safe for them to have an MRI. She prides herself on helping to ensure their overall experience is a smooth one. “My favorite thing about being an MRI Tech is the team that I work with,” says Jamie. “We always go the extra mile to ease our patients about whatever nerves they might be having. It’s nice to know that at the end of the day, people feel comfortable and safe coming to us. We are making a difference.”
Discover an radiology technology career well cared for at Northwell Health. Apply today!

Nurse leaders lead the way through Northwell Health’s Magnet® journey

The Magnet Recognition Program^® by the American Nurses Credentialing Center designates organizations around the world as nursing leaders in education and development and in exceptional care delivered to patients. Often considered the gold standard for nursing excellence, many of Northwell Health’s hospitals are on the journey to earning this elite status.
We’re proud to announce that as of this month, Northwell now has eight Magnet-designated hospitals in our system. The road to Magnet isn’t easy, it takes a lot of work, dedication, preparation and leadership. It’s an accomplishment that wouldn’t be possible without the nurses and nurse leaders at all of our facilities.

Earning Magnet-designation at Lenox Hill Hospital

Starting as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department (ED), Andrew Wong, MS, RN, AGACNP-BC, CEN, CPEN, CCRN-K, has grown his nursing career at Lenox Hill Hospital (LHH). After becoming an ED nurse educator for LHH and Lenox Health Greenwich Village, Andrew’s career continued to grow. Today, he’s a Clinical Impact nurse practitioner with the Critical Care team – a role he helped create himself. When LHH started its journey toward earning the prestigious designation, Andrew’s work played a vital role.
As part of the designation, Andrew’s evidence-based practice project to create a new Clinical Impact NP role earned an exemplar by the Magnet Commission. For Andrew, it was a true culmination of the hard work throughout the last couple of years, as well as a reflection of the support Northwell provides in investing in their team members. This project was a dream for Andrew, who had felt this role was a vital addition to provide resources to his team while improving patient outcomes.
Since the creation of the Clinical Impact NP role, LHH has seen evidence of increased collaboration within the multidisciplinary team and increased standard of critical care to patients who require it. Today, LHH now has two Clinical Impact NPs.
“When I was watching the designation call and heard about the Clinical Impact Nurse Practitioner program being named one of the five exemplars, I immediately reflected on how we got there,” says Andrew. “Through mentorship, scholarship, and transformational leadership, our program was able to be successful and highlighted.”

Growing alongside North Shore University Hospital’s Magnet journey

Tameka Wallace, MSN-RN, CPAN, CCRN-K started her career at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) as a lobby service representative and then as a nursing assistant at NSUH where she was first inspired to pursue becoming a nurse. Tameka embraced her ambition and leadership ability and today is a nurse manager in the PACU at NSUH. As part of NSUH’s Magnet journey, Tameka was proud to serve as a Magnet Champion and Magnet Ambassador.
Both roles played a key importance in NSUH’s designation. As a champion, Tameka acted as a driving force of the Magnet Program at the hospital, utilizing the pillars of the process and implementing them within her units. And as an ambassador, Tameka and her team members networked with leaders from around the country to share best practices from other hospitals.. During the appraisal, Tameka also escorted a member from the appraisal team to different units, helping to showcase the hard work and accomplishments that the units prepared, a big honor during the Magnet review session.
It was these opportunities that helped Tameka to further develop her leadership skills and played a part in her promotion to nurse manager. Now as nurse manager, Tameka believes firmly in transformational leadership for her nurses. “Believing in the vision of the hospital and instilling it in your unit and your team inspires them to embrace it and work for it,” says Tameka. “This journey has taught me that involving clinical nurses at every opportunity is very important. In addition to support and nurse empowerment, as leaders we must ensure agility and the ability to facilitate innovations throughout an organization.”
Now as part of the re-designation team, Tameka is part of NSUH’s team, working to ensure re-designation. “I learned that Magnet is not something you get, but something you are. It’s something to be proud of and recognizes your nursing excellence. That is what makes the journey worthwhile.”
Join the nursing teams committed to delivering excellence at our hospitals. Apply today!