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!