Building meaningful connections through Northwell Health’s Advanced Clinical Provider Mentorship Program

At Northwell Health, we believe mentorship is vital to the success and professional development of our team members. Our 50+ mentorship programs help prepare our employees through the support and guidance of our seasoned Health Raisers who share their knowledge and experience.

The Advanced Clinical Provider (ACP) Mentorship Program was created four years ago to support the transition of newly hired ACPs through a post-orientation. This year-long program aims to enhance the skills development process for nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) through continuous employee engagement during the onboarding period.

When originally launched, the ACP Mentorship Program only had 20 mentors and mentees total, from both in-patient and ambulatory practice environments.  Today, the program has more than quadrupled in size. Participants develop clinical and non-clinical skills, essential to a successful career in healthcare management at Northwell.

We spoke with one of our mentors, Sharon Weber; her mentee, Annelisa Tucker; and one of our program coordinators, Jessica Darby, to learn more about the importance of the ACP Mentorship Program and why it’s so vital to an ACP’s career development at Northwell.

What is your current role at Northwell, and why do you think mentorship programs are so vital to help propel someone’s career journey?

Mentor, Sharon Weber (SW):  I am a physician assistant, specialized in ear, nose, and throat (ENT), who helps manage treatment of pediatric and adult patients with otologic disorders. Mentorship programs provide you with the resources to realize your potential, through networking and education in professional development. These opportunities extend beyond the present and open doors to the future.

Mentee, Annelisa Tucker (AT): I am an ENT physician assistant and I support one of the top neurotologists in the New York City area. My responsibilities include history taking, physical examinations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and prescribing medications. I coordinate care for surgical patients both pre- and post-operatively, in addition to assisting in the operating room. I also assist my collaborating physician with in-office procedures.

I believe mentorship programs are essential to propelling someone’s career journey.  A mentor can share both their positive and negative experiences so that a mentee is able to take that insight with them to be better equipped to approach similar situations in the future.

Program coordinator, Jessica Darby (JD): I currently work as a nurse practitioner (NP) care navigator with Northwell Health Solutions and the Follow Your Heart team.  I navigate patients discharged from South Shore University Hospital, who have just undergone cardiac surgery with the goal of reducing unnecessary readmissions and improving quality of patient care.

I think mentorship programs are important because transitioning to a new position can be overwhelming. I find it is important that a mentee has the avenue to speak with someone outside of their supervisor or colleagues, to provide a positive sounding board and guidance.

What do you hope to get most from participating in this mentorship program?

SW: As a mentor, I hope to help my mentee hone in on what her career goals are, while simultaneously navigating through my own. I hope to impress upon her to be the best at her job, she must also take care of herself and not lose sight of her goals.

AT: I am excited to connect with someone who can encourage my development and advise me through the beginning of my career. I hope to not only learn ways in which I can advocate for myself in my current role, but also to learn how to advocate for the PA profession.

JD: I want to help ease the transition for anyone entering our health system as an ACP. Eight years ago, I made the career move from registered nurse (RN) to NP, and I truly feel it is a great time to be an ACP at Northwell.

Why do you think it is so important for Northwell to have mentorship programs and other professional development programs?

SW: Mentorship programs help people find their voice and shine. Other professional development programs build your strengths and steer you in the direction where you will shine even brighter.

AT: I think it is so important for Northwell to have mentorship programs and other professional development programs to help team members grow in their current positions and advance their career journeys. I think being paired with a seasoned member of the organization in this program creates a sense of community so both the mentor and mentee can ultimately flourish in their respective positions.

JD: I think these programs clearly illustrate the value that Northwell places on our team members. It truly depicts a higher level of support for our newest employees and the importance of nourishing their careers right out of the gate.

Become a Health Raiser as an Advanced Clinical Provider at Northwell Health.