A Journey of Self-Reflection and Career Progression: Meet Diana, Clinical Lab Technician, Histology

At Northwell Health, our clinical laboratory technicians work behind the scenes to perform clinical laboratory tasks that aide in the diagnosis of illnesses. Using the nation’s most advanced technology, Northwell’s clinical laboratory professionals can deliver accurate information to help inform and contribute to vital healthcare decisions. Meet Diana Pena, one of Northwell Health’s dedicated clinical laboratory technicians in our histology department.

Diana started her career journey at Northwell Health in 2011 when she was just 22-years old as a patient care associate at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH). At the time, she did not have a specific career path or industry in mind. She was not sure she even wanted to work in the healthcare industry. Diana worked as a patient care associate for over five years. Then, she was temporarily placed in NSUH’s histology department. While working in histology, Diana was exposed to a different side of patient care that she was never exposed to before. She realized that health care was her calling and was compelled to begin building her career. In 2016, Diana was offered a permanent position and began working as a clinical lab associate on NSUH’s pathology team, the same department where she first discovered her passion for the field. Working alongside her fellow colleagues, Diana was motivated to return to school to become a clinical laboratory technologist and is in the process of continuing her education to do so.

Throughout her time at Northwell, Diana learned to welcome change, which led her to her current career path. As a clinical laboratory technician at Northwell’s North Shore University Hospital, Diana is responsible for handling and processing patient tissue specimens received by the pathology department and embedding, cutting and staining these specimens so they can be reviewed by a pathologist for patient diagnosis. She also maintains laboratory equipment, supplies and ensures a safe working environment in the laboratory for her team members. Diana is grateful that Northwell has supported her and allowed her to advance from one position to another along her career journey. “During my time with Northwell Health, I have been given the opportunity to advance from one position to another with leaders and team members who support my career growth.”

Discover a career well cared for at Northwell Health and learn more about available clinical laboratory opportunities.