Discover Kelly’s career journey as a nurse manager of perioperative services at Northwell Health’s North Shore University Hospital

Kelly MacGilvray grew her skills and advanced her career with the support of her leaders and clinical development from an OR RN fellow to an OR nurse manager at Northwell Health’s North Shore University Hospital (NSUH).

Kelly began her career with Northwell in 2018 as an OR RN fellow at NSUH. There, she gained hands-on clinical experience assisting with surgical procedures, preparing the operating room, and ensuring patient safety. In addition, Kelly learned more about surgical techniques, how to accurately document procedures, and how to communicate effectively in the operating room through collaboration with her team. This set the foundation for Kelly to begin her next role as a staff OR RN at NSUH.

As a staff OR RN, Kelly prepared the operating room, assisted the surgical team and ensured all equipment, supplies and environments were sterile. She closely monitored the patient’s condition before, during and after surgery, kept records of procedures, and worked with the operating room staff to ensure efficiency and top-tier patient care.

Kelly felt like her leaders invested in her growth and created pathways for opportunity. “From the beginning, I realized Northwell is an organization where nurses could experience long, meaningful careers,” said Kelly. “The supportive environment in NSUH’s OR and the commitment to innovative patient care made Northwell a place where I knew I could build my career.”

This led Kelly to her next role as an OR assistant nurse manager specializing in orthopedic surgery in 2023. In this position, Kelly assisted with leading and managing OR nurses and surgical technologists by ensuring the OR is properly staffed and the team is trained for surgeries. She also advocated for patient needs and ensured all ORs were equipped with the necessary equipment and adhered to all safety and hygiene standards. Subsequently, Kelly was promoted to OR nurse manager in 2025, also specializing in orthopedic surgery.

As a nurse manager, Kelly oversees the OR’s daily operations, ensuring surgical procedures are efficiently scheduled and that equipment and supplies are available. She manages and supports nursing staff and provides guidance, training, and evaluations to ensure a high standard of care. Kelly is proud of her achievements during her time at Northwell, especially her career progression and her growth into a leadership role. “From my OR fellowship to my transition through leadership roles, my leaders at Northwell have always encouraged me to take on new challenges and build my skills,” said Kelly. “The guidance and resources Northwell provided me have shaped my career and prepared me to be a nurse manager.”

As a mentor for the nurses in NSUH’s operating room, she offers advice to those looking to grow their career, “Stay curious and do not be afraid to ask questions. Be eager to learn at every stage of your career. There is something new to learn every day.”

Discover a career well cared for with our nursing team and learn more about opportunities with Northwell Health today.