Nursing Beyond The Bedside

Nursing careers at Northwell Health goes beyond the bedside—there are many different ways for nurses to make an impact for patients and their families. As a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®, Northwell offers competitive benefits, education and career growth opportunities for registered nurses, no matter what area of nursing interests you. See below for several nursing positions beyond the bedside to jump start your exploration for a career well cared for.

Check out our open nursing positions here.

Two Nursing Careers, Two Equally Amazing Journeys

Career growth and development means different things to different people. For Jessica Jimenez and Tamaka Wallace, their nursing careers began along different paths but through tuition support and mentorship, they blossomed just the same and continue to grow at Northwell Health. Read below to learn more about these unique career journeys in nursing and imagine your own career path with us.

Jessica Jimenez, Clinical Professional Development Educator

Jessica Jimenez, clinical professional development educator for the emergency department at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream (LIJVS), started her nursing career at Northwell in 2013 as a student nurse extern. It didn’t take long for Jessica to envision what her career path could be. According to Jessica, Northwell is as much focused on expanding the services we provide to the community, as we are in expanding opportunities for our employees to learn and grow throughout their careers. “It’s one of the reasons I was attracted to the health system in the first place. I could tell that Northwell had big plans for the future and since joining, I have felt every bit a part of their vision.”

Jessica found tuition support in her strive for professional development when she enrolled in a nursing leadership and administration master’s program through a partnership between Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJMC) and Stony Brook University. She originally felt nervous when presented with this opportunity, but the encouragement from her mentors outmatched any trepidation she had about her own abilities. “Whenever I wondered whether I was ready for the next step, my leaders and mentors at Northwell would provide me with encouragement so I could move forward with zero doubt.”

Jessica found the road from nurse extern to clinical professional development educator paved by infinite support. Today, she is responsible for onboarding the new nursing staff at the LIJVS emergency department and runs their orientation and nurse fellowship program, where she teaches new graduate nurses starting out in their career. “My role involves many different responsibilities. Mainly, I aim to provide exceptional training through courses and simulations so that my peers feel as prepared as I did.”

Tameka Wallace, Director of Patient Care

Tameka Wallace, director of patient care for out-patient ambulatory surgery at the Schwartz Ambulatory Surgery Center at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH), joined Northwell as a teenager taking advantage of an internship program in the summer of 2000. For Tameka, the attraction of a career at Northwell started at home. Tameka’s mother was a clerical support associate at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) at the time, so she became very familiar with the culture and knew that Northwell was where she wanted to be. “Everyone is respected and there is a palpable drive to promote diversity.” Not long after the internship, Tameka joined her mother in the nursing program at Farmingdale State College and together they graduated with their associate degrees in Nursing. Every step of the way, Tameka said she felt supported from the organization. From mentorship opportunities to tuition reimbursement, she had the support in continuing her education to obtain a master’s degree in Nursing, as well as a master’s degree in Business Administration.

Like Jessica, Tameka credits the relationships she has built with her peers and leaders for bolstering her confidence and opening the career path ahead of her beyond what she could have imagined. She attributes her achievements to both her own determination and the championing she received from her mentors. From attaining her associate’s degree, to her bachelor’s degree and then to a double master’s degree, she never felt alone in the adventure.

Since Tameka’s days as a support care associate, she has been passionate about patient care and has been able to grow in her position so that she can increase her impact on the patient community. “I love what I do every day. My duties include evaluating and directing all nursing employees, establishing goals for the nursing department, and creating and enforcing compliant healthcare policies.” Making a difference for the nursing staff and patients motivates Tameka to continue her growth and it explains a nomination she received for Magnet Nursing Leader of the Year at NSUH. An avid advocate for the special needs community, Tameka is also looking for opportunities to make strides in the healthcare of these patients and their families. She has her sights set on finding ways to incorporate more understanding and informed care in support of special needs patients.

Forge your own unique and passionate nursing journey at Northwell Health, discover a career well cared for here.

Celebrating National Women’s History Month with Sandra Lindsay, first person to receive the COVID-19 vaccine

CNO Corner: A Conversation with Tiffany Powell, Chief Nursing Officer at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills

Tiffany Powell, MSN, RN, NE-BC, and chief nursing officer (CNO) at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills (LIJFH), has experienced career growth and endless opportunities over nearly two decades at Northwell Health.

It all began in 2004 when Tiffany started at Northwell Health as a nurse extern. Passionate about learning, Tiffany sought every opportunity to gain experiences and grow her career. After completing the externship and achieving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Tiffany jumped at the chance to be part of the health system’s first-ever critical care fellowship in 2005.

During the next several years, Tiffany continued to gain experience working as a staff RN in telemetry and in a medical intensive care units (MICU). By 2014, she had transitioned to a leadership role as an assistant nurse manager, and was then promoted to nurse manager of a medical surgical unit in 2016. Her desire for exposure to more nursing specialties then brought her to North Shore University Hospital where she worked as a nurse manager on a palliative care unit and with a renal and liver transplant team.

All of her passion and experience took her career journey to Long Island Jewish Forest Hills (LIJFH) in 2019, as director of patient services responsible for the critical care, telemetry, and dialysis units and interventional radiology nursing practice. Now as chief nursing officer at LIJFH, Tiffany is looking to encourage and support others who strive for career growth and new opportunities.

Read our conversation with Tiffany below to learn what key advice she has for all nurses looking to develop their careers.

What attracted you to Northwell Health initially and is it still true today?

At the time I was looking for my first nursing job, I was offered two great positions at different healthcare providers and I chose Northwell Health. What attracted me to Northwell the most is their commitment to innovation.

I love working here, because at Northwell, your voice is heard and respected at all levels. Team members actively participate in the changes that take place in our organization, and they work in an environment that is exciting, never stagnant.

As a nursing executive, what would you say are the most important qualities a leader should have in order to positively engage their team in delivering exceptional patient care?

Throughout my career, I have always felt that the two most important qualities of any leader are authenticity and relatability. Strong, effective communication is also key but authentic leaders will naturally appeal to those around them, and develop a followership built on trust and respect. The foundation of a strong leader is their ability to build interpersonal connections with people, and to resonate with others you must be relatable.

We understand that you are passionate about encouraging personal well-being in the workplace. Can you share a few examples of how personal well-being is supported for team members at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital?

My team will tell you that my mantra is, “we must take care of ourselves before we can take care of our staff and patients.” I truly emulate this in all that I do because personal well-being is so important, and in the workplace, it starts at the top. At LIJFH, we have exercise classes in our memorial garden, and a meditation room where staff can go to relax. Sometimes it just takes small measures that result in big impacts. I have committed to starting all my nursing leadership meetings with a one-minute meditation for all the nurse leaders here and I have challenged my nurse managers to use this approach with their staff at their daily huddles and staff meetings.

What advice do you have for nurses who are looking to grow in their careers?

I recently heard someone ask, “What would the world be like if we were always working on ourselves or thinking of how we can help others.” For all nurses, my advice is simple, reflect after every day. What did I do well? What could I have done better? Always remember what motivates you, and act with humility. It is such a gift to be able to care for patients in their most vulnerable times.

For those looking to grow, networking is key. Meet new people and build relationships. Never burn any bridge. Get involved in hospital/organizational activities. Never stop being curious. Instead, always try to learn something new every day. And one especially helpful piece of advice that always works for me: once per year, set a professional goal that you can accomplish and when you do, it’s a feel-good moment, so celebrate it!

What would you say makes nursing at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital unique?

We are resilient, agile, and diverse. Our sense of community allows us to really get to know each other.

There is lots of positive energy pumping through the halls of LIJFH. Having achieved the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Pathway to Excellence designation in 2021, we are now beginning our Magnet Journey.

Among our goals is our continued focus on shaping our shared governance model and promoting professional development for our nurses. And we are incredibly excited about the roll out of new technology at our facility such as the myNora system pilot – a technology to assist with the efficiency of Interdisciplinary Rounds (IDR) – as well as telemetry monitors and zebra devices (healthcare mobile computers). All initiatives meant to inspire learning and growth.

If you’re inspired by Tiffany’s incredible career, explore nursing careers with many avenues to grow your skills at Northwell Health.

Working night shifts at Northwell Health comes along with several benefits that can make a positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing. As a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®, Northwell offers career growth opportunities that are easily attainable to night shift professionals in labs and nursing roles. Check out our top reasons below, and jump start your journey to a career well cared for.

Check out our available positions in Labs, Nursing, and Nursing Support.

Celebrating CRNA Week and IV Nurses Day with an inside look at these two unique specialties

At Northwell Health, nurses are celebrated and valued every day.  This week, we are celebrating CRNA Week and IV Nurses Day with an inside perspective from two of our team members. Read on to learn what Kevin and Polina have to say about their unique careers at Northwell.

Kevin Chavez, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at Lenox Hill Hospital (LHH), started working at Northwell as a new graduate in 2020. As a CRNA, Kevin is engaged in the care for patients that are in pre-operative, intra-operative, post-operative, and emergency settings. “The CRNA role to me is the pinnacle of nursing practice. It’s rewarding and humbling to take part in so many varied situations that patients seek care for.” Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia or sedation for surgeries ranging from minor procedures (such as same-day surgeries) to major procedures (such as open-heart surgeries)—and no two days are the same.

In the two years since Kevin began his career at Northwell, he finds that he is never short on learning opportunities, just one of the things he loves about his shifts at LHH. “There is encouragement to develop our skills on the job and through outside learning. I have attended multiple conferences and professional development programs to further enhance my practice.”

Taking advantage of learning opportunities and sharing knowledge is common among successful nursing teams, and is something that fellow registered nurse, Polina Bangiyeva, agrees with. Polina, RN, BSN, infusion nurse at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital (MEETH), joined Northwell more than 10 years ago. According to her, infusion nursing is unique because, “both patients and other nurses on the unit rely on the distinct care that IV Nurses provide.” Infusion nurses treat patients with needs from hydration to blood transfusions, and many treatment types in between. Polina’s daily rounds may include administering medication and fluid therapy, teaching other nurses how to properly gain intravenous access and PICC insertion, monitoring patient response to treatments, and coordinating the discontinuation of IV services with the medical team, patients, and their families. “I’ve been an IV nurse for a long time, but I continue to love my job every day.”

Polina didn’t start her nursing career at Northwell, but having been here for over a decade, she believes it’s the best place to continue to grow her nursing passion. “I plan on taking advantage of the tuition reimbursement benefit. I would like to go back to school soon to become a nurse practitioner.”

Northwell is proud of the skilled and patient centered care our teams of CRNAs and IV nurses deliver to our communities. Discover a career well cared for and raise your career expectations with a nursing career at Northwell Health.

Jennifer Tutone experiences nearly three decades of career growth as a clinician at Northwell

A wise leader once said, when a door opens, don’t be afraid to walk through it. Jennifer Tutone has had many doors open during her 27-year career journey at Northwell Health and she has walked through every one with encouragement from her leaders. Each time, the other side presented opportunity and growth and she continues to embrace new professional experiences at Northwell.

Today, Jennifer is an assistant director of Patient Care Services and Nursing Administration at Staten Island University Hospital with administrative oversight of the hospital inclusive of operational needs, staffing, and patient experience. However, her Northwell career journey began in 1994 as a behavioral health nurse at Zucker Hillside Hospital. During her career journey, she worked across many hospital sites at Northwell and held many roles such as staff nurse, clinical practice coordinator, ambulatory health nurse, assistant director for nursing, site transformation manager, nurse manager, director of information technology, corporate director of innovation, and director of nursing. “Working for Northwell Health has presented me with opportunities to follow my passion for patients and nursing,” says Jennifer.

Jennifer was offered many positions internally because of the skills she learned with each role and her desire to continue learning. There were certain projects she led which opened up doors to new skills and advancement opportunities in roles she never imagined. “What I have learned from each position is to be agile, I have increased my skillset for project management, increased my skillset to being able to acclimate to a role quickly, and I have embraced the organization’s culture to become successful.”

Along her career journey, she had many opportunities to expand her knowledge and grow her skills. Jennifer received tuition reimbursement from Northwell and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master in Public Health. In addition, with the support of her leadership team, Jennifer grew her leadership skills and became responsible for significant projects that impacted the way our organization cares for patients in and out of the hospital. Their encouragement and support created an atmosphere of caring and development which allowed Jennifer to soar to her highest potential.  “I am grateful for all of the opportunities which have been presented to me, as they have created the clinician I am today,” Jennifer.

“I value the fact that I can still call Northwell “home” after working here for 27 years and I am incredibly grateful to the individuals I have met along my career journey.  My Northwell family will always be special to me and I look forward to continuing to create relationships as my journey within the organization continues.”

Discover a career well care for at an organization that supports career growth at every step of your journey.

When You Think Westchester, Think Northwell Health

Westchester, known for outdoorsy fun and chic shopping hubs in the Hudson Valley, is also home to two award-winning hospitals, each recognized for the care they give and the positive work environment they provide Northwell Health employees: Phelps Hospital (Phelps) and Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH).

Located in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., Phelps holds firm to a credence of going above and beyond medicine, taking into account not only an unwavering commitment to the community’s health, but also the well-being and support the staff needs to minister quality health care. “I would recommend Phelps to any nurse looking for change. You will be supported throughout every aspect of your career,” says Cecil Bonitto, registered nurse at Phelps Hospital. Phelps is proud to be listed by U.S. News and World Report as a High Performing Hospital and is honored for their numerous awards in cancer screening and care, among other highly coveted endorsements, none of which is made possible without the passionate workforce behind the services.

Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH), in Mount Kisco, N.Y., likewise praises its staff for two recent achievements: the designation of its Institute for Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC); and Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence for the third time. NWH’s commitment to improving the health of the people in the community is recognized by U.S. News and World Report with a ranking of #15 on its Best Regional Hospitals list. “I am surrounded by so many amazing individuals who give it their all, day in and day out,” says NWH emergency room nurse Samantha Miness. “It is truly remarkable to be among some of the best in providing care and comfort to our community.”

Both facilities continuously seek ways to create and promote a workplace that inspires the good work they’re known for. Never was this a more pressing need than during the height of the pandemic, when each hospital created a wellness garden as an oasis for employee reflection. These sanctuaries bring the vibe of nature and local community into the hospital setting while providing sources of nourishment for patients and employees. They also serve as a place for personal growth through opportunities to learn about horticulture. “It’s a great and friendly work environment,” says Natalia Avendano, a NHW patient care associate. “It feels like family, and there is always room for growth.”

These two highly regarded, state-of-the-art hospitals factor into Northwell Health’s recognition as a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For®. Northwell is also devoted to creating an environment that is open to all, where everyone feels like they belong, regardless of their background. In fact, Northwell welcomes the sharing of diverse ideas and voices, which sparks innovation in medicine and care. “I was encouraged to continue my education and I received financial assistance with the Nursing Promise Program offered by Phelps,” says Phelps registered nurse Karla Vallejo.

Both Phelps and NWH embody all that Northwell aims to be: pioneers in both medicine and employee experience. The hospitals strive to impact the quality of life of everyone in the community — whether they live, work or visit Westchester.

So when you think of quality healthcare in Westchester County, you should also think of Northwell Health.

Explore nursing opportunities and discover a career well cared for by taking a look at available Nursing and Nursing Support Roles at Phelps and NWH .

Register for our Northern Westchester Hospital Virtual Nursing Event on Oct 20^th

Register for our Phelps Hospital Virtual Nursing Event on Oct 21^st

Discover why our OR nurses love working at Peconic Bay Medical Center

At Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC) in Riverhead, NY, registered nurses won’t just find a rewarding career in the OR, they will find the opportunity to help serve their communities.

There has never been a better time to join the PBMC team. We are proud to be certified by the Joint Commission in Total Hip Replacement and Total Knee Replacement Surgery and are always seeking advancements that improve patient experience. As our health services grow, our nurses are able to work in a community setting within a department that is continually being updated and expanded to enhance the hospital stays.

Discover five reasons why our OR nurses love working at PBMC.

1. Career growth opportunities and resources are offered to all team members

PBMC registered nurses and team members benefit from receiving career resources provided by the largest private employer in New York State within a community setting. Some of these resources include our tuition reimbursement program, nurse certification program, and skills-based workshops at the Center for Learning and Innovation. These extensive resources have been put in place at Northwell so our team members can grow their careers while delivering compassionate and innovate care for our patients.

Salone Ayala, BSN, RN, is the perfect example of a career well cared for at PBMC. “I enjoy working at PBMC because there is room for professional growth, and it is encouraged. I started my career as an LPN and I have gone on to complete my RN, an OR fellowship, and this past year my BSN.”

2. Delivering care in new and renovated units

As PBMC grows, so does the ability to expand care to the community. In an effort to provide the best care for our patients and their families, we are building a seventh OR and purchasing a second Da Vinci Robot that will expand services in Advanced Thoracic, GYN and Colorectal procedures.  Our remodeling efforts have also recently focused on our patient areas and waiting rooms, which is expected to be completed shortly.

3. The local community offers a unique setting for self-care

PBMC is located on the east end of Long Island and is neighbored by miles and miles of sandy ocean beaches, world-renowned campsites, and unique specialty shops. As part of a self-care regimen, you may find some staff taking in the views and exploring the local cuisine during their breaks and time off. Nestled near downtown Riverhead – a town known for ease of access to several cultural and recreational hot spots – Peconic Bay Medical Center offers plenty of options to relax before or after the work day.

4. Interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork

Our OR nurses work closely with the surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff who provide care on a wide range of surgical procedures. Largely in part of the incredible synergy within our OR team, PBMC has received a Level III Trauma Center verification from the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma.

5. The opportunity to support patients beyond the bedside

At PBMC, we know how important it is to educate our patients as they prepare to rejoin their communities and readjust to their lives post-surgery. That’s why we provide resources for our patients prior to the hospital experience to help ease their concerns and ensure smooth recoveries after they leave to minimize postoperative discomfort.

Discover a career well cared for at Peconic Bay Medical Center. Explore our OR nursing opportunities today!

Northwell Celebrates: A series of events and experiences celebrating and thanking our healthcare heroes and their families

It’s not often that we’re faced with taking on challenges on a global scale such as was the case with the pandemic. In moments such as those, it’s important to pull together to raise each other. That is exactly what employees at Northwell Health did. They raised health, raised communities, and through it all they raised each other.

A simple thank you wasn’t enough. Northwell wanted to celebrate and thank all employees for their courage, determination and dedication throughout the pandemic and every day. Northwell Celebrates was launched as a multi-faceted token of appreciation. It is a series of events, activities and experiences curated for the enjoyment of employees and their families throughout the year.

Included in these activities are pop-up gratitude stations at various Northwell facilities where executive leaders from across the health system participate to give their personal thanks and offer a well-being gift box to employees. David Gill, assistant vice president of Employee Experience, was among the leadership present at the Syosset Hospital gratitude pop-up. David says, “It’s a way for us to provide in-person recognition and appreciation for the work our team members continue to do every day to make Northwell a great place to work and receive care.”

Inside each gift box are essentials to self-care such as a candle, a weekly reflection journal, a mindfulness coloring book with colored pencils, among other items. Such a gift was not taken lightly by employees like Elise Yan, lead lab technologist at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, who took to Facebook: “Thank you Northwell LIJ Forest Hills! Love it, can’t wait to start using them!”

Other events are planned throughout the summer, like drive-in family movie nights, a family fun book, concerts and an invitation to have six free chef-prepared meals from Freshly delivered directly to employees’ homes. The Freshly deliveries were a huge hit, with employees like Audrey McCullough, assistant director of patient care services for the Division of Nursing, who hopped on social media to say, “Thanks, Northwell, you really have my heart. Just received my 6 free and healthy, chef-cooked meals delivered right to my doorstep by Freshly!!”

At Northwell, all employees are valued and their hard work never goes unnoticed.

Discover a career well cared for at Northwell Health.

Working as a Home Health Aide at Northwell Health, Where Compassion Meets a Rewarding Career

There is a trademark characteristic that ties our Northwell home health aides (HHA) together: a deeply ingrained passion in caring for others. Often inspired by personal experiences, home health aides step up to provide at-home care for patients who cannot care for themselves. In such an intimate setting, relationships are built with the patients and their families who rely on the compassion our HHAs always bring.

Jeanette Mazzilli, home health aide with Northwell Health, says that one of the factors behind her decision to become an HHA was her own desire for a compassionate aide to help out at home with her father a few years ago. “While caring for my dad when he was ill, I realized that being a home health aide was a great career path for me. I took the free training course with Northwell Health and now enjoy helping my patients get better.”

Fellow home health aide of 13 years Sandra Chin also touts her own family as her source for inspiration: “My aunt Daisy was an HHA and I watched her care for her patients like they were her own family. When she became ill herself, I stepped up to care for her and loved doing it so much that I turned it into a career.” Sandra joined Northwell in 2019 and has found it to be a company like no other, providing support and training every step of the way.

A career as a home health aide is multi-faceted. Never a dull moment as you coordinate patient care with a team of nurses. Each unique patient comes with their own care plan and needs, and Northwell provides the training to meet those needs and assist the patient on a path to better health. “The RN who taught the course was a great instructor who answered all of our questions. I learned about patient care, safety, HIPPA compliance, and received many other home care instructions that prepared me for my role,” Jeanette says. When asked about the training course, Sandra Chin added, “The course is three weeks long, but very informative, and one of the best things is that I met some wonderful people.”

A day in the life of a home health aide can involve going over the patient’s care plan with the patient and their family, taking note of the patient’s progress. Sometimes the patient’s care plan requires monitoring their intake of medication, preparing meals, taking patients for walks, and assisting them with daily tasks. It’s a gratifying career according to Sandra: “The fulfillment I feel at the end of every shift when someone says, ‘thank you for being here’, makes it all worthwhile.”

That rewarding feeling continues outside of the patients’ homes because our home health aides know that Northwell Health is full of opportunities to raise their career expectations. Jeanette views her HHA position as the start to a long-term career in healthcare. “I have plans to expand my career at Northwell Health. This position has enabled me to use my natural compassion and incorporate new skills learned on the job so that I can grow.” Sandra agrees, saying that benefits at Northwell Health like tuition reimbursement, free training, and leaders who mentor you along the way create, “an environment and atmosphere that fosters the growth and development of its employees’ both career-wise and personally.”

HHAs are hands on as they play point person between patients and nurses which makes this role one of the best in healthcare to have a direct impact in the community. Jeanette recalls one particular instant early on in her career that stays with her to this day: “My most memorable moment was when a family member told the nurse assigned to my patient that they were relieved to have me in their lives. One day, I had noticed that the patient’s blood pressure was low and he seemed disoriented so I contacted the RN for immediate medical assistance. The family was grateful for my ability to keep calm and keep the patient stable while medical services arrived.” Sandra likens the role to being “an anchor” for patients and families going through a challenging time. Whether she’s serving breakfast, arranging transportation, or joining her patient on medical appointments Sandra says, “It gives me a sense of satisfaction I wouldn’t give up for any other job.”

If you’re ready to raise your career expectations as a home health aide with Northwell Health, apply now. A career well cared for is waiting for you.

Inspired by the Support from Northwell, Our Northwell Health Nurse Choir Aims to Inspire America

Seeing the Northwell Health Nurse Choir on America’s Got Talent reinforces what so many Northwell employees believe: Northwell is a place that is open to our endeavors be they personal or professional.

These nurses did not know each other prior to forming the choir but found it easy to make a connection through the power of music and a common passion for nursing at Northwell. Joining their voices from across the health system, the Northwell Health Nurse Choir aimed to inspire America – and they have!

“I still cannot believe that I am part of this experience and I have the honor of representing nurses on a national stage. I hope that the joy we show when performing is felt by healthcare providers and anyone else watching us. I hope that the hope we feel when singing can be hope for those watching too, and that everyone can feel our message: that we have survived a dark time together and we are moving into a hopeful next chapter,” says Winnie Mele, director of perioperative services at Plainview Hospital.

The decision to represent Northwell on the national stage was a chance they seized. They knew that the backing from Northwell would be there because of the organization’s commitment to uplifting their employees and the communities served.

Emanuel Remilus, registered nurse, Cohen Children’s Medical Center (CCMC), appreciates having the health system behind them citing, “Northwell provided a place where we could take precautions to be protected from COVID and practice together. That was the first time we met each other in person, and it was magic – our voices and personalities came together like we had known each other for years. We come from different towns, hospitals and backgrounds, which is great because it gives us diversity in our sound and an opportunity to learn from each other.”

Fellow choir member and registered nurse, Julieta Hernandez, who works at CCMC, adds, “If we hadn’t had a place to get together and practice singing together, I don’t know that we would have been so successful. Northwell also supported us by giving us time to practice and resources for choreography and vocals. It’s been a great experience because of this support!”

Northwell is a workplace where you don’t feel like you’re checking your personal life at the door in exchange for your professional life. It’s more like walking into your shift with extended family. With initiatives such as the BERGs (business employee resource groups) that bridge our external and internal communities, promoting growth and learning opportunities with a tuition reimbursement program, and the championing of employee interests, such as the nurse choir, an employee’s whole self is embraced into the organization.

That feeling of knowing that your interests are welcomed and supported is something that is sensed from the ground up.  Fellow nurse choir member, Gaelle Clesca, pediatric nurse practitioner, Cohen Children’s Medical Center, affirms this: “This opportunity is evidence that Northwell supports its own.” You’ll even hear it often from our President and CEO Michael Dowling: “Our Northwell family pulls together to support one another.”

Be sure to catch our nurses during the live quarterfinal rounds of America’s Got Talent this August! AGT airs on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. eastern on NBC.

If you’re inspired by the passion that our Northwell Health Nurse Choir has for bringing joy to others, join our team of 18,000+ nurses and discover a career well cared for. Explore nursing opportunities here.

CNO Corner – A conversation with Christine Kippley

Christine Kippley, chief nursing officer (CNO), started her nursing career journey in Chicago, Illinois as a staff nurse on a medical surgical unit.  She obtained her MBA at Loyola University and soon became a nurse manager.  Christine managed both a medical surgical unit and an outpatient diabetes center where she became a certified diabetes educator. In 2010 she moved to New York where her first job was as a nurse manager at Plainview Hospital on the medical oncology unit, and later she transferred to Huntington Hospital to manage their medical surgical unit.

In 2013 Christine was selected for Northwell’s high potential program and became a Beginnings new hire orientation facilitator, where she obtained her nurse executive certification. From here, she earned a great opportunity to be the director of case management at Huntington Hospital before being selected to lead nursing at Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC) as its chief nursing officer.

PBMC, which is located on Long Island’s beautiful east end, is a team of nearly 1,500 caring professionals who are delivering healthcare to Riverhead and the surrounding communities in Suffolk County and Eastern Long Island.

We learned more from Christine about what makes Peconic Bay Medical Center so unique for nursing and a wide variety of careers.

Tell us about the nursing team at PBMC.

The nursing team at Peconic Bay is inclusive of both experienced and novice nurses.  This provides a great environment for learning. Over the past few years, PBMC has added many new opportunities for nurses with experience and those new to the profession as we are experiencing significant growth.  As our services have grown, our nurses have spread their wings and have been offered new opportunities in the Cath lab, PACU, OB, ED and leadership.  Many of our nurses in these specialty areas started at PBMC on the medical surgical or telehealth units.

How does PBMC support growth and development for nurses?

Our nursing councils provide a platform for our nurses and leadership to share information and be involved in decision making.   The councils are comprised of nurses from each unit in our facility.  We are well on our way to achieving nursing excellence and pursuing Magnet status.   We were one of the 16 Northwell facilities that recently achieved American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Practice Transition Accreditation Program accreditation with distinction for our nurse residency program.  Many of our nurses are currently enrolled in BSN and MSN programs and certification is highly encouraged.

What exciting nursing initiatives are available at PBMC?

One example is our recent application and acceptance to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Age Friendly facility initiative.  This program will provide a framework for us to care for our most vulnerable and largest population.  Another example is our oncology services expanding to the east end, and with that, we have designated one unit for our oncology patients.  Educational opportunities are provided to the nurses staffing this area to care for this special population.

Why is unique for nurses working at PBMC?

One of the best things about working at PBMC is the friendly community feel of the hospital.    Being a smaller community hospital there are endless opportunities to explore new things and get involved.

What advice do you have for nurses either starting their careers or looking to continue to grow?

My advice to any new nurse is to just say YES to any opportunity, both clinical and educational, that comes your way.  Don’t be afraid!  Every experience will help you grow and prepare you for the next step, wherever that may lead you!

Explore nursing careers

Answering the Call for Pediatric Cardiac OR Nursing

Anthony Bracco started his Northwell career four years ago as a registered nurse for adult open-heart surgeries, but he would eventually answer the call to join the pediatric open-heart team at Cohen Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) at Northwell Health. When asked about the opportunity to become a pediatric cardiac operating room registered nurse he says, “I couldn’t say no to a chance to help the pediatric population in the specialty I love.”

Working in a pediatric OR often means participating in life-saving surgeries. “I have the privilege of leaving work every day knowing we not only saved the life of a very young patient, but we also relieved the stress on the family,” Anthony says. He’s also excited about CCMC’s new operating rooms, which will offer more families access to the care he and his fellow OR nurses are passionate about.

Anthony says the cardiac OR team runs so smoothly because they all share the same devotion to saving lives. Witnessing that level of teamwork inspired him to pursue this career path, recalling a specific moment in an OR: “It was incredible to watch the scrub nurse and the surgeon move in perfect synchronization to protect the patient from being on the heart-lung machine for an extended period of time. In that instant I knew I wanted to be a cardiac surgery nurse.”

Declaring the operating room “an incredible place to work because you provide immediate patient care and are always learning,” Anthony encourages any nurse considering an OR opportunity to go for it. “Whether it’s removing a tumor, fixing a congenital heart defect or bypassing clogged arteries, the direct outcome you can have on a patient is incredibly rewarding.  There’s no better feeling than being able to help a neonatal, infant or pediatric patient by performing life-saving surgery.”

The days are busy, fast-paced and perfect for those looking to make an instant impact on patients’ lives. Anthony says the interdisciplinary teams he collaborates with at CCMC work in tandem, a manifestation of Northwell Health’s value of being Truly Together, which flows without ebb through the halls and ORs at the hospital.

From the moment Anthony joined the CCMC’s cardiac OR, he felt surrounded by professionals with the shared mission of delivering outstanding care to the youngest of patients, a “heartfelt” desire that’s not limited to the OR.

Support from Northwell doesn’t start and stop with your shift — it tracks with your personal and professional aspirations. Through the relationships built and the knowledge gained while working at Northwell, Anthony has felt inspired to continue his education; he’s now enrolled in a family nurse practitioner master’s degree program. CCMC has also granted him the space to innovate and share ideas by supporting his desire to conduct research. “Currently, I am working on a research project to increase communication and teamwork in the operating room by using white boards for communication.”

The nurses at CCMC are driven to excellence, passionate about having a direct and immediate impact in a young patient’s life, and selfless in regard to helping others — whether it’s colleagues or the patients they treat.

Join our cardiac OR team and find your next passion.

Edie Marden, Assistant Vice President of Operations for the Northwell Health Trauma Institute, has a career journey that spans nearly three decades all at Northwell Health

“I have been working at Northwell Health for almost 28 years and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” says Edie Marden, assistant vice president of operations, Northwell Health Trauma Institute.

Edie’s Northwell career comprised many roles, starting in 1993 at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) as a registered nurse in the medical intensive care unit (MICU). She then transitioned to medical oncology where she advanced to become assistant nurse manager. With that leadership experience, she transitioned to nurse manager of various units at NSUH. She then progressed to become the assistant director of Department of Surgery, where she was responsible for quality management, and then assistant director of clinical services. Today she is an assistant vice president of the Trauma Institute and the Department of Surgery.

“My day-to-day role varies and that is what is exciting to me,” Edie says. In her current role, she directs the system-wide development, coordination and administration of the Trauma Institute along with its policies, guidelines, services and programs across the health system. She spends most of her time collaborating and guiding team members at each of Northwell’s seven trauma centers. “I focus on employee engagement to ensure the team gets the support and direction they need from leadership,” says Edie.

The support of Northwell

Northwell provides many opportunities for professional and personal growth. With Northwell’s support, Edie obtained her master’s in healthcare administration at Walden University. She continues to develop her skills and leadership by attending Northwell’s educational courses at the Center for Learning and Innovation (CLI) and served as a mentor for Northwell employees. “Northwell has been supportive throughout my career,” Edie says, noting encouragement by her leaders to attend national conferences — she was even a speaker at several events. “The support of leadership is paramount and having leaders I could talk to and get advice from has helped me achieve these goals.”

“I’ve had the opportunity to advance my career without having to leave Northwell,” says Edie. “There are so many avenues to explore and different roles to pursue.”

Explore a career well cared for and apply today!