Tausha’s Journey from the U.S. Air Force to Northwell

As a top military friendly employer, Northwell Health is dedicated to creating a workplace where our military service team members from all backgrounds can thrive. Read to learn about the inspiring story of Tausha Allen, an emergency department technician at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH), who transitioned from success in the military to success at Northwell.

Tausha’s career with Northwell began when she connected with our Military Liaison Services team in 2022, but her journey in healthcare started long before that. With four years of active duty and five years as a reservist, Tausha’s military experience provided her with invaluable skills and a strong sense of purpose that has directly translated into her role at Northwell Health. As a medical technician in the U.S. Air Force, she played a crucial role in ensuring pilots were medically cleared to fly missions. This opened the door to her current position as an emergency department technician. In her role, she engages in hands-on patient care, assists nurses and providers, and conducts vital signs, EKGs, and point-of-care testing. Her military training instilled in her the discipline and capability to excel in a fast-paced healthcare environment..

Tausha’s personal and professional growth are marked with intention. Before coming to Northwell, Tausha planned her desired career roadmap that included not only becoming an emergency department technologist, but also receiving her nursing education at Adelphi University. In 2023, she applied to Adelphi University for their accelerated nursing program and in May 2024, Tausha was accepted into the program. This is a milestone she will be completing with the support of Northwell’s tuition reimbursement benefit. Upon completion of her nursing program, Tausha’s dream is to work as a critical care nurse at Northwell. She also plans to continue as a reservist and would like to work as a critical care air transport nurse in the U.S. Air Force.

One of the most exciting aspects of Tausha’s role at Northwell is the continuous learning and a collaborative environment. She values the willingness of her colleagues to share knowledge and appreciates the educational interactions with physicians. Recognizing her dedication, Tausha’s managers supported her transition to part-time night shifts, enabling her to balance her job and academic commitments. “The recognition and encouragement I receive from my colleagues and managers is what keeps me motivated,” Tausha says, “I adore the fact that there is so much to learn and that everyone is willing to teach.”

Tausha’s experience demonstrates that with a planning and determination, opportunities are within reach. Her advice for other military service members looking to continue their career journey at Northwell Health is to be intentional about their goals.  Veterans and military service members bring unique skills and perspectives that are highly valued in the workplace, and Northwell is committed to providing resources to support a transition to a civilian career.

Learn more about how Northwell Health supports military service members looking to start their civilian careers.

A Life of Service: One U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant’s Career Journey to Northwell Health

Anthony Quintana’s path to a career in medicine was far from conventional and marked by his service in the United States Marine Corps when he made the transition back into civilian life. Explore Anthony’s remarkable journey to healthcare, starting with his military service and commitment to supporting fellow veterans, and learn why he pivoted from an accounting career to his current role as a critical care physician assistant in the Tele-ICU at Northwell Health.

Shortly after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Anthony made the courageous decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. During his service, he rose to the rank of Sergeant (E-5) in which his military experience instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, values, leadership and resilience. After completing his military service, Anthony pursued higher education, earning an associate’s degree in accounting. Just after starting his career in accounting, he soon realized accounting was not the right role for him. He felt it was so far removed from what he did in the military, and he needed to look toward a path in something else where the skills he learned in the Marine Corps were more transferrable. He began to volunteer at a nearby veteran hospital and this experience would ultimately set the stage for opening doors toward a new career path within a totally different industry.

While volunteering at a nearby veteran hospital, he crossed paths with one of his future mentors, a physician assistant and army veteran who would play a pivotal role in reshaping Anthony’s career aspirations from accounting to a completely new path. His mentor recognized that Anthony was then driven by a desire to make a difference and to help others, so he encouraged him to pursue higher education in healthcare. When he graduated with a dual degree, earning a bachelor’s in healthcare studies and a master’s in physician assistant studies, Anthony was equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the next step of his career journey into healthcare.

Anthony joined Northwell as a physician assistant in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) before working at another hospital in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) with additional coverage in the Coronary Care Unit. His experiences in these critical care settings helped hone his clinical skills. Today in his current role as a critical care physician assistant in the Tele-ICU at Northwell, Anthony uses telehealth platforms to manage critically ill patients across the entire Northwell system. His ability to adapt to new technologies and provide high-quality care virtually, highlights his commitment to delivering exceptional patient care.

“Northwell has a system of support that allows myself and others like me to succeed,” says Anthony, “Northwell recognizes veterans for their service and commitment to their country and prioritizes resources to give us the support we need.” Anthony completed programs like “Mentoring and Professionalism in Training” and is currently a group leader for a new mentorship program cohort. He’s also nearing completion of the “Essentials of Leadership Course” and was nominated for our 2024 LeadNEXT leadership development program. Reflecting on the organization’s commitment to reinvest in its employees, Anthony plans to pursue an MBA in healthcare analytics with financial assistance through Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program at Hofstra University. In addition to his professional growth, Anthony is an active member of the organization “PAs in Virtual Medicine and Telemedicine,” a caucus of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. His involvement emphasizes his dedication to raising awareness about the vital roles physician assistants play in telemedicine.

Anthony’s story serves as an inspiration for all who seek to transition from the military to a fulfilling civilian career. His journey is a testament to his commitment to service and his dedication to making a difference. His experiences in the military and his educational and professional growth at Northwell reflect his resilience and passion for helping others, particularly fellow veterans. Northwell’s support and commitment to its employees have assisted Anthony to thrive and make a meaningful impact in his healthcare career. “I would advise any veteran to continue to serve their community with Northwell, where you know you can make a difference.”

Learn more about how Northwell Health supports veterans.

When a mission to serve sparks curiosity that soars to new heights in nursing at Northwell

Renne Rodriguez, nurse practitioner (NP) at Syosset Hospital, reflects on the moments that made the greatest impact on his career journey. “Since I started here 20 years ago, Northwell has helped me grow professionally and academically. I’ve grown through–tuition reimbursement, mentorship programs, leadership and nursing courses at the Center for Learning & Innovation (CLI). Plus, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the best healthcare professionals and mentors I’ve ever known,” shared Renne.

Before he began his career in healthcare, Renne knew little about nursing other than what he encountered in a hospital when he was young. His start in healthcare happened when he was offered the surgical technologist field position upon recruitment into the U.S. Air Force. He knew nothing about the position but was eager to learn. Renne served for four years as a senior airman training as a surgical technologist at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX and then at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. In this role, he assisted in the care of setting up the operating room before surgery and passing/counting instruments, sponges, dressings, etc. during surgery. His training and experience included procedures such as ears, nose and throat (ENT), plastic, general, trauma, orthopedics and neurosurgery. One day Renne scrubbed in on an open-heart procedure and noticed the person who was harvesting the vessels from the patient’s lower extremity. Renne recalled, “I thought he was a doctor and was amazed to learn he was a registered nurse first assistant (RNFA).” In that moment, he had a new appreciation for nursing which sparked a curiosity and passion that would lead him to discover the many different fields nurses can pursue.

Renne joined Northwell in 2004 as a surgical technologist, leveraging the skills and training he received in the military to jumpstart his civilian career. Through encouragement and support from his managers, he applied for Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program to first obtain his

Renne joined Northwell in 2004 as a surgical technologist, leveraging the skills and training he received in the military to jumpstart his civilian career. Through encouragement and support from his managers, he applied for Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program to first obtain his associate’s degree in nursing (ASN), then again to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). After working at Plainview Hospital for over a decade, Renne had built such a positive and trusting relationship with his managers, that he was presented with an opportunity to join the perioperative leadership team at Plainview Hospital as the orthopedic nurse manager in 2013. After four years in this role, this led him to pursue another nurse manager role within several perioperative units at Syosset Hospital in 2017. In the years that followed, Renne was able to continue leveraging tuition assistance from Northwell to earn his master’s degree in nursing to become a nursing first assistant and family nurse practitioner.

Today, as an NP within the surgical oncology service line at Syosset Hospital, Renne directs daily operations for a two-room operating suite within the ophthalmology surgical unit. His responsibilities include developing and implementing operational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all regulatory and professional standards of care.  Renne also partners with physicians, nurse managers and clinical staff to design strategic plans to meet patient care needs. Other responsibilities include securing all necessary equipment, implants, and instruments for upcoming surgical procedures, conducting surgical room inspections prior to surgery, and coordinating all phases of post-operative patient care to ensure all patient needs are met.

The U.S. Air Force’s core values are integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. “My time in the service gave me the opportunity to appreciate team building. Now working alongside a group of dedicated, proud team members at Northwell who also believe in these core values means so much to me,” shared Renne.

“Whatever the job function you served as in the military, I can guarantee that Northwell has a place for you. There is opportunity to grow within Northwell and be exposed to great people, technology, services and communities.” – Renne Rodriguez

Start your next mission at Northwell and search for job opportunities using your MOS code.

Edie Argueta is an administration support assistant (ASA) at Nassau Queens Pulmonary Associates in New Hyde Park, NY, who helps facilitate a smooth check-in of all patients and guests entering the facility. Not only is Edie responsible for making sure everyone is processed correctly, and their insurances are active, but he is also tasked in posting payments and acting as an agent for the call center.

When Edie joined the U.S. Marines right after he graduated high school, he held the title of motor transport operator and was in charge of driving the military truck on missions. Over the course of his military career, he was deployed twice to Iraq where he was a part of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. He was assigned to the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion of the 2nd Marine Division, based at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. This experience taught Edie the importance of teamwork and persistence, in which he accredits his successful transition to a civilian career at Northwell.

At Northwell, Edie expressed that what he loves most about his job is, “there are always new challenges to overcome and new things to learn. I find my role very satisfying because every day I have the chance to help someone,” says Edie. One thing that motivates Edie is when patients express their gratitude and he’s able to see the impact he’s made on their lives. He attributes his work ethic to his time spent in the military, “My military experience has made a huge impact on setting me up for success in my career at Northwell. It has provided me with the discipline I need to stay focused.”

Our administrative teams are involved with every aspect of a patient’s visit. Being detail orientated and excellent at multitasking are two critical traits we look for in potential candidates for this role.  Serving in the U.S. Marines taught Edie these skills among many other disciplines plus a sense of teamwork that has shaped him into the Health Raiser he is today.

“Veterans should not be discouraged if their experience does not match exactly with the role they are seeking. Be your best advocate by attending a hiring event and recognizing that you have more to offer in a civilian career than you realize.” – Edie Argueta, Administration Support Assistant

Start your next mission at Northwell and search for job opportunities using your MOS code.

The mission for Yovica Valentin: providing the best infant care at Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

They say when you do something you love, it doesn’t feel like work at all. That feeling is something that holds true for Yovica Valentin, infant care technician at Cohen Children’s Medical Center (CCMC). Yovica has always had a passion for working with children and infants. With her role at Northwell, she’s able to fulfill that passion while working hard to fulfill another dream of hers; becoming a registered nurse (RN).

Yovica started her time at Northwell in 2018, working at Flexstaff as a Certified Nursing Assistant, caring for adults. She always wanted to work with children so in July 2021 she was thrilled to start a new position at CCMC as a pediatric nursing assistant. In February 2022, she transitioned to an infant care technician in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at CCMC.

As an infant care technician, she takes vitals, changes diapers, consoles and cuddles, feeds and baths the infants who are under her care. While overseeing and reporting any abnormalities during care to the nurses, Yovica also monitors and assists with discharges. Other responsibilities include taking inventory of supplies in patient rooms, infant cribs, and the circumcision room. She also helps to send labs reports and picks up orders from the blood bank. Yovica is dedicated to her work with all the newborns and finds meaning as she helps them grow so they can go home healthy as they begin life with their families.

Before she began her healthcare career, Yovica enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in January 2020 and completed basic training in July 2020 before returning  home to begin serving at the Air National Guard base in Westhampton, New York. Currently as an active member of the U.S. Air Force, Yovica is an airman first class (E3) and will soon be promoted to a senior airman.

The U.S. Air Force’s core values are integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.  Yovica carries and displays those values not just while serving in the military but also while working at CCMC and in her everyday life outside of work. “I have learned the importance of stepping up to the plate and helping my fellow airmen in order to accomplish the mission at hand,” says Yovica. Yovica also appreciates the support she has received throughout her Northwell career from her hiring leaders, team members and the Office of Military and Veterans’ Liaison Services.

Yovica’s next step on her career journey is to become a registered nurse so she can continue to make a difference and impact people’s lives by providing the next level of care as a nurse.  She recently passed her board exams and is now officially a licensed RN. Yovica’s leaders supported her throughout her time in school by offering her a more flexible schedule to accommodate her studying. She feels encouraged by her leaders and colleagues, who are constantly pushing her to follow her dreams. She plans to continue to be active in the military to commission to an officer position and work with the medical group on base as a registered. Yovica also plans on moving up to a registered nurse position and continuing her career journey with Northwell.

“Northwell Health is a great company to work for. If you enjoy helping and leaving a positive impact on others, then you belong here!” – Yovica Valentin

Start your next mission at Northwell and search for job opportunities using your MOS code.

Northwell provides the right tools and support system for all veterans to succeed

How attending a veteran recruiting event changed Luis Phillips’ career journey, for the better.

In 2014, Luis Phillips attended one of our veteran recruiting events, where he learned how his military experience could play a valuable part in a future at Northwell Health. Eight years later, Luis is now a senior information technology & services (IT&S) process management administrator at Northwell, where he utilizes his technical skills obtained in the military, to do what he loves every day.

Luis provides operational support to our Clinical Informatics team at Northwell in planning, organizing, evaluating, implementing, and identifying areas for process improvement on various nursing initiatives, related to Electronic Medical Records (EMR). This allows for enhanced clinical quality, patient safety, workflow efficiency, clinician satisfaction, and patient experience. What excites Luis most about his role, is working to solve complex challenges in healthcare around information technology and understanding that those efforts will help transform the way healthcare is delivered to our patients.

During his time in the U.S. Army, Luis held the title of Motor Transport Operator, where his responsibilities ensured the safety of senior ranking personnel as well as the secure distribution of critical equipment and resources to support various missions. During his eight-year career, he developed strategic agility skills to adapt to an ever-changing environment in order to overcome challenges quickly. This skill was vital during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when Northwell had to rework quickly to an ever-changing environment.  Luis shared, “What’s truly been rewarding is that my past experience helped me develop operational skills to help improve patient outcomes and staff satisfaction across our hospitals today.”

As a member of Northwell’s VALOR BERG (Business Employee Resource Group), Luis is able to hold onto his other passion of participating in veteran-focused initiatives that impact our organization and our community. He enjoys being a member of the VALOR BERG because it has helped create awareness about different programs, such as our Side-by-Side concert event, and initiatives within Northwell that support veterans in the workforce. “I strongly encourage anyone to look into opportunities with Northwell Health, where you will have access to resources and career growth options at every turn.”

Start your next mission at Northwell and search for job opportunities using your MOS code.

A career journey that began with the United States Marine Corps, and transitioned to a rewarding civilian IT career at Northwell

When Robert Shimonski started his career with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in 1992, he never could have imagined his path would lead him to where he is today. During his eight years of service in the USMC, he made significant advancements in his roles from serving four years on active duty as an aircraft mechanic and ultimately being promoted to Sergeant. Then he spent another four years in the active reserves and was transferred to a unit responsible for satellite communications and logistics, in which he promoted to Staff Sergeant as a senior leader of Marines. Today, Robert is now our Director of Infrastructure Services and Management, and he attributes his personal experiences from active military to his successful career here at Northwell.

As the Director of two large teams, Robert is most passionate about his responsibility to the care, wellbeing, and growth of his fellow team members. As one of the strategic leaders of the IS Operations Center (ISOC),  Robert and his team ensure that if an IT matter arises that requires resolution that it is handled as swiftly as possible. The systems management solutions team Robert is responsible for   handles building, deploying, configuring, and administering the enterprise tools required to monitor our health system, which is comprised of thousands of devices, systems, applications, and important clinical infrastructure. Both teams together provide a critical layer of protection to ensure ongoing operations of the Northwell Health system.

When asked about how his military experience translates into a career at Northwell, Robert says: “Most skills you learn about in military leadership translate very well into a civilian career. Whatever role you perform in the military, there is a component of leadership applied at every level, so you are always developing leadership skills. That experience has helped me to become a better leader in my current role within a healthcare environment.”

Robert has been a member of our VALOR BERG (Business Employee Resource Group) since its inception. He has watched it grow to a very large group of team members helping to support various veteran organizations. Robert shares that the VALOR BERG gives its members the opportunity to work together, to learn, and support each other. It’s that ability to make a difference that helps him fuel his passion to help with the BERG’s mission and also assist Military Liaison Services (MLS), Northwell’s veteran support department. These two groups are aimed at making a difference for veterans and the community.

“If you enjoy doing work that impacts lives, builds community, and helps provide benefits and services to those in need, then Northwell is the place to be. Veterans are encouraged to apply and join the ranks here at Northwell and from one veteran to another, it’s been an amazing journey that I appreciate being a part of,” says Robert.

Learn more about  our commitment to veterans and make your next mission at Northwell Health.

Bringing the importance of collaborative leadership from the Navy to Northwell Health

Meet Juli Schmidt, Northwell Health’s newest senior manager of Career Performance and Development. Juli comes to Northwell following a successful 21-year naval career that saw her achieve the rank of commander. Her goal in this new role is to help evolve the career experience for our team members across the organization, through the inclusion of leadership development, career advisement and mentorship programs.

Juli is part of the Career Performance and Development team in Human Resources that is responsible for advancing our performance management program, which includes individual development plans, succession planning, links to business goals, and competency assessments. She looks forward to applying the leadership skills she honed as a naval officer, to a new mission that directly impacts the lives and well-being of Northwell’s team members. Juli says, “My core values will continue to guide me to achieve the mission, and whether that’s in healthcare or commanding a warship – you have goals and you reach them through teamwork, trust and consistent communication.”

A Long Island native, Juli began her career in the Navy more than two decades ago and, after graduating from the United States Naval Academy, served as a Surface Warfare Officer and completed deployments in the Middle East, participating in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Juli then transferred to the Navy’s Human Resources community, where she was able to apply her operational background to Navy-wide HR initiatives. She served as a senior human resources officer, specializing in strategic workforce planning, talent management, succession planning, and resource allocation.

Although Juli is new to Northwell, she is eager to join the VALOR BERG (Business Employee Resource Group) to reconnect with fellow veterans who share the same commitment to serving others.  Those shared experiences are unique, and that connection allows the veteran community to collaborate and apply their skills to new ideas and initiatives at Northwell.

“Northwell is committed to creating an inclusive culture that supports your continued professional and personal growth,” says Juli. “As a veteran, you can apply your military experiences and skillsets to seamlessly integrate into Northwell’s culture and continue to excel post-military. An organization’s strength comes from its diverse workforce, and here in the greater NY/NJ metro area, Northwell Health represents diversity of thought, culture, beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences.”

Learn more about our commitment to veterans and make your next mission at Northwell Health.

Michael J. Caines is an associate information technology specialist for Northwell Health based in our Melville, New York office. Michael assists in the implementation and maintenance of the information security architecture and solutions, and he also provides security design assistance on new products and other projects.

Michael’s involvement with the U.S. military, where he followed a career path similar to his role at Northwell, took place over a span of seven-and-a-half years that included active duty, and as a member of the army reserves.

In honor of Veterans Day, Michael shared with us more about his career growth at Northwell; how his time in the military inspired his decision to join us, and how being a member of the Veterans and Allies: Liaisons of Reintegration business employee resource group (VALOR BERG) has helped enhance his experience at the organization.

What excites you about your role at Northwell Health?

Without a doubt, my current occupation has been a huge step forward in my life, in every aspect. I am beyond happy with the team I work with and the experience I gain every single day.

What were your responsibilities while on active duty in the U.S. Army Reserve?

My MOS (military occupational code, used to identify specific jobs within the military) was 25B: information technology specialist. I performed system administration and maintained computers and servers within the computing and network environments. In addition, I was responsible for my junior soldiers who reported to me.

Northwell Health’s job search enables for searches using MOS codes

What skills did you learn in the military that translate into a civilian career here at Northwell?

In the military, I learned how to monitor data, security, and confidentiality, as well as ensuring compliance within an organization while working to maintain proper standards. This directly translates over to my civilian career today.

How does Northwell support you as a veteran both personally and professionally?

Northwell offers not only amazing job opportunities, but they also open so many doors for veterans to advance in their career and improve themselves both personally and professionally. When I started my process in joining Northwell, my recruiter took the time to thoroughly explain and go over what I needed to help with my resume. Once I began my career, I enjoyed the frequent check-ins to see how I was doing and if I was comfortable with my career choice. And as for my current team, they were extremely welcoming.

Most jobs that I’ve had in the past, teams just want to throw you into a job while providing minimal training and expect you to just figure out everything on your own. The IT Risk Management team that I am with now are the opposite. No matter what the task, they take ample time in making sure that I am on the right track, that I understand what I am doing, why I am doing it and that I can independently perform my job to standard. The diversity in work experience within the team also helps me learn things from different perspectives, attributing to my own personal growth. I’ve been treated with nothing but respect — and even though I’m still new here, my opinion on numerous topics is still valued because of my military experience.

What makes you passionate about  the VALOR BERG for veterans?

There are so many veterans who return home with lack of help and support. VALOR helps equip veterans with the proper resources they need to succeed, such as professional development and mentoring. The team works with service members to connect them to outlets that will support their physical and psychological well-being. VALOR truly helps someone coming from the military workforce and seamlessly transitions them into the civilian workforce.

What advice would you give a veteran looking to continue their career journey at Northwell Health?

I would tell any veteran to take the first step and immediately apply to any job they see at Northwell where there skills could be applied —because their life could be given a complete 180 turn, for the better!

Start your next mission at Northwell Health. Learn more about our commitment to veterans.

Northwell Community: How our VALOR BERG helps veterans reintegrate into the civilian workplace

Our latest Northwell Community series focuses on Northwell’s VALOR BERG (business employee resource group) and its support of the veteran community and the professional development of its members. WPIX’s Mr. G discusses the impact of VALOR with Northwell team members Victoria Hagemann, MSW, social worker at Zucker Hillside Hospital, and Craig Washington, director of distribution operations at Northwell Health and veteran. Through VALOR, these two peers were able to connect on the common interest of serving those who have served our country. Their connection has developed into a friendship and partnership as they work together with the rest of VALOR’s members to find ways to engage military personnel and help bridge the path to workplace reintegration. Learn more about their professional and personal development by watching this video.

Serving her country and transitioning into a civilian career at Northwell

Angelica Motta served as a signal support specialist in the U.S. Army Reserve before starting her Northwell career. Today, Angelica is an administrative support coordinator for Northwell’s Military Liaison Services. Her career journey here began in May 2021 and she is looking forward to continuing to grow her career at Northwell Health.

When Angelica was in the U.S. Army Reserve, she served with the 8th Medical Brigade where she provided IT support to the medical professionals in her unit. In that role, she helped set up the maintenance of computer hardware and software, radios, antennas, and satellite transceivers to help medical providers complete their missions. When Angelica left the military, she wanted to pursue a civilian career that will help other veterans and their families.

As Angelica was exploring civilian career opportunities, she was looking for something more meaningful. “I was looking for a career where I could serve a greater purpose,” says Angelica, “and that is why I started to look into careers at Northwell Health.” She had heard about the sense of community that Northwell offered its employees and was attracted to an organization like that.

With her passion of helping the community, Angelica found an opportunity at Northwell’s Military Liaison Services (NHMLS), which provides health, wellness, and career resources for active-duty military service members as well as veterans and their families. Angelica assists active military service members, veterans and their spouses with career exploration that includes resume writing, job preparation and interview techniques.

“Knowing that I can apply all of my skills and be part of a team within a company that is here for veterans and their families gives me a real sense of fulfillment,” says Angelica. In her role she also supports her department with services that include behavioral, clinical, employment, education, and life transitions. Angelica took the skillsets she learned while in the Army Reserve and applies them to her daily tasks. Her ability to maintain discipline and being quick to adapt to any situation allows her to be more effective in communicating with her team and serving her community.

Northwell offers a wide range of services for our veterans and their families. Examples include the Barracks to Business career workshops and the VALOR Business Employee Resource Group (BERG). Northwell helps our team members who have served in any branch of the military transition into their civilian career by showing veterans how to translate the skills they’ve learned in the armed forces and to apply them in the workforce, offering mentoring programs and networking opportunities to connect with others who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military.

Looking to discover your next mission at Northwell Health? Enter a MOS code into our job search to find jobs.

U.S. veterans mentor students and share valuable career insights

Northwell Health launched a pilot student veteran mentorship program to deliver career insights and share life experiences between veterans and students.  With the initial program pilot, two participants from St. Joseph’s College, who were in their junior and senior year of college studying computers and biology, were paired with two veteran mentors in our organization.

The program goal is to give students who served in the military insight into our organization and help them to learn various career paths based on their major.  With plans to expand, the program is expected to continue to grow both mentor and student participants on a semester basis.

One of the mentors was Andy Roberts, senior director of corporate social responsibility in Human Resources Solutions, who helps plan for emergencies and ensures Northwell is ready for anything. Andy is also an Iraq war veteran who served in the U.S. Army. “I understand that the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging and I was eager to support the Student Veteran Mentorship program when I heard about it,” he says. “Mentorship programs offer insight into different careers and highlight opportunities many people may not normally be able to gain otherwise.”

Andy also gained a great deal during the program from his student. “Mentors can be reminded of the sacrifices our veterans have made and being a mentor can help you reinforce your own skills while providing a fulfilling opportunity to give back to someone making a career change.”

Northwell Health supports our veterans with a wide range of resources and opportunities for service members as they transition from active duty to civilian life as we strive to serve our patients, communities, and each other.

Make the transition to a civilian career with Northwell Health. Learn more about our commitment to veterans.

How discipline and a call to service propelled veteran Cynthia LaRocca’s successful career at Northwell Health

Serving country and community always came naturally to Cynthia LaRocca, director of clinical professional development at Plainview and Syosset Hospitals.

As a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, Cynthia served in a variety of roles including pharmacy technician and field medic. Her military path led to jobs at VA hospitals in Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Nebraska—experiences where “I found nursing and nursing found me.”

Cynthia’s transition to a civilian career at Northwell was eased by lessons learned during her eight years in the reserve. “Discipline is a skill that I have learned from the military and that serves me well at Northwell because it means seeing something through from beginning to end.”

In addition, the teamwork skills she acquired in the military translated easily to the Northwell Health value of being Truly Together: whether serving the country or serving the community, she says, “without your colleagues you cannot achieve your ultimate goals or complete your mission.”

Today, Cynthia manages the clinical professional development of orientations, annual training skills, new equipment and professional acumen for the clinical nursing staff at both Plainview and Syosset Hospitals. And by embodying the Northwell Health value of Truly Ambitious, she has seized opportunities to spread her wings and redefine what it means to work in health care, reaching career goals and achieving credentials including registered nurse (RN), registered nurse–board certified (RNBC) and doctor of nursing practice (DNP).

Work excites Cynthia every day because “I know what I am doing is helping others,” and appreciates that Northwell prioritizes ensuring all military employees feel supported, whether they continue to serve while on the job or are veterans who have completed their service: “The support Northwell gives to those who serve cannot be understated.”

Apply the lessons you learned in the military toward a Northwell Health career. Discover a career well cared for.

U.S. Marine continues to protect our communities as a registered nurse

For Brian Uster, a medical/surgical registered nurse at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH), nursing was the perfect next step after serving as a U.S. Marine.

“I always felt the urge to help others,” says Brian. “That is why I first joined the Marine Corps and volunteered with the Fire Department. Healthcare allows you the opportunity to directly affect other people in a good way.”

Brian served six years in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) as a foreign security force adviser where he helped train and educate foreign militaries while working through interpreters when necessary. He also served as an anti-tank missile-man before being honorably discharged as a Sergeant.

After his service with the Marines, Brian knew that nursing was the next way he could continue to help and protect his community. For Brian, Northwell Health was also the perfect place to pursue this next mission. “I chose Northwell because of the reputation this system has. Northwell has high standards and expects nothing but the best from their employees,” says Brian. “It’s also very veteran friendly. At Northwell, I’ve found a comfortable environment with many different career paths and opportunities.”

And Brian’s experience in the Marines taught him many lessons that he takes with him every day to the hospital. Beyond the reinforcement of the importance of teamwork and commitment, being responsible for creating, managing, and implementing training also provided Brian with leadership skills he uses today as a nurse. But for Brian, one of the most important abilities he gained was the knowledge of how to work in any situation, with anyone. “In the Marines, I learned to work under pressure and in extreme environments,” says Brian. “Working as a foreign security force adviser also taught me how to work with people with all different backgrounds.”

Today, the teamwork Brian experienced in the Marines is something he still feels within his team at NSUH. “I love the environment and the people I work with,” says Brian. “Whenever one of us falls behind, the other nurses help out right away.”

Discover your next mission at Northwell Health. Learn about our commitment to veterans here.

Continuing to serve as a care coordinator at Northwell’s Military Liaison Services

Before Donald (DJ) St.Clair, LMSW, started his career at Northwell Health, he first served as a Corporal in the US Marine Corps.
It was after his return from service while transitioning to a civilian career, that DJ first began to think about entering the healthcare industry. “Health care is a great opportunity for any veterans who are exiting the service as it will continue to give you a sense of purpose,” says DJ. “There is a sense of accomplishment because we are able to give back to the very community we served during our time in the military.”
With the encouragement and help of a social worker in the Office of Veterans Affairs, DJ continued his education to become a Licensed Master Social Worker to pursue a goal of being able to help veterans and their families. With his help, DJ was able to obtain benefits he didn’t know he had access to –something he’s able to pay forward in his new role as care coordinator within Northwell’s Military Liaison Services.
Transitioning from his role as a social worker at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, DJ is now in a unique position to combine his clinical experience and time in the military to provide support to other veterans. As care coordinator, DJ works to help service members, veterans, and their families access Northwell’s healthcare and community services, as well as assists them with connecting with local resources for additional support. It is the exact kind of role he hoped for when he started a career in mental health.
“Physical and mental health are very important in the well-being of everyone, but especially the veteran population,” says DJ. “There are a great number of benefits that the veteran population might not know about and I’m able to connect them to these important resources. I’m happy for the opportunity to give back to my brothers and sisters.”
Along with offering peer-to-peer guidance, DJ takes pride in being able to connect veterans to things such as service-connected disability benefits, education benefits, and a support system of organizations that are willing to help veterans transition back into the civilian world, such as Northwell Health.
And being a former veteran himself, DJ knows firsthand what it’s like to be in their position as they return home or to civilian life. It makes him uniquely qualified to connect with those who need it and to help them figure out their next steps.
“It can be a challenge to work through the common stigma around veterans that reaching for help means you are weak,” explains DJ. “In my role, I’m able to create a bond with them in a short time and explain that this assistance isn’t much different than being together in the military. The same way we rely on each other while in the service to have each other’s backs, they can rely on me here.”
Make the transition to a civilian career with Northwell Health. Learn more about our commitment to veterans.