CNO Corner – A conversation with Terry Pando
If you could look up “healthcare leadership” in a dictionary, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a picture of Terry Pando, RN. As the chief nursing officer and associate executive director for patient care services at Staten Island University Hospital, Terry pursued leadership roles from the very beginning, becoming a Nurse Manager after just one year into her nursing career.
Throughout her 30 years with Northwell Health, Terry has been consistently recognized for her strong leadership skills. She received the Northwell Health Nursing Leadership Award while at LIJ Medical Center as well as Northwell’s Award of Excellence. In addition, her work in advancing the Patient-Centered Model of Care Redesign and Throughput Initiative earned her team Northwell’s prestigious President’s Award for Teamwork.
With this kind of track record, we were excited to get Terry Pando’s insight on leadership, innovation and nursing at Staten Island University Hospital.
How are you innovating the nursing practice at Staten Island University Hospital?
Our leadership is focusing on employee engagement, particularly our team members that are on the front line directly caring for our patients and their families. They are our key partners for innovation, programs and initiatives. I am passionate about supporting and encouraging nurses and giving them a voice.
What is your leadership vision for nursing?
I want to make sure that our leadership team, RNs and PCAs all feel empowered and supported to do what it takes to deliver the best care. It’s very important to model the behavior that we expect from them and communicate clearly the improvement we are hoping for. We are also committed to nursing professional development by supporting those pursuing advanced degrees and providing mentorship to leaders to continue their professional growth.
What are some key nursing initiatives in 2018 at your hospital?
At Staten Island University Hospital, we’re continuing to focus on improving quality outcomes. We’re also working across the system to enhance our patients’ experience and provide an environment of peace and quiet at night. Of course, continuing the development and growth of our staff is a top priority.
What training and education is available for new nurses?
We have so many opportunities for nursing advancement. The Center for Learning and Innovation offers opportunities to network, take courses, be exposed to best practices and be inspired by leaders from across the system. Our Institute for Nursing (IFN) provides an exceptional RN orientation and conferences for nursing specialties. We’ve opened an outstanding graduate nursing school at Hofstra University. And of course, we provide generous tuition reimbursement. For me it’s all about empowering the nurse to be the advocate for the patient and their most trusted resource.
What is the most important quality to have as a nurse?
Integrity – always focusing on doing the right thing. And keep the patient at the center of every decision that you make.
What is the best advice you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The responsibility to mentor and support the growth of our employees is and should be our guiding principle. I believe that is the essence of a true leader and where the greatest personal satisfaction comes from. When you facilitate someone else’s career development, that’s a great opportunity. The importance of that responsibility as a leader, I’ve learned from my role models including Maureen White and Kerri Scanlon.
If you’re looking to make the most of your passion, vision, and ambition as a nursing professional, Northwell Health will help you reach your true potential.
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If you are an individual with a disability requesting an accommodation for the application process, please click the contact us link above to request assistance.
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Click here to view the “EEO is the law” poster.
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Hi my name is Alana Ball and I am a junior Nursing student at Marymount University and I am very interested in applying for the 8 week externship for this summer. I can not find a link to do so. can you offer some assistance please. Thank You, Alana