CNO Corner – A conversation with Marianna Vazquez

Marianna Vasquez, MSN, RN, NE-BCI, began her Northwell Health career at Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJMC) as a medical/surgical registered nurse. From there she grew her skills, both clinically by working as an ICU/CCU nurse, and as a leader. At LIJMC, Marianna felt empowered as a nurse to embrace her leadership skills and encouraged to develop as she progressed from assistant nurse manager to nurse manager and into director roles.

Through the years, she oversaw multiple areas of specialty, which gave her the confidence and knowledge to be ready for the next opportunity. She became Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Plainview Hospital in 1998, and added the title ofCNO of Syosset Hospital in 2003.  As CNO of both hospitals, Marianna continues the Northwell spirit of empowering her nurses, “To this day, I learn something new daily and am always inspired by our staff.”

Read more from our CNO Corner interview with Marianna.

1. What makes working in a community hospital unique?

Having many years of experience in a tertiary hospital, I thought the community hospital might present different opportunities and challenges. Both were true! Our connection to the community and each other is tangible. Many of the staff feel like family, and in a smaller community setting everyone knows your name. Many of our team members are also members of our community, so Plainview or Syosset Hospital is their family’s hospital.

2. What exciting initiatives are planned for Plainview and Syosset Hospitals in 2020 and beyond?

Plainview and Syosset Hospitals are currently on the Magnet® journey. Creating a healthy work environment where staff can be empowered to achieve their professional goals is part of the Patient Care Services strategic plan. Through frontline leadership at the bedside initiating and driving practice change, our nurses as well as our patients and their families benefit.

In 2021, we are also anticipating the opening of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Plainview Hospital. Construction and planning is underway currently and positions have been posted internally for ED and Critical Care nurses to apply. As part of their transition, these nurses will undergo 16 weeks of education to prepare for our first cases. This is an example of how staff have career mobility while remaining at a community hospital. The entire hospital is energized by the Cath Lab opening, and the ICU, ED and eventually telemetry services will be impacted by the new program.

Syosset Hospital continues to provide world class orthopedic care and they are Joint Commission certified in knee, hip and spine surgery. These achievements exemplify the high level of excellent care provided at Syosset Hospital.

3. What are some ways nurses at Plainview and Syosset Hospitals have gone above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Plainview and Syosset Hospital nurses are “Made for this” and the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic has only shined a spotlight on essential workers. We’ve seen our nurses demonstrate their caring, compassionate and competent care like never before. Regardless of how weary they might be, they still rally for their colleagues and patients. Some nurses have also taken the time to connect patients and families via FaceTime, which is an especially vital form of communication with visitors currently not allowed at the hospitals.

4. How do Plainview and Syosset Hospitals support their team in growth and development?

Northwell Health has two great resources: The Institute for Nursing and the Center for Learning and Innovation. These institutions offer orientation and new programs on getting education for self-development. In addition, team members receive continuing education days to utilize for conferences and online learning. Plainview and Syosset Hospitals also have access to our own on-site SIM lab which we use for nursing education and in collaboration with the Medical  residency staff. All of these opportunities are sought after and encourages our nurses to participate.

5. What makes Northwell Health a great place to work?

At Northwell Health, excellence has no finish line, and as a result we attract professionals who are committed to innovation and execution of best practices. Elevation of one’s practice to improve the life of those we serve is valued.