From EMT to nurse, career growth at Northwell can take you in many directions

Career growth means different things to different people. At Northwell Health, we support all our team members’ career growths and aspirations, whether they are growing in their current role, taking their career on a different path, or expanding their skills with continued education. Meet Colleen McKenna who experienced her own career growth at Northwell that began as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and continued in nursing.

Her Northwell career began in 2015 as an EMT, where Colleen developed skills to stabilize and transport patients who are in need of emergency medical care. Within a year, she completed a paramedic program at Northwell Health’s Center for Learning and Innovation and was promoted into a new role as a paramedic.

As both an EMT and paramedic, Colleen was exposed to direct patient care that inspired her to pursue a nursing career. From that time, she knew that she wanted to provide those skills to her community. “I have always been the type of person that wants to help others and make a difference,” says Colleen.

As Colleen’s determination and passion for patient care grew, she received much support from her leaders to pursue her interest in nursing. She enrolled in prerequisites for a nursing program and was able to continue to work as a paramedic while going to school. With the support of Northwell’s tuition reimbursement program, Colleen obtained her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. As her education journey continues, Colleen was accepted into the Farmingdale State College nursing program. “The support from leadership has been amazing. My direct supervisor checks in with me frequently to ensure I am on the right path to achieve my career goals.”

This upcoming December, Colleen will be completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and is looking forward to becoming a registered nurse at Northwell. “Northwell Health is a great company to work for because the opportunity for growth is endless and the health system provides you with all of the necessary tools to help you achieve your goals.”

Discover a career well cared for at Northwell Health. Apply today!