Growing His Career as an HR professional: Meet Shane Oommen

Working in human resources (HR) for a health care provider is a unique and rewarding career:  you contribute to delivering care to our patients by caring for the employees who care for them. Our team members in HR help redefine healthcare in a way that supports efforts to increase employee and patient satisfaction.

“Human resources in health care is different from other industries because the patient and team member are at the center of every decision,” says Shane Oommen, associate executive director of HR at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream and Forest Hills Hospitals. “Everything we do begins and ends with the patient through our team members, and I feel empowered to make a difference.”

Shane has been with Northwell since 2008 and has had opportunities to grow within his role while making a difference every day to support our team members and the organization. Although he works in a non-clinical capacity at the hospital, he ensures patient care is a top priority. “Working in health care allows you to have an opportunity to build relationships with remarkable people who truly care,” he says.

“During the past 13 years I have been fortunate to work with both leaders and team members who have helped shape my career at Northwell,” Shane adds, noting that the guidance he has received helped him develop into a strategic HR business partner.  “The culture at Northwell allows team members to think differently, gain new experiences, and grow your career.”

As associate executive director, Shane focuses on three key areas of HR: organizational development, human capital management, and relationship management. “As a HR professional, you need to be a people person,” he says, “and at Northwell we have a great team of HR professionals who understand our team member and candidates.”

How COVID-19 Shaped Shane and His Team

During COVID-19, Shane and his team worked tirelessly to ensure the HR organization was prepared to continue delivering the highest levels of service. “At the height of this pandemic we were all living our values and I knew that I could depend on my colleagues when we needed each other the most. Developing and executing plans and strategies to ensure our patients were cared for during and beyond this difficult time has been rewarding.”

When you join Northwell Health you are a part of a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® as well as a community that creates change. “Working for an organization where I am supported and cared for is also an important part of my job,” Shane says. “I am humbled by that and proud to be part of this amazing HR team.”