Recognizing our Asian American and Pacific Islander team members on the front lines
Last month was Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and now is an important time to celebrate our AAPI team members who are working tirelessly as healthcare heroes on the front lines. Heritage months are vital in celebrating our backgrounds, diversity, and history. As America’s top health system for diversity on DiversityInc‘s ranking of Top Hospitals and Health Systems, Northwell Health is committed to not only recognizing our diverse team members but celebrating their cultures, history, experiences, and their contributions within our organization.
“AAPI Heritage Month means taking a few moments to embrace different elements of our population and using them to serve our community and health system,” says Chandini Daswani, Practice Nurse Practitioner at Lenox Hill Hospital. “Although we have a big family here at Northwell, everyone brings their unique and individual backgrounds, which we can use to enhance what we can offer to our colleagues and patients.”
Hear from our team:To celebrate, we asked some of our AAPI team members about the importance of celebrating AAPI Heritage Month and the work that they’ve been doing on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Throughout the pandemic, I have been working remotely since mid-March, and my workload has increased substantially due to the influx of COVID-19 related research ideas. I have also been working as a Volunteer Emergency Medical Technician in the NYC 911 EMS system since mid-March during my evenings and weekends.”
“Recognizing and acknowledging that the AAPIs are part of the foundation of this great nation. I am a proud first-generation Filipino-American in this country. My role is to make sure that we promote patient safety while providing optimal dialysis treatments to our patients daily. During the pandemic, our team remains in full force, engaged and focused while we combat COVID-19 on our battlefield.”
“COVID–19 has not changed my role and responsibilities as a front line worker, and yet it brings the best out of people. It is nice to celebrate the AAPI Heritage Month during this pandemic with kindness, hope and lots of love.”
“During this pandemic, I took care of sick patients on COVID-19 medical floors and in intensive care units. It has been challenging to treat a disease that is new to us while sorting through a myriad of the latest discoveries on a daily basis. It has been extremely gratifying to watch patients recover and be reunited with their loved ones. As a physician, this is my ultimate reward.”
“I am honored to be part of the AAPI community because my background is what makes me a better physician. As an AAPI, I take pride in being a mentor to all of my residents and students and instilling in them the values that I developed and have been taught throughout my career.”
“I was given a huge opportunity to work in a team for the COVID-19 Remdesivir clinical trials as a research coordinator, mainly overseeing the Electronic Data Capture part. Sometimes it was difficult and upsetting to see patients going through a hard time, but I was happy to see them getting better. Working non-stop since March was physically tiring, but I believe it was worth it. I am happy to help fight the virus and be involved in improving healthcare.”
“Being a Filipino means we have a tight knit family and it broke my heart to see patients during COVID-19 without their families by their side. Thank God for the support of the hospital system where we were given the tools we needed to take care of our patients and our well being. We were able to take care of them the best way we could, and from the help of all the people around us we can overcome this pandemic.”
“The heritage month is about being able to incorporate our culture and heritage into a multi-diverse society. It makes me feel proud because our contributions, achievements and successes are being recognized to help better our community, society and nation as a whole. Therefore, it is an honor and privilege to be a part of this organization.”
“We recognized the contributions and influence of AAPIs to the United States. It is a celebration and also a great opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of AAPIs. I am proud that I am an Asian American.”
“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been an intense experience for me due to the numerous, urgent needs with COVID-19 related to clinical research and navigating regulatory pathways to use unapproved drugs and device products for COVID-19 patients. I feel that I have grown from these new challenges and developed new relationships with various team members throughout the organization.”
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#EachforEqual: Northwell Health celebrates International Women’s Day 2020
March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a day to celebrate women while also reinforcing equality everywhere. At Northwell Health, we’re committed to championing our team members regardless of gender or gender identity by celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness against bias, and taking action for equality.
In celebration, hear from some of Northwell’s amazing women on how they are helping empower women.
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Northwell Health celebrates Lunar New Year and welcomes the Year of the Rat
Written by: Bridges Asian BERG Co-Chairs
Lunar New Year Traditions
Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is one of the most important traditional festivals in certain Asian cultures such as Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. It is also a time for families to be together and celebrate a year of hard work and wish for a lucky and prosperous coming year.
Red is the main color for the festival, as it is believed to be a “lucky” color. Red lanterns are also displayed in streets; red couplets are pasted on doors; banks and official buildings are decorated with pictures and writings representing prosperity.
In Chinese culture, New Year’s Eve dinner is called “reunion dinner” and is believed to be the most important meal of the year, where families sit around round tables and enjoy the food and time together. Certain foods are eaten during the New Year’s Eve dinner, because of their symbolic meanings, based on their names or appearances, like fish, sticky rice cake, oranges, dumplings, noodles, as they symbolize abundance, fortune and longevity.
To wish someone Happy New Year in Mandarin, say “xīn nián kuài lè” (新年快乐) and in Cantonese, “Gong Hey Fat Choi” (恭喜发财).
In Korean culture, Lunar New Year is referred to as Seollal or Gujeong. During Seollal, it is customary to visit family to show respect to the elders by taking a deep bow to those senior to them as a form of greeting; this is called sebae. The celebration lasts for three days, starting the day before and ending the day after the Lunar New Year.
Seollal comes bearing many gifts for the family which can vary from money to hangwa (traditional sweets and cookies), shampoo, soap, and toothpaste, or gift sets of meat or fruits. It is also a time for the entire family to gather and play traditional games like yunnori. It is played by throwing four sticks and moving your game markers around the board depending on the number of up-facing sticks. Each team has four markers and the first team to get all four of their markers around the board wins.
During the celebration, a traditional clear soup, called tteokguk is served. It is made with sliced rice cakes, beef, egg, vegetables, and other ingredients. The clear broth is believed to symbolize starting out the year with a clean mind and body.
To wish Happy New Year in Korean, say “sae hae bok manhi bah doo seh yo” (새해 복 많이 받으세요), which means hope you have much good luck in the new year.
Northwell Celebrates Lunar New Year Traditions
On January 25th, for the tenth consecutive year, contingents from Northwell Health, members of the Bridges Asian Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) and Community Relations marched in the Lunar New Year Parade in downtown Flushing, New York. The parade is the highlight of Lunar New Year celebrations in Flushing, including dragon dancers, kettle drummers and fireworks. The march draws a considerable number of spectators each year.
Spanning a total of 15 days, the Lunar New Year is a joyous time of renewal marked by gatherings with family and friends, elaborate feasts, parades, fireworks and gift giving. 2020 is the year of the Year of the Rat (or Mouse) and it marks the return of spring and reunion of family.
Northwell’s Bridges Asian BERG leads, Suki To and Lulu Liu, collaborated with Lenox Hill Hospital’s Human Resources department, Northwell’s Diversity and Health Equity (D&HE) Site Council, and team members from Lenox Hill’s cafeteria to provide a taste of traditional foods served during the Lunar New Year. This included Chinese, Japanese and Korean rice cakes, traditional New Year candies, dry fruits and tea tastings.
Members of the Chinese Association of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research (CAFI), led by President Dr. Dan Li, and the Feinstein’s Diversity Committee, celebrated the Lunar New Year with a luncheon for members who also sang traditional New Year songs. The Feinstein workforce were invited to share a special New Year cake and learn more about the holiday.
We also hosted a packing event, to prepare giveaways to be distributed during the parade in Flushing. Team members assisted by helping to pack bags and red envelopes filled with a special chocolate gold coin. Red envelopes are usually gifts presented at social and family gatherings such as weddings or holidays. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is a symbol to ward off evil spirits. The envelopes are usually given to children by the elder of the household.
During the packing event, Northwell Health’s Lunar New Year mascot made a surprise appearance!
Northwell Health and members of its Bridges Asian Business Employee Resource Group (BERG), wish you good health, good luck and an abundance of happiness throughout the year.
Happy Lunar New Year!
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Meet the winners of Northwell’s Rev. Dr. MLK Jr. Regional Spirit Award
Northwell’s Center of Equity of Care awarded its first-ever Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Awards. This system-wide award recognizes team members who are making a difference in our communities, locally or abroad, through service.
Four winners were chosen from nominations that came in from all around Northwell telling stories of goodwill, humility and compassion. Nominators highlighted how each team member embodies Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “D.R.E.A.M:”
- D – Dedicates time and talent to projects that fulfill the needs of underserved communities
- R – Respects all people and advocates for diversity, inclusion and health equity
- E – Embodies our Northwell values: Truly Compassionate, Truly Innovative, Truly Ambitious, Truly Together and Truly Ourselves
- A – Attitude that displays kindness and compassion for others
- M – Mentors and inspires others to pay it forward
The winners were recognized at a special reception and awarded $1,000 to be donated on their behalf to an organization of their choice!
Meet our 2020 winners:
Josephine Guzman, Senior Director, Physician Relations
Josephine “Josie” Guzman has volunteered her time as a co-chair of the Bridges LatinX BERG and member of the Diversity and Health Equity System-Site Council. She has developed and implemented programs at Lenox Hill Hospital, such as the “Vida SI, Diabetes NO!” (Life YES, Diabetes NO), a bi-lingual, long-term health program designed to address diabetes. In partnership with her BERG co-chair and members, Josie recently coordinated “Rise Against Hunger,” a global service initiative where team members across the organization gathered and packed over 20,000 meals to be served to various communities across the world.
Beyond Northwell, Josie spends her time volunteering, preparing 200+ meals a week to distribute to homeless individuals in Manhattan and coordinating a Christmas event to feed and provide gifts to over 1,500 individuals who are either homeless or living in shelters. She’s also a member of RAIN, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide services for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and physically challenged.
Bernard Robinson, Regional Director, Center for Emergency Services
Bernard Robinson dedicates most of his time with projects that fulfill the needs of underserved communities through charity and education. Every year, Bernard organizes annual food and winter clothing drives within Northwell’s Center for Emergency Services (CEMS) department to serve charities in Nassau County and Queens. During Thanksgiving, the entire CEMS team also partners with a church in Hempstead, NY to prepare and serve meals. His work experience also led him to starting an Explorer’s Post in Hempstead Village that allows students from the Village to train with, learn and be mentored by EMTs and Paramedics. It was also Bernard who presented the idea for Northwell’s Bridges African American/Caribbean Business Employee Resource Group to participate in the African American Heritage Parade in Harlem, NY.
Bernard embodies all of Northwell’s values on a daily basis. Through his innovation, his department’s leadership is able to communicate with their staff of over 800 EMTs and Paramedics through weekly meetings via a livestream platform. He has also established a “virtual suggestion box” which gives each team member a voice by allowing them to give feedback through a link which is then sent directly to leadership. In addition to his community outreach, he has also organized CEMS’ “Bring Your Child to Work Day.”. Bernard often says, “As an EMS agency, we should be a part of the communities we serve.” He works extremely hard at establishing relationships throughout his region and encourages his team members to do the same.
Nicholas Hernandez, MD, Northwell Plainview Hospital, Academic Hospitalist, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Family Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Dr. Hernandez is the true definition of a caring, compassionate and empathetic physician with a genuine passion for helping others. This passion is not limited to patients in the hospital, but extends to communities at large through his volunteering and community service. Though born and raised in New York, he has always maintained a strong connection with his ancestral home of Puerto Rico. After Hurricane Maria struck, Dr. Hernandez was dedicated to becoming a part of the Northwell team deployed to Puerto Rico to assist those devastated by this disaster. He spent two weeks selflessly providing patient care under dire circumstances at the Caguas Hospital in San Pablo, Puerto Rico. Dr. Hernandez participated in the Medical Scholars Pipeline Program sponsored by the Zucker Hofstra School of Medicine for underrepresented students interested in a career in health care. This program is designed to provide exposure to the numerous career paths available in the healthcare industry while enhancing the skills that will set up students for success. Dr. Hernandez was also invited to be the keynote speaker for the closing ceremony for the NERA-HCOP Program, designed to assist college minority students in becoming more competitive applicants for medical school by providing various enrichment courses.
Josie Ruiz, Executive Assistant, North Shore University Hospital Administration
Josie Ruiz has been a vital component to the success of Northwell Health’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. program. In her role as co-chair, she has supported the Center for Equity of Care in coordinating program logistics, managing entertainment and guest speakers, and leading volunteer efforts throughout the program. Josie has been a huge advocate for all team members at North Shore University Hospital. Her annual efforts of organizing Adopt a Family, a holiday program designed to support families in need who have experienced a tragedy or crisis during the past year, have gained the support and participation of over 3,000 team members at her site. She has even been known to have donated her own time and money to assist families who were not selected through this program. Josie was selected by the Center for Equity of Care’s senior leadership team as this year’s recipient.
The winners of this year’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Awards not only embody the spirit of his dream but exemplify Northwell’s values. We thank them for their tireless commitment to our Northwell team and our communities.
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10 reasons we are a Best Workplace for Diversity
At Northwell Health, we’re excited to have the privilege of working in some of the most culturally diverse communities. By creating a space that is welcoming to all, no matter race, religion, or creed, we’re fostering an inclusive workplace where we can accomplish amazing things being truly together.
For two years in a row, our organization has been recognized for our commitment to diversity and inclusion by Great Place to Work for demonstrating excellence throughout our diversity initiatives. Here are 10 reasons why we’ve been named to the Best Workplaces for Diversity’s list for 2020:
Here are 10 reasons why we’ve been named to the Best Workplaces for Diversity’s list for 2020:
- We’ve been named one of the nation’s top health systems for diversity according to DiversityInc’s Top Hospitals & Health Systems for Diversity for the seventh year in a row, ranking us second nationally and first in New York State.
- We have a commitment to veterans and have been named A Military Friendly® Employer for six consecutive years, and a top 10 employer for the past two.
- Team members have the opportunity to join one of our many Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs) which enhance engagement, innovation and talent development while promoting an inclusive culture by celebrating our differences and commonalities.
- Our Center for Learning and Innovation (CLI) and Center for Equity of Care (CEC) partner together to create training and education programs that foster cultural humility, critical thinking and self-awareness. These trainings contribute to a more inclusive environment in which team members from every background can feel comfortable.
- We have been a recipient of the National Association of Colleges & Employers Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Award.
- Our Emerging Leaders Diversity & Inclusion Council champions voices within our organization to ensure we are effectively prioritizing and focusing our efforts in the right ways.
- We partnered with NYC Pride to showcase our support of the LGBTQ communities and ensure each member, regardless of sexuality feels comfortable within our family.
- Our Path to Inclusion program offers an integrated and comprehensive approach to training, hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities by driving mutual understanding.
- We believe in advancing women in their careers within the health community. Our Women’s Mentorship Program has seen participants receive promotions while creating strong professional bonds between mentees and leadership.
- When it comes to being Truly Ourselves, our spirit of caring and celebration is there for every holiday. From legal holidays to meaningful religious observances to national days, our team members make a point to make each holiday special.
As you can see, our organization works endlessly to create an environment that’s diverse and inclusive of everyone who wants to contribute to improving the health of our patients, our communities, and our health system as a whole. Learn more about our diversity initiatives and how you can be a part of our team.
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Celebrating diversity, culture and traditions through the Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a celebration in Asian culture of hard work, harvest and family. This year, Northwell Health’s Bridges Asian Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) led celebrations throughout the health system for our team members to connect with each other and our patients.
We talked to two of the BERG leaders to learn a more about the Mid-Autumn Festival and the importance of creating a workplace where all holidays are celebrated.
Hoi-Sze (Suki) To, practice administrative manager, Colorectal Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital and co-lead, Bridges Asian BERG, Western Region
What is the Bridges Asian BERG?
The BERG was created to enhance engagement, innovation, talent development, and promote an inclusive culture ensuring the delivery of culturally and linguistically sensitive, quality patient care. The Asian BERG nurtures a diverse, inclusive workforce that aligns with Northwell’s mission, values, business practices, and objectives.
What are the benefits of becoming a member of the Bridges Asian BERG?
It provides the opportunity for professional development and networking, a collective voice, a role in fostering community support, and most importantly, broadening cultural awareness throughout Northwell and the communities we serve. I joined the group because there is a need to address the importance of cultural diversity when providing patient care.
There are many Chinese American patients from the Asian communities Northwell serves and it is critical for us to create a comfortable and culturally-sensitive environment. For example, one of Lenox Hill Hospital’s prominent colorectal surgeons, Dr. Joseph Martz, would proactively translated the medical consent forms into the Chinese language and also recruited bilingual support staff in order to communicate effectively with his patients. Our BERG now helps with these needs.
How do you celebrate the festival?
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a chance for families to spend time together, just like Thanksgiving. One of the most common ways to celebrate is by eating moon cakes. Moon cakes are a dense, sweet pastry that’s baked or steamed and typically enjoyed with tea. You can also find moon cakes in other flavors such as green tea and chocolate. Many communities also celebrate by lighting paper lanterns because the lanterns serve a practical purpose of lighting the way as friends and family stay up to appreciate the full moon late into the night.
Yue (Lulu) Liu, senior administrative manager, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital and co-lead of the Bridges Asian BERG, Western Region
Why is the Mid-Autumn Festival important to Northwell?
The Mid-Autumn festival is important to Northwell because this is a holiday that is celebrated throughout Asia and by many of our employees. This year, the Mid-Autumn Festival was celebrated at Lenox Hill Hospital. The celebration was a collaboration with the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Lenox Hill Hospital’s Human Resources, and the Lenox Hill Department of Food and Nutrition Services. The event was very well received and brought patients, hospital staff and leadership together.
Why did you become a member of the Bridges Asian BERG?
Prior to becoming a member of Bridges Asian BERG, I noticed there was a shortage of culturally and linguistically sensitive patient materials. My team and I would spend hours translating the pre-procedure and post-op care instructions over the phone with our Asian patients. After joining the Bridges Asian BERG, I started to collaborate with the Chinese Language Advisory Board (LAB), where we would help procure this information for the Northwell Health Physician Partner practices when they were providing care to the Asian American population.
How do you celebrate the festival?
During the moon festival my family and I always enjoy a meal that ends with sampling a of moon cakes and a special tea my mom selects to pair with the moon cakes. For me, the most important part of the moon festival is spending time with my family, being appreciative of our loved ones, creating new memories, and maintaining the bonds that we have.
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Northwell Health celebrates Women’s Equality Day
Women’s Equality Day, observed on August 26th, is an annual event that celebrates the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, marking American women’s advancement towards equality with men. This year we celebrate the 99th year of the passage of the amendment which granted full woman suffrage. In honor of this important day, we are featuring some of our Women in Healthcare BERG leaders, members and supporters.
Northwell’s Women in Healthcare BERG is empowering women across all levels of Northwell as well as in our communities. The Women in Healthcare BERG aims to not only promote growth for women and foster greater employee engagement, but it is also a key part of our mission of transforming the future of healthcare.
Please join us as we celebrate this important day!
Stacey Rosen, MD – SVP, Women’s Health; Women in Healthcare BERG co-chair:
“Women’s Equality Day celebrates the passage of the 19th amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Activists such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Alice Paul were leaders in the women’s rights movement. Their focus was to ensure that women were given a fair and equal right to vote. These women have inspired me to carry their message in my current role. While we have made a lot of progress for women’s equality, women are still underrepresented in business leadership positions. It is known that organizations that promote diversity and inclusion, especially at the leadership level, perform better. This is one of many reasons why I decided to become a co-chair or the Women in Healthcare BERG. Our BERG gives our members exposure to leadership and development opportunities that they may not otherwise have in their current role. Our mission is to create a pipeline of women leaders at all levels in our health system.”
Maxine Carrington, JD – Deputy Chief HR Officer; Women in Healthcare BERG co-chair:
“We can never ignore our history and the impact of the past on our present-day thoughts, actions, policies, and systems. Women’s Equality Day and other such recognition days enable us to pause and remember, acknowledge how far we’ve come, and contemplate what still needs to be achieved to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect – as they deserve to be – and that their voices, contributions, and human rights are valued. The tremendous enrollment in and support for our new Women in Healthcare BERG is evidence that there is still much work to be done, but also that our Northwell citizens are committed to the work. Given our mission, values, and the collective power that we have, it’s our obligation.”
Joseph Moscola, PA – SVP & Chief People Officer, Northwell Health:
“Women’s Equality Day is such an important day to pause, reflect and evaluate where we are on the journey to equality for women. It gives us the opportunity to rejoice in the successes while together transparently discussing the opportunities and working hard to put words into action. Together we can accomplish anything, advancing the culture of Northwell and thereby the culture of the communities we serve.”
Kerri Anne Scanlon, RN – System Deputy Chief Nurse Executive, CNO North Shore University Hospital; Women in Healthcare BERG co-chair:
“In today’s environment, it is more important than ever to celebrate a day that reminds us not only of how far we’ve come but also how much further we have to go within professional environments to ensure true equality. We are fortunate to be part of an organization that is fiercely dedicated to the promotion of diversity, inclusion, and to the elimination of inequities for all. The newly-formed Women in Healthcare BERG is a prime example of Northwell Health’s commitment to the promotion of career progression and advancement, mentoring, and succession planning for women across clinical, administrative, and academic settings. This BERG will serve as a catalyst for change within our organization and create a positive ripple effect, allowing for amplification of our voice across the industry and the communities we serve. On behalf of the Women in Healthcare BERG, I’m proud to celebrate a day of such historical significance, and to stand together to build a future that engages and empowers all members of our diverse workforce.”
Stevania Williams – Credentialing Specialist; Women in Healthcare BERG member:
“Women’s equality is important in today’s society because 1) Women make up more than half of the population in the United States and 2) Women in fact make up the majority of voters in the United States. Women’s equality has come a long way but there is still a lot more that needs to be accomplished. When women’s equality is fully established to its highest potential, we as women can have a better legislation to help push for equal rights and opportunities, which includes economic participation and decision making. “A society cannot operate to its full potential when half of its members do not have an equal voice.”
I joined the Women in Healthcare BERG because the gap that is associated with women leadership in healthcare is addressed. This program helps women like myself lean into their careers through mentorship which in return develops a pipeline of women leaders within Northwell Health.”
Elizabeth Alexander – Admin Support Associate; Women in Healthcare BERG member:
“Generally speaking, women in healthcare tend to forget to advocate for themselves because we are focused on treating patients and taking care of their own families as primary care-givers. It is important for us to get involved in professional organizations, continue learning, volunteer and cultivate a professional network. I joined the Women in Healthcare BERG because it’s a great forum for team building, networking and professional development that promotes diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace. This is an excellent opportunity to get involved and support fellow colleagues, so that together we can advocate, thrive and inspire!”
Patricia Farrell – VP, Katz Institute for Women’s Health; Women in Healthcare BERG member:
“Women do not want power over men, they want power over themselves” – Mary Wollstonecraft
“The Women in Healthcare BERG empowers women through both educational and networking opportunities encouraging them not to accept the status quo but to be that voice and equal seat at the table, to drive change that impacts not only our organization but policy change and change in the communities we live in.”
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Against the odds: A nurse’s journey to working at LIJ Medical Center after beating cancer
When Nicole Rivera, RN, was diagnosed with cancer at six years old, she was given only a 10% chance of living. Despite these odds, Nicole’s battle with cancer ended in triumph. “I kicked cancer’s butt and to this day, I remain in remission – 18 years and counting,” says Nicole. “Cancer took my right leg but not my life.”
It was her experience fighting cancer that inspired Nicole to become a nurse and ultimately lead her to her career at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. “I wanted to become a nurse after having amazing nurses help care for me as I fought cancer in one of the hardest battles of my life,” says Nicole. Today Nicole works as a cardiothoracic/surgical oncology step-down nurse where she finds her experience gives her a special relationship with her patients.
“My history has made me a stronger and better nurse because I know how it feels to be on the other side of things,” says Nicole. “I know what it feels like being that patient in bed feeling despaired. My story has allowed me to connect with patients on a deeper level.”
Overcoming the challenges she has had to face, including wearing an above-knee prosthetic, has reminded Nicole of the importance of remaining grounded in life and as a nurse. “It’s important to stay humble and never take health for granted. Every day we see people complain over the little things in life, while there are people out there fighting for their life.”
And it’s a fight that Nicole knows firsthand she can help patients through just by being there for them. “My favorite part of being a nurse is seeing the smile on a patients face knowing I helped make a difference,” she says. “Whether it be something as simple as filling up their water, helping escort them to the restroom or providing comfort after bad news. Their smile makes it all worth it.”
It was both Nicole’s passion and her inspirational story that led to her being nominated as a 2019 New York Mets Nurse Hero. She was recognized at the New York Mets Nurses Night game as one of ten nurse heroes for their dedication to providing exceptional care for patients. Nurses received customized scrubs and got to stand on the field during the first pitch.
Throughout it all, Nicole has always known she was made for nursing, “I put my heart into my patients every day and cannot imagine being in any other profession.”
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Meet the 2019 President’s Awards Winners!
The Northwell Health President’s Awards program honors and celebrates employees who truly represent the very best of Northwell. Each year, these awards recognize team members who not only surpass our expectations and standards of excellence, but also those who drive innovative business outcomes throughout five distinctive categories Nurse of the Year, Leader of the Year, Teamwork and Exceptional Patient/ Customer Experience and Physician of the Year. Get to know this year’s winners and their incredible stories.
Leader of the Year
Ryan J. Guda, RN Nurse Manager, Dialysis Services, Ambulatory
Building on his array of experiences in different fields, Ryan Guda has rebuilt a workplace that adapts to change and established a culture of respect with dramatic effects on the quality of care.
Shortly after joining Northwell in 2015, Ryan met with each team member to hear their opinions about their work environment. By listening and acknowledging his team’s feelings, he was able to re-direct negative behavior in a nonjudgmental manner and win their trust. Even his adept computer skills helped during a transition to electronic record-keeping.
Ryan quickly became an agent of change that has improved the work environment and directly affected the quality of services delivered to patients living with end-stage renal failure. He was successful in turning the team members’ fear of change into hope.
Watch Ryan’s Made for this story.
Nurse of the Year
Jeffrey Rosa, RN Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Long Island Jewish Medical Center
Passion for his patients and awareness of the complexities of navigating the emotions and needs of those in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit drive the care provided by Jeffrey Rosa. He witnessed the excellent care provided to his grandmother, and, later, as a paramedic, responded to the horrors of the Sept. 11 attack at the World Trade Center, which solidified his determination to become a nurse.
At Long Island Jewish Medical Center (LIJMC), Jeffrey is known as “the go-to player,” someone who has made it his business to know everything he needs to know about every patient in a unit where extra compassion, understanding and respect for what patients and families are going through are crucial. He is completely dedicated to inspiring and teaching new nurses to share his passion and expertise. He coaches, mentors and serves as a role model for his peers. Jeffrey lectures the hemodynamics portion of the nursing fellowship curriculum and shares his passion for work he does daily.
Jeffrey participates in countless committees, including the Magnet task force, and as co-chair of the Surgical ICU’s Collaborative Care Council, he facilitates the agenda and pushes LIJMC nursing units to share innovative solutions and champion new ideas and processes.
Watch Jeffrey’s Made for this story.
Nurse of the Year
Alexa Damone, RN Medical Surgical Unit, Glen Cove Hospital
Alexa Damone’s passion for her work is evident to her patients and colleagues by constantly learning new skills to improve medical care.
Alexa has the ability to relate to patients and their families through her caring manner and attentive demeanor. Her deep commitment is evident to her patients and her colleagues and was recognized by the hospital when she was honored in the hospital’s first “Breakfast with the Stars.” She is empathic, compassionate, an excellent communicator, possesses solid clinical and problem-solving skills and serves as an advocate for her patients.
Her commitment to helping peers is inspirational. Upon returning from a sepsis conference, Alexa shared her newly developed knowledge with her peers to improve the identification and prompt treatment of sepsis. She was a part of a project on infection control that led to better hand hygiene and infection control practices on the unit. Alexa is involved in another project aimed at improving the patient experience. With diabetes becoming increasingly prevalent, especially among the elderly, she attended a two-day workshop recognizing the importance of diabetes knowledge, management and education, enabling her to become a unit champion and valuable resource for her peers and patients.
Watch Alexa’s Made for this story.
Teamwork
ECMO-TO-GO Long Island Jewish Medical Center, North Shore University Hospital, Southside Hospital
Made up of a team of well-honed specialists, ECMO-TO-GO takes its life-saving skills wherever they are needed, elevating the level of care available to seriously ill patients. The team develops its successes with the cardiopulmonary bypass technique through continuity of communication and care delivered by all team members, commitment to continuous improvement and the depth of care provided by experts from across Northwell. The innovative approach of the team traveling to the patient rather than the other way around means a highly qualified, seasoned team is available to the sickest of patients. With a mortality rate of about 50 percent in these kinds of patients, the concept of such a team grew out of the establishment of an acute lung injury program at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and the launch of a heart transplant program. Northwell physicians recognized the need to provide stable, quality care as quickly as possible, leading to the ECMO-TO- GO program.
The strength of the group comes from their ability to harness their differences in expertise to meet the dire needs of a complicated patient population. They do so with seamless coordination, deep compassion, and deliberate communication ultimately forging something stronger than any individual person.
Watch ECMO-TO-GO’s Made for this story!
Exceptional Patient Customer Experience
Adrian Mazur Chaplain, Cohen Children’s Medical Center
Chaplain Adrian Mazur has chosen to work in the midst of medical crisis, supporting the smallest patients and their families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit as they try to cope with life threatening illnesses. It is his empathy that others quickly notice as he helps fearful, weary and distressed parents who are trying to cope with some of the worst days of their lives.
Adrian, who came to the ministry from a career in finance and volunteer work with an orphanage in Ukraine, works with adolescents in pediatric hematology/oncology. There he helps to establish a connection and genuine trust as the young patients face their own mortality, changes in their appearance and an overall loss of health and stamina.
Often, Adrian plays a significant role in the lives of families that ultimately lose their child to illness. In one instance, he later drove through a snowstorm to be with one such couple at the birth of another child. It is through his presence, compassion, dedication, prayers and listening ear that he helps patients and parents redefine their hopes and maintain their dreams. Adrian’s presence brings a vitality to the hospital and all those he touches.
Watch Adrian’s Made for this story!
Physician of the Year
Carmen Rodriguez, MD, FACOG Voluntary Physician, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Long Island Jewish Medical Center
An excellent bedside manner and the care she provides to her patients distinguishes the work of Dr. Carmen Rodriguez and moves many people to say, “She’s the best.” Regarded as reliable, dependable and talented, she is also humble and unpretentious. Dr. Rodriguez leads by example for all clinicians and team members. And her contributions go beyond kindness and compassion. She is known to take on some of the most difficult gynecological challenges via laparotomy, laparoscopic and robotic modalities. Dr. Rodriguez will always fight to defend the reproductive rights of her patients.
Dr. Rodriguez also plays an active role in the affairs and governance of the hospital. She is the associate chair of the Long Island Jewish Medical Center – Performance Improvement Coordinating Group (LIJMC PICG). She is also a member of the OBGYN department PICG. Dr. Rodriguez finds the time to participate in performance improvement initiatives because she believes that everyone benefits when better care is rendered, mainly for the patient and the community at large, but also for the clinical and administrative team member. She is the president-elect of the LIJ Medical Team member Society, making her the first woman to hold this distinguished position in the history of LIJMC.
Watch Dr. Rodriguez’s Made for this story!
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Northwell Health is excited to announce the recent launch of our Women in Healthcare Business Employee Resource Group (BERG)! Our newest BERG focuses on empowering women across all levels of Northwell as well as in our communities. To do this, the Women in Healthcare members are committed to mentoring and developing women leaders at all levels within Northwell, including the executive level. Members will serve as both mentors and advocates for other Northwell team members, to help them develop professionally and to educate on the importance of acceptance and inclusion. The Women in Healthcare BERG aims to not only promote growth for women and foster greater employee engagement, but it is also a key part of our mission of transforming the future of healthcare. Co-executive sponsors include Mark Solazzo, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Deborah Schiff, executive vice president, Ambulatory Strategy and Business Development, and Kathy Gallo, RN, PhD, executive vice president and chief learning officer while Dr. Stacey Rosen, vice president, Women’s Health, Katz Institute for Women s Health, Maxine Carrington, deputy chief HR officer, and Kerri Scanlon, RN, deputy chief nursing officer and AED, Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer at North Shore University Hospital serve as co-chairs. Membership is open to anyone within the health system, including team members like Paola Benitez. This isn’t the only BERG Paola has joined – she’s an active member of the Bridges LatinX BERG and has participated in community events that helped educate diverse minorities on the importance of access to health care, fitness and nutrition. She is confident that the Women in Healthcare BERG will be as successful within Northwell and its community. “It is important to create BERG like this because it allows employees to build networks, share challenges and growth, and work together towards professional goals,” says Paola. And for women looking to start out in their healthcare careers? Paola has the following advice, “Work hard, take risks and fail early. Do not feel that you must check all boxes in a job description – you will learn along the way!” [avia_codeblock_placeholder uid="0"]
Northwell launches Women in Healthcare Business Employee Resource Group
Using your career history to support other women in healthcare
Paola is a manager in the Government Rates and Reporting Group within Corporate Finance. Having grown her own career since she was initially hired as an analyst, Paola knows the importance of giving women the resources they need to develop professionally. “I joined this BERG because I wanted to be actively involved in the health system’s effort towards equality and inclusion,” says Paola. ‘I wanted to be part of encouraging more women to aspire to leadership.”
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Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at Northwell Health
Written by: Bridges Asian BERG co-chairs
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is a month to celebrate and pay tribute to the contributions that generations of Asian Pacific Americans have made to American history, society and culture.
In honor of the heritage month this May, we are featuring the stories and work of a few of our Bridges Asian Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) members at Northwell Health.
Also featured, is an Asian Pacific American physician leader at Northwell Health, who is partnering with Bridges Asian BERG, to make broader connections and develop new ideas to help transform some of the amazing work spearheaded by this leader.
Please join us, as we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month this May!
Chandler Zhang, MHA Institutional Review Board Manager
Tell us more about your role at Northwell Health.
I’ve been working at Northwell for about 2.5 years as an Institutional Review Board (IRB) Manager within the Human Research Protection Program at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. My job is to support, facilitate and promote the ethical and safe conduct of clinical research at Northwell Health. We oversee IRB review for all 23 hospitals and facilities throughout Northwell Health that serves to protect research participants’ rights, safety and welfare.
Why did you join the Asian BERG?
I joined the Northwell Bridges Asian BERG in 2017. I have a passion to be a part of that bridge between our health system and local communities, and one of the ways that I serve in that capacity is being the Chair of the BERG Chinese Language Advisory Board (LAB). Our LAB is made up of other dedicated BERG members who are fluent, native speakers who provide consultation to service lines, departments and facilities on optimal methods of communication for the Chinese communities. We also provide feedback on the quality of translated materials by certified vendors to ensure that the messaging is appropriate and clear. By providing advisory services and partnering with Language Access Services from the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity we are working to enhance patient experience, customer service and better connect with our diverse communities.
What do you like about working for Northwell?
I feel so lucky to be recognized for my efforts and it encourages me to continue working harder and to be more innovative. I am proud to use my language capabilities and skillsets as a Chinese American to further the causes of our organization and the diverse communities that we serve.
What advice would you give about mentorship?
Mentorship is always important. However, within this organization of 68,000+ employees, mentorship from successful higher-level leaders is not only critical, but it will help individuals advance in their careers quickly. By encouraging mentorship, we are building our leaders of tomorrow.
Weon Hee Kang, Nurse Practitioner, Cardiology, NSUH
Tell us more about your role at Northwell Health.
In 1995 I started at North Shore University Hospital (NSUH) as a registered nurse and in 2005 I became a nurse practitioner in Cardiology.
Why did you join the Asian BERG?
I wanted to actively support my community. Many Asian community members want to come to Northwell Health for its great reputation, but due to the cultural and language barriers it may be difficult for them to navigate our facilities. My contribution to close this cultural gap was to be a part of the committee that introduced the Korean seaweed soup (miyuk gook) for mothers who just gave birth at NSUH. In 2008 I started a free monthly health clinic for the Korean community and have continued my efforts to keep the clinic going since then.
Can you tell us more about the Korean health clinic?
Through my years at NSUH, I observed numerous Korean patients being admitted to the hospital due to the lack of healthcare either because they couldn’t afford it or because they didn’t know how to obtain it. Patients would have very serious conditions but did not have a primary doctor, medical or prescription insurance to recuperate and maintain their health. Various professionals such as physicians, nurses, social workers, physical therapists and acupuncturists, volunteered to provide preventive medical services monthly and our team was formed. Since the start of this program, 2,000 patients have been cared for with various conditions, some critical such as abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, breast cancer, unstable angina, laryngeal cancer, hypertensive emergencies and others. The social workers assisted patients in signing up for Medicare/Medicaid and our team helped coordinate care for further medical treatment and follow up.
What is your advice for others?
We need to care for our families and neighbors. No one can live alone. We need to volunteer our time, support each other’s ideas and use our professional skillsets to help the community become healthier. Many Asian Americans want to help their families and community and can do so in this way. Furthermore, many employees may not know about the BERG, which helps us internally network and externally bridge with communities.
Santhosh Paulus, MD
Santhosh Paulus, MD, site director of Huntington Hospital’s family medicine residency program, is also Northwell Health Human Trafficking Response Program System Taskforce Leader. In 2014, he founded Cycling For Change, a not-for-profit organization, with a mission to cycle, raise awareness and fundraise to support organizations on the front lines of battling human trafficking.
What began as a personal action to raise awareness about human trafficking, “it is a public health issue where individuals are abducted or deceived into servitude and exploited for profit, it is a modern-day form of slavery and the social justice issue of our generation”, said Dr. Paulus.
Dr. Paulus has been appointed as Northwell Health’s Human Trafficking taskforce leader, where he spearheads a human trafficking response program at Huntington Hospital, which currently includes more than a dozen staff members who have been trained by Restore NYC, an anti-trafficking organization, to identify victims and assist human trafficking victims and provide care to survivors. Dr. Paulus is working collaboratively with the Bridges Asian BERG on furthering the mission of the taskforce.
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Northwell rated No. 2 health system for diversity
Northwell Health has been named one of the nation’s top health systems for diversity, ranking second nationally and No. 1 in New York State, according to DiversityInc’s top Hospitals & Health Systems for Diversity list.
This achievement marks Northwell’s seventh straight year making the list, jumping up the rankings from last year’s No. 5 placement. DiversityInc’s extensive annual survey yields an empirically driven ranking based on talent results in the workforce and management, senior leadership accountability, talent programs, workplace practices, philanthropy and supplier diversity.
“America has gained strength from the generations of immigrants who have assimilated their cultural beliefs and unique skills into the fabric our country,” said Michael J. Dowling, Northwell Health’s president and CEO. “At Northwell, we also believe that our strength as an organization comes from the diversity of our employees and the communities we serve. This recognition is testament to our commitment.”
This is the second such honor in recent months for Northwell, which was named a Fortune Best Workplace for Diversity. Northwell ranks 80th on the annual 100 Best Workplaces for Diversity list, a partnership between Fortune and Great Place to Work that measures how well organizations create inclusive cultures for women, different cultural and ethnic communities, the LGBTQ community, older employees and workers with disabilities.
DiversityInc’s recognition reaffirms our approach to be representative and inclusive of all the communities the health system and its 68,000 employees serves.
“Receiving this recognition validates Northwell Health’s commitment to integrating the tenets of diversity, inclusion and health equity into our health care delivery model and essential to customizing care to improve health outcomes,” said Jennifer H. Mieres, MD, chief diversity and inclusion officer and senior vice president of the health system’s Center for Equity of Care. “Providing culturally-sensitive healthcare and fostering an inclusive workplace is integral to the partnership with our patients on the journey to improved health and wellness.”
The latest DiversityInc rankings reflect new metrics tied to questions that connect talent programs and workplace practices to desired talent results. The analysis also addressed the intersectionality of race by analyzing women and men representation of each race/ethnicity separately, rather than combined. Northwell also was ranked in the top 50 employers recognized for fostering an inclusive work place for members of the LGBT community.
“As a health care organization, we at Northwell health live our values – we are truly ourselves, and in doing so, seek to build trusted partnerships with our diverse patients and communities,” said Michael Wright, Northwell’s vice president of diversity and health equity.
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#BalanceforBetter: Northwell Health celebrates International Women’s Day 2019
March 8th marks International Women’s Day to celebrate women everywhere. At Northwell Health, we’re committed to fostering a diverse work environment that champions its team members regardless of gender or gender identity and where everyone can be Truly Ourselves.
In celebration, hear from some of Northwell’s amazing women and the women that inspire them daily.
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Black History Month: Bridges BERG celebrates being Truly Ourselves
Great things are achieved when we’re Truly Ourselves. Part of being Truly Ourselves means standing together and celebrating our differences. In honor of Black History Month, Northwell recognizes the hardworking members of our Bridges BERG (Business Employee Resource Group) who dedicate time year round to support the cultural and spiritual values of the communities we serve.
Passionate about cultural diversity, team members in our Bridges BERG embrace relationship building through education and support across African American, Asian, Chinese and Latino communities.
As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, Northwell recently held our 49th consecutive event honoring the teachings and visions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This memorial event honored the teachings of Dr. King and included a keynote from noted author and motivational speaker Steve Pemberton. The Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial program scholarship was also awarded to two high school students from the community. We sat down with team members to talk about their time volunteering at this wonderful event, as well as their experience being a member of the Bridges BERG.
Hear from some of our Northwell team members volunteering with the Bridges BERG:
Amanda Basdeo
Registrar Financial
Cohen Children’s Medical Center
Registrar Financial
Cohen Children’s Medical Center
“I am so glad I was able to be a part of this event because there are so many wonderful people there and it was truly inspirational. The BERGs get you involved in the community as well as building professional relationships throughout the company. Working in the medical field, you already have an interest for the people at heart…I feel like I have finally been given the opportunity to give back like I always wanted to.”
Ashley Cohen
Business Analyst
Organization Change Management
Revenue Cycle
Business Analyst
Organization Change Management
Revenue Cycle
“The tribute was amazing and meant a lot to me in so many ways. I felt overwhelmed with pride and gratitude for the speakers, performers and award recipients. I’m proud to work for such a diverse organization that affects and saves thousands of lives each day.”
Iva Rowe
Business Manager
Revenue Cycle
Business Manager
Revenue Cycle
“I have worked at Northwell for almost five years, and I have learned so much at this organization. I am a proud member of the Bridges BERG, and volunteering at the Martin Luther King Jr. event was a true honor for me. It was my first time volunteering for the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at Northwell, and I look forward to being a part of it again. “
Sasha Garcia
Senior Specialist
Ambulatory Human Resources
Senior Specialist
Ambulatory Human Resources
“This event means a lot to me that we were acknowledging the great work of the Honorable Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I was so overwhelmed with the stories people shared with us at the event and I greatly appreciated being an ‘ear’ for some of them.
As a BERG member, I am afforded the opportunity to network with other employees from different facets of the health system…we are all able to bring our own experiences forth and are able to learn from one another.”
Tamara Gordon
Manager
Contract Negotiations
Procurement
Manager
Contract Negotiations
Procurement
“As I’ve only been with the organization for 5 months, being afforded the opportunity to volunteer was priceless. Being a part of such a giving organization that places emphasis on community, philanthropy and education is such an honor. I share with my son the importance of giving back to others who give us so much and Northwell does a great job of doing just that!”
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Northwell Health honors Universal Human Rights Month by reflecting on diversity and inclusion
December is Universal Human Rights Month and this year is the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To honor this important anniversary, we’re spending the month reflecting on diversity and inclusion within Northwell Health.
At Northwell Health, we are unyielding in our commitment to welcoming, respecting, and leveraging the talent of individuals who apply their diverse perspectives and experiences in helping us understand and best meet the needs of the broad range of communities we serve. In the words of Deputy Chief HR Officer Maxine Carrington, “fully realized, the insights and contributions of a diverse workforce will enable us to fulfill our mission and values, grow and evolve, and assure our reputation as a best place to work and receive care – for all.”
We know that, as a healthcare provider, our diversity is the backbone of our ability to better serve the equally diverse communities that we touch. “I’ve always believed that the power of the health system doesn’t lie in Northwell Health being the largest healthcare provider or private employer in our state but from a much deeper place,” says Regional Director, Community Relations Matthew DePace. At Northwell Health, we draw our strength from the deep diversity of our workforce throughout our levels of operation. This variety of perspectives and points of view allow us to solve the problems of our employees, our patients’ and their communities.
Learn more about our diversity efforts here.
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Northwell’s Emerging Leaders Diversity & Inclusion Council shows the power of being Truly Ourselves
Northwell Health knows that as impressive as we are individually, we’re even better working Truly Together. We’re committed to standing together and building a diverse and inclusive work environment that strengthens our organization. By standing Truly Together, we’re allowing our employees to confidently be Truly Ourselves.
This is also the goal of Northwell’s Emerging Leaders Diversity & Inclusion Council, a group formed in 2017 of some of our exemplary employees working to ensure that diverse voices are being heard throughout the organization.
“Early last year, I was asked by Joe Moscola [SVP and Chief People Officer] to form a group that could provide a voice from the perspective of a young, emerging leader on the diversity and inclusion efforts at Northwell Health,” says Jason Philip, Administrative Director of Emergency Medicine at Southside Hospital & Peconic Bay Medical Center, “A small group of 10 individuals from across Northwell were asked to participate, and together we have been committed to attracting, developing, and retaining young diverse talent for leadership positions.”
“I have always found that the health system understands the diversity of its employee population and makes an effort to engage all members of the team, from larger initiatives like the Emerging Leaders Diversity & Inclusion Council or respecting cultural backgrounds with things like holiday cards,” says Ines Ruiz, council member and Senior Administrative Manager.
Northwell’s continually growing awareness of diversity and inclusion will help to more effectively manage an increasingly diverse workforce and serve our patient population. This inclusive culture will also build an organization for the future that is more creative, innovative, and responsive to change in our market.
The Diversity Council is working hard to craft recommendations for programs that will roll out in the beginning of 2019. These talented leaders are looking to enhance our diversity and inclusion programs already in place as well as helping to form best practices for onboarding, mentoring and succession planning.
But their work won’t stop there! “We hope to continue to be an active voice at Northwell to ensure that our organization keeps making steps toward inclusiveness for all people, and that the leadership at Northwell continues to grow to reflect that,” says Jason.
At Northwell, we’re striving to change the future of health care. Diversity and inclusion helps continue to not only make our organization a great place to work, but helps us deliver extraordinary care to all of our varied patients. We’re looking for candidates like you to help us continue to stand Truly Together!
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At Northwell Health, we can be Truly Ourselves. Happy National Coming Out Day!
“Our employees should never have to make a choice between a career they love and living with their truthfulness and integrity. I am so proud to be part of an organization that lets me be who I am every day at work. Every morning I wake up looking forward to my workday and what exciting things are in store for me. As an openly gay male executive working at Northwell Health I am surrounded by support from senior leadership and my colleagues; I am able to come to work and be my true self. Through our Business Employee Resource Group EXPRESSIONS, I have been able to align with my fellow LGBTQ co-workers and our allies to make this organization such a great place to work.” – Edward C. Fraser, Vice President of Corporate Community Relations, System Administration
On October 11th, Northwell Health employees are celebrating National Coming Out Day with our LGBT community members, allies, patients and the members of our Expressions BERG. At Northwell Health, we’re always striving to create an accepting culture where we can all be Truly Ourselves.
This National Coming Out Day, Northwell is taking the pledge to #WearTheRibbon. This one-day campaign encourages employees to take a stand against the discrimination, violence, harassment, and bullying of LGBT people by showing support for safe spaces where they LIVE, LEARN, WORK, PLAY, and PRAY. Expressions BERG members and allies are signing this pledge and wearing a rainbow ribbon at work to visually “come out” in support of safe spaces for LGBT individuals. This pledge is just one way that Northwell encourages employees to achieve their full potential and supports a safe and inclusive working environment and.
The Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) program at Northwell Health helps our patients by elevating diverse voices so we can better serve our diverse population. It also helps our staff, so they can find and engage with the specific communities that understand their experiences and ensure representation of their perspective and experience. This culture of acceptance creates a safe space for BERG’s like Expressions to thrive.
The Expressions BERG consists of Northwell Health employees who identify as LGBT, are allies of the LGBT community, are passionate about or are interested in promoting health equity and awareness of the LGBT community. Wayne Kawadler, Dir, Community Relations, Administration explains, “through our Expressions BERG I have been able to connect with fellow LGBTQ workers and allies, all who are able to be truthful and open about their sexual and cultural identity. From celebrating Pride Month to acknowledging Coming Out Day, Northwell Health is a truly accepting place to work for.”
Learn more about other BERG’s at Northwell Health here. Join us and find the support you’re Made for.
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We Ask Because We Care
At Northwell, we know that when we’re Truly Ourselves, we can create great things. We’re committed to developing a supportive work environment that’s as diverse and inclusive as the communities we serve. Part of championing our team members and patients includes delivering the best care possible regardless of race, ethnicity, cultural background and language proficiency.
The “We Ask Because We Care” campaign is a new effort by Northwell to ensure we’re understanding and meeting the unique ethnic and cultural needs of our patients. This initiative aims to educate both our team members and community members about the importance of collecting and using accurate race, ethnicity and preferred language data. This system-wide campaign is part of a national push to support the goals of the National Call to Action to Eliminate Health Care Disparities and comes as a result of our CEO, Michael J. Dowling, signing the Equity of Care Pledge from the American Hospital Association.
As part of this new initiative, Northwell employees will be educated on how to appropriately ask patients their preferred language, their race and their ethnicity. Our patients’ health is important to us – we ask because we care. Though it is not mandatory for patients to answer, these questions aim to help us deliver the best care possible. By better understanding our patients, we can deliver personalized care to best meet our patients’ needs. Accurate patient information helps make exceptional care possible.
“In improving the accurate collection of patient data collection of race, ethnicity and preferred language and educating our communities about the importance of providing us with this data, we will help to advance diversity and inclusion and reduce health disparities,” says Elizabeth McCulloch, PHD, AVP, Diversity & Health Equity, “We will also be able to use this data to help inform our community efforts, strengthen our community partnerships and stratify our data by key quality indicators.”
All answers provided by patients will be kept confidential and only be shared with providers and within Northwell Health. This information however marks an important first steps to improving community health and eliminating health disparities. As the future market for health care services changes, Northwell is evolving to ensure we continually redefine health care while advancing diversity and inclusion.
Our staff is as diverse as the community we serve. By promoting effective communication and cultural and linguistic competence, we’re able to improve patient and family-centered care, eliminate health disparities and enhance health outcomes for patients and their families.
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Northwell’s Path to Inclusion program wins Diversity Excellence Award from NACE
As a leader in healthcare, Northwell is committed to cultivating and fostering diversity so that we may better serve our communities and patients. Our Workforce Readiness team helps provide a supportive, caring and inclusive environment for our employees all year long. In 2017, they developed the Path to Inclusion program to help people with disabilities take advantage of our opportunities and achieve success in their careers. The program launched to great success and has recently been announced as a winner of a Diversity Excellence Award from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)!
Lesly St. Louis is proud to be a part of this award winning Path to Inclusion program. As an Inclusion Specialist at Northwell Health, Lesly works as a liaison with candidates to help facilitate employment for individuals with disabilities. As part of this mission, Lesly develops important partnerships for outreach and manages the Path to Inclusion seminars. These seminars help candidates with resume writing, interview tips, networking, the hiring process and more.
“I have been advocating for individuals with disabilities – a group of which I am a proud member – for most of my life,” says Lesly, “The biggest challenges we have to overcome are not the disabilities, but the stigma surrounding them.” And this is a stigma both Lesly and Northwell are working to eliminate, “Connecting our recruiters and hiring managers to individuals with disabilities through specialized events such as workshops fosters direct communication, furthering our shared goals of creating an inclusive workforce.”
Our 2018 Intern Finale Celebration included some of our Bridges to Adelphi graduates!
Another important part of Northwell’s Path to Inclusion program is our Bridges to Adelphi. Northwell partnered with Adelphi University to develop this model student internship for college students who are on the Autism Spectrum or have communication or social adjustment challenges. This nationally recognized program allows for students to gain invaluable work experience in meaningful job positions, helping them build skill sets for successful careers upon graduation – and careers with Northwell! The 2018 summer program boasted 6 interns with 5 students moving into full-time positions.
“It is truly an honor to have partnered with the Bridges to Adelphi program. This is our second year working with them and it has been an amazing experience. I enjoy mentoring and finding meaningful internship placements with some turning into full time jobs for them to grow and flourish in.” says Elizabeth Zgaljardic, an HR Coordinator with the Workforce Readiness team, “It’s inspiring to work with these remarkable students and the entire staff at Bridges to Adelphi. Just one of the many highlights in working for Workforce Readiness!”
Northwell’s N-Able Business Employee Resource Group (BERG) is another asset Path to Inclusion’s efforts. The Workforce Readiness team co-chairs this BERG with Zucker Hillside, aiming to further expand our inclusive hiring efforts with resources and awareness. Rolling out system-wide in September, N-Able will host celebrations, events, and workshops as well as aid provide an information database. This database will allow for all employees to easily see what inclusive resources Northwell offers.
“The N-Able BERG is a resource to assist employees in increasing awareness of Northwell Health’s disability services,” says Cheryl Davidson, Senior Director of Workforce Readiness, “our goal is to help educate and bring together people who understand that our uniqueness makes us stronger.”
And the Path to Inclusion program goes beyond just these key initiatives! Between speaking at national events and continually engaging and educating employees, the Workforce Readiness team is developing and strengthening our diverse and inclusive team. “I am so proud to work for an organization that takes action to ensure all of its employees feel included and important,” says Cheryl. Northwell is proud to be Truly Ourselves and will continue to stand united, proud and respectful in celebrating our differences. Congratulations again to the Workforce Readiness team!
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Northwell Health has Pride all month long
Every June marks LGBTQ Pride Month and here at Northwell we stand proudly with our LGBTQ community and celebrate – in June and every month! We value being Truly Ourselves and Northwell stands united, proud and respectful, always celebrating our differences.
As a large supporter of the LGBTQ Community, Northwell attended numerous Pride events across all regions along with participation and guidance from our EXPRESSIONS BERG (Business Employee Resource Group).
EXPRESSIONS is Northwell’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) BERG. Members consist of Northwell Health employees who identify as LGBTQ, are allies of the LGBTQ community, and are passionate about promoting unity, health equity and awareness of the LGBTQ community. They promote awareness and inclusion in the workplace, and connect the community with services based on their unique health care needs.
As a champion of Health Equity Northwell Health has earned recognition and been designated as a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Healthcare Equality Index for 2018 and is a committed ally in the fight to break down barriers and offer individualized, and compassionate health care to each and every person it serves.
Check out some highlights from Northwell’s Pride activities!
- On June 2nd, Westchester’s largest LGBTQ center held its annual pride festival “LOFT Pride” with a pet parade, food trucks, vendors, raffles and advocacy stations. The event had performances by Broadway Sings for Pride, Sutton Lee Seymour, Fogo Azul NYC, Lyane Deep Priest as well as the LOFT Pride Chorus. Phelps Hospital and the Phelps Medical Associates participated with an informational table.
- Phelps Hospital and Phelps Medical Associates attended the 20th annual Rockland Pride on June 10th. In addition to the informational tables, the event had live music, kids’ activities, art, dancing and food trucks.
- Northwell Health attended the 20th annual Pride Parade in Cherry Grove, Fire Island on Saturday, June 16th. The town was decorated with our Northwell Health pride flags prior to the parade along with float and marchers that participated in the event.
The 28th Annual Long Island Pride Parade took place on Sunday, June 10th in Long Beach, NY. This year’s theme: “Brave.Strong.United” rang loud with Northwell’s very own parade float and full marching contingent composed of engaged and devoted employee volunteers ready to show their pride!- Northwell Health participated in the annual NYC Pride Parade and Festival on June 24th. In addition to a marching contingent of 200 participants, Northwell had a large presence at the festival with representation from Lenox Health Greenwich Village, Imaging, Orthopedics, the Center for AIDS Research & Treatment, the Center for Retroviral Diseases as well as the Friedman Transgender Program.
Looking to get involved? EXPRESSIONS BERG is currently in the processing of planning their next meeting. Start your career with Northwell to get involved today!
Are you Made for a career at Northwell? Explore current job opportunities.
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Click here to view the “EEO is the law” poster.
It is Northwell Health’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity and treat all applicants and employees equally regardless of their age, race, creed/religion, color, national origin, immigration status or citizenship status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, sex/gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, pregnancy, genetic information or genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital or familial status, partnership status, victim of domestic violence, sexual or other reproductive health decisions, or other characteristics protected by applicable law.
Northwell Health reserves the right to amend all terms of employment.
