Coming together to serve others, that’s what we do here at Northwell Health. And when it comes to protecting our patients, communities and employees, we do everything in our power to do so. Our Administration and Security teams over at North Shore University Hospital have proven just that.

At the end of 2016, the Security team at NSUH knew that they wanted to implement a few changes to make their campus safer. “At any moment of the day, anyone could come onto our campus and walk right into the hospital. With recent events throughout the United States, we wanted to ensure the safety of our patients, their families, and our employees,” said John Ferrigno, Director of Security.  On average, over 900 people per hour were entering the hospital through the Main Lobby and they wanted to be able to monitor who was coming in, and for what reason. Que the idea for an employee entrance, where employees would have to scan their ID’s in order to access the building. Que a visitor check-in process and optical barriers to ensure those visiting were there for the right reasons.

“We didn’t want any former employees to have access to our building and we didn’t want to have anyone who wanted to cause harm to others to be able to walk in.”  John Ferrigno, Director of Security

The Security team came together and reached out to employees throughout each unit, department and floor to see if they wanted to become a part of their council. At these meetings, the 50 employees who made up the Employee Security Advisory Council worked together to create a plan – this was their timeline:

• October 1, 2016: Locked exterior entrances
• November 6, 2016: Officers stationed at Visitor Entrances to encourage employees to display ID badges
• November 15, 2016: Developed and met with Employee Security Advisory Council
• April 20, 2017: Launched the Employee Entrance
• June 22, 2017: Visitor Check In Policy began  – optical barriers installed but inactive
• July 20, 2017: Optical Barriers activated at Visitor Entrances

“When we reached out to employees to become a part of the council they were extremely eager to join. They continuously brought up great ideas and pushed us to think differently. We realized that this was a big concern of theirs and we loved working with each one of them.” Derek Anderson, Associate Executive Director, Hospital Operations

Throughout this process, NSUH has grown their security team from 67 officers to 90 officers and has partnered with Nassau County Police to ensure they had the best security precautions in place. Hour-long trainings were held by Nassau County’s Chief of Patrols who taught employees how to protect themselves in case of an active shooting. This incredible partnership has allowed NSUH employees to feel safe and ready in case of an emergency.

With this new partnership, the support of senior leadership and the excitement of our employees, we know the new employee entrance is here to stay.

“We don’t budge with the new system – no matter what your role is within the health system, or who you are coming to see, you are following the new rules.” John Ferrigno, Director of Security

Photo: Members of our genetic counseling team in the Northwell Division of Genetics & Genomics

What it is.

According to the National Society of Genetic Counselors genetic counselors: “have advanced training in medical genetics and counseling to guide and support patients seeking more information about how inherited diseases and conditions might affect them or their families, and to interpret test results.”

How to become one.

Genetic counselors (GCs) have master’s degrees from one of 30 programs across the country. Applicants generally have a science or psychology background, but they can come from any field. Other valuable experiences include working with people with disabilities, crisis counseling, laboratory work, and shadowing genetic counselors. GCs are accredited through an examination offered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Genetic counseling programs are also becoming more common around the world.

Why our employees became one.

“My undergraduate degree and first 20 years of work experience were in theater lighting. Like many GCs, the field was a career change for me. Several personal experiences over the years had sent me to GCs, and I was always impressed at how much they seemed to love their work. Now I am proud to count myself among them.” Michele Disco, Senior Genetic Counselor

“I found out about the profession during high school and during my undergraduate degree, found myself more and more attracted to the science of genetics, but basic science lab work was not for me. When I got the chance to shadow within a genetic counseling clinic was the moment I made the commitment that that was what I wanted to do. I transitioned into a genetic counseling graduate program immediately after my undergraduate degree and now here I am!” Amber Gamma, Genetic Counselor

Why you’ll love it.

“I love supporting families in learning more about genetics and their health, listening to their stories, and guiding them in their decisions. Sometimes the scientific information can help dispel fears about conditions running in the family; other times I need strong counseling skills to compassionately convey difficult news. Constantly staying informed about the rapidly changing field of genetics means that I am always learning. I am also fortunate to teach genetic counseling students, and to give educational presentations, both ways to learn more myself.” Michele Disco, Senior Genetic Counselor

“My favorite part of this field is the blending of education, human connection and science. Genetics is becoming increasingly more important in the field of medicine and being on the forefront of that innovation is incredibly exciting, but being able to translate it to everyday patient care and how the information affects these people and their families is where the real reward lies for me. Through an emphasis on strong patient relationships via empathy and advocacy, I find that not only am I always on a journey of learning to stay abreast of new scientific developments within the field, but I’m also on a journey of learning about my patients, what’s most important to them and how we can use this information to empower them in their healthcare and reproductive choices.” Amber Gamma, Genetic Counselor

What your role will be.

At Northwell, genetic counselors see prenatal, pediatric, and adult patients. For example, prenatal genetic counselors work with expecting couples interested in knowing more about their baby’s health and pediatric counselors work with children. Cancer genetic counselors at the Northwell Cancer Institute and the recently launched, multidisciplinary Northwell Center for Cancer Prevention and Wellness work with patients and families concerned about a family history of cancer, or who have cancer themselves.

We are also integrated into many Northwell Health departments and programs, including cardiology, hemophilia and sickle cell disease, pediatric hematology/oncology, reproductive endocrinology/fertility, and the Craniofacial, Marfan’s, and Neurofibromatosis Clinics, among others. Our role is continually expanding. Part of our expansion within the health system means increasing our close collaboration with physicians, advanced care practitioners, nutritionists, social workers, and other health care professionals, and partnering with them to provide patients with the highest level of compassionate care. We also serve as mentors for prospective and current genetic counseling master’s students completing their clinical rotations at Northwell, and are involved in research initiatives through the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research.

At Northwell Health, we aren’t satisfied with settling. We search for innovation in everything we do. That’s why we place such a high value on STEM education in achieving our goal of optimizing the health of our community.

Last week our Vice President of HR, Chief People Innovation Officer and leader of our Workforce Readiness Team, Elaine Page, was honored at the 2017 Million Women Mentors Summit & Awards as the 100 Corporate Women Leaders in STEM Honoree. Promoting innovation and growing our future workforce is one of Elaine’s passions and she understands that the future success depends upon growing and empowering tomorrow’s health care workforce to take an active interest in learning and innovation. With the changing healthcare landscape and a critical shortage of nurses and other skilled clinical professionals, educating our youth on the opportunities in health care and STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) take on a new and urgent priority.

“As I represent many women leaders receiving this honor, I’m reminded of that sage advice as I say thank you today and reflect on all those successful women who’ve helped me.  From my high school teacher who told me I could be anything I dreamed I could be, to my first horrible boss who taught me exactly what not to do when I became a leader…and to the countless women leaders I’ve known who have struggled to make a place in the world for their voice but yet have carried themselves with graceful patience, knowing their time would come. They were and are fierce and I’ve reveled in the lessons I’ve learned from these women and try to impart that wisdom to my own team every day.  So I thank you for recognizing the importance of women leaders in technology: for recognizing how we bring creativity and different thought to a traditionally male field. Thank you for highlighting the importance of women supporting other women, lifting each other up.  It feels good to know that our powerful voices are shaping our future.” Elaine Page, Vice President of Human Resources and Chief People Innovation Officer

Northwell Health collaborates with internal and external partners to host system-wide STEM career programs, providing teacher education opportunities and fostering transformational education through the creation and support of Career Academies – while our student programs promote the wide scope of STEM-focused career paths and opportunities available within health care. Take a look at some of our initiatives:

• Medical Marvels – In partnership with the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Medical Marvels hosts a competition for 9th & 10th grade students to engage educators and students in exploring, understanding and preparing students for the broad spectrum of STEM career paths.
• The Spark! Challenge – This is a system wide STEM career awareness program for 11th and 12th grade students. The program highlights high growth and less known careers in healthcare. The Spark! Challenge has hosted over 1,300 students at more than 50 Northwell Health sites.
• Top Minds Meet webinar series – This interactive webinar series introduces students to key Northwell Health leadership as it highlights various pathways to a successful career.
• Medical Scholars Pipeline Program – The Hofstra School of Medicine and Northwell Health’s Center for Learning and Innovation are preparing high school students for health care careers through hands-on training, rigorous academic classes, and mentorship.
• Annual Professional Development Day – In partnership with The Feinstein Institute, we’re engaging educators in the broad spectrum of career paths and the skills and education needed to work in tomorrow’s health care.
• Long Island STEM Hub – Northwell Health and Brookhaven National Lab are Co-Stewards of this regional effort focused on engaging and aligning business and educational communities to engage and develop students for STEM careers.
• International Internship Program – Northwell Health’s Center for Learning and Innovation and University College Cork in Ireland are opening exciting opportunities for undergraduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business information systems.

As we continue to push the boundaries we will focus on enhancing our STEM initiatives and try to understand how we can continue to build successful relationships with other companies who are driven by the same mission. For now, help us in congratulating Elaine Page on her prestigious award!

Get ready to pack your bags – or at least your resume. Here are ten great reasons for making the move and joining us at Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC).

#1 – Big hospital advantages. Small hospital feel.

We’re a 182-bed acute-care hospital and designated stroke center, and though we’re a regional medical center, we have a strong community focus. Our working environment is close-knit and teammates are more like family.

#2 – A community that will embrace you.

Peconic Bay Medical Center is the area’s trusted source for quality care. We have employees who were actually born here and grew up in the community. But no matter where you’re from, this is a place where you’ll be immediately welcomed. That means you’ll be able to offer a full continuum of care to your friends and neighbors.

“I became a nurse because I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. I was lucky enough to be able to do that for the people who mean the most to me, right here where I grew up. But even if you weren’t born here, you’ll be able to enjoy that connection to your work through patients and staff .”

 –Cindy Anderson, RN, Assistant Nurse Manager

#3 – We’re going somewhere fast.

We never settle and are always moving forward. Our award-winning Kanas Center for Advanced Surgery is home to the da Vinci Surgical Robotics Program. PBMC also features Centers of Excellence in Bariatrics and Joint Replacement and is a recipient of the prestigious Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for Total Joint Replacement for Hip and Knee.

“Nursing care is exceptional. Everything we do is focused on patient care. We’re never complacent, it’s never business as usual.”

 –Bruce Lavelle, RN

#4 – Getting here is half the fun.

As beautiful as our location is, the commute here makes it even more attractive. It’s an easy and peaceful commute, through picturesque countryside.

“Eastern Long Island is kind of like another world – but one you don’t have to go too far to reach.”

 –Amy Loeb, Chief Nursing Officer

#5 – Technology to write home about.

When it comes to our clinical capabilities, we refuse to compromise. This includes a brand new, state-of-the-art cardiac cath lab and electrophysiology lab, advanced OR robotics and innovative technology throughout.

“We have the latest equipment. Things we’d have to transfer patients for in the past, we get to help them right here and now. We don’t lose critical time.”

 –Bruce Lavelle, RN

#6 – A nice place to visit. An even better place to live.

Although it’s just a short trip to the energy and excitement of New York City, the serene beauty of eastern Long Island makes you feel as if you’re a million miles away, except there’s plenty to do. Enjoy a relaxing day among vineyards and wineries. Explore unique boutiques and shops. Sample delicious cuisine at one of the wonderful bistros and restaurants. Or just relax as you take in the sites

“Most of my life I’ve been a Long Islander, it’s a wonderful area – world class beaches, culture, fine arts, great climate.”

 –Bruce Lavelle, RN

#7 – Never a dull moment.

With approximately 30,000 emergency visits each year, we have the busiest ED on the east end of Long Island. This translates into a dynamic and fast-paced environment in all of the areas of our hospital.

#8 – Happy employees.

At Peconic Bay Medical Center, we promote an environment where our people are valued, their skills are advanced, their knowledge is expanded and their ideas are respected. This keeps us inspired, involved and engaged. Our long-term satisfaction proves it!

#9 – You learn something new every day!

Continual professional development is a priority for us. We have a “Back 2 School” program where the hospital supports cohorts of nurses going back to school. We also offer a wide variety of educational resources, including the most advanced simulation center on Long Island.

#10 – It’s the place to grow!

As you can see, there are a lot of reasons to join Peconic Bay Medical Center. But the best one is that we’re just getting started with plans to grow our beautiful facilities and expand our capabilities. Right now, we’ve got great nursing opportunities to join us in these areas:

• Cardiology
• ED
• OR

Need even more reasons to join us at Peconic Bay Medical Center? Find out more.

At Northwell Health, we are the pioneers searching for innovation in everything we do. You’ll see this visionary spirit come to life at Health Solutions. As Northwell Health’s care management organization, Health Solutions is helping to lead the organization to success in value-based care and population health. Take a look at all Health Solutions is achieving:

Join our talent community to explore career opportunities with Northwell Health Solutions!

Congratulations to Michael Dowling on being named among the top 100 CEOs by Glassdoor

As employees of Northwell Health, we’ve always known it. But now, the rest of the world knows that our CEO, Michael J. Dowling is one of the best CEOs of 2017! Based on our employees’ feedback, he has just been ranked among the top large U.S. company CEOs in the 2017 Glassdoor® Employees’ Choice Awards. In fact, he’s the fourth highest ranked health care CEO! It’s no surprise. Because when it comes to building a world-renowned health system, Mr. Dowling is made for this.

“I’m honored to be recognized for my leadership by Northwell employees – my colleagues. The truth is employees at every level are truly the lifeblood of our health system,” said Mr. Dowling. “Our health care professionals and the support teams that treat our patients at the most-vulnerable times of their lives require not only expert clinical skills but compassion as well.”

Glassdoor is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing job sites. Its annual report highlights the Highest Rated CEOs throughout North America. Mr. Dowling’s 91% employee approval ratings are showing the world what we already know: his commitment and passion to our mission. This is a place where we are all empowered and engaged to go further, to challenge the state of health care and to deliver the highest quality care possible. As we passionately live out this vision, we’re delivering significant results. Our nurses’ engagement and satisfaction scores are the highest in New York City.

We congratulate Mr. Dowling on this prestigious honor and thank him for making Northwell Health such an incredible place to work. This award is also proof that our highest level of leadership delivers the kind of outstanding performance we expect of all our employees. Are you made for an employer that expects your best and helps you achieve it? Then you might be made for this.

Additional details on the results of the Glassdoor survey can be found here.

You can help bring it all together.

Are you transitioning into a new phase of your life? Are you looking for a job where you can make the most of your flexibility, dedication and compassion? RegionCare Nursing Agency, a licensed agency of Northwell Health, may have just what you’re seeking.

As a Home Health Aide with RegionCare Nursing Agency, you’ll help bring the exceptional, innovative care Northwell Health is known for right to the patient’s home. Your key role will enable patients to enjoy decreased healing time, improved mental health and an increased sense of dignity.

Home care is a rapidly growing area of health care. RegionCare Nursing Agency has openings for experienced Home Health Aides as well as training courses for those looking to begin a career in this rewarding field. “We’re looking for high caliber individuals,” says Mary Winters, Assistant Vice President of RegionCare. “We need people who are accountable, and who also have the flexibility to do this job well and are looking to grow with a dynamic healthcare organization.

The key role you’ll play.

As a Home Health Aide, you will work closely as a team with highly skilled nurses to provide comprehensive patient care. Because every patient is unique, you may be called on to provide any of the following services:

• Bathing and dressing
• Shopping
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Preparing meals
• Reading to patients
• Taking patients for walks
• Helping with hobbies and activities

The rewards you’ll enjoy.

Delivering this vital care while meeting our high standards may be challenging. “You have to be mature, empathic and patient,” notes Mary Winters. If you have what it takes, the benefits and perks are excellent and include:

• Flexible days and hours
• Paid continuing education
• Compensation for travel time
• Advancement opportunities
• Employee appreciation activities
• Health Insurance (Full-time employees)

The training you need to get started.

One great thing about pursuing a career with RegionCare is that you don’t need home care experience. If you have a heart for caring for others, they can help you live out that passion. RegionCare Nursing Agency provides a FREE Home Health Aide Training Course to get you started. Offered multiple times throughout the year and at several locations, the course combines 75 hours of classroom training with 16 hours of supervised practical training. Registered Nurses provide instruction based on your unique needs and guide you in developing required hands-on skills. Of course, those with home health experience are definitely encouraged to apply as well.

Take the first step.

If you’re ready to make the most of your deep compassion for others, we invite you to join us as a Home Health Aide with RegionCare.

Ah, the fresh start to the New Year filled with hope and new beginnings. We all wake up the day after the ball drops and there is a new sense of determination and promise for the future. Here are our top 3 tips to keep your spirits high and your ambitions in sight so you can make the best of 2017, even if those post-New Year’s Eve feelings begin to fade away over time.

1.       Get organized – Ok, we know this is on everyone’s to do list, but how many of you can actually cross it off? Take the time to prioritize the most important things in your life, professionally and personally, and then create realistic goals on how you want to accomplish them. If you don’t break down a goal into steps it may seem overwhelming and you may “save it for tomorrow” until the year runs out and it’s still on your to do list. Taking a few minutes every day to create a list of things you want to accomplish for the day will keep you in order, less stressed, and you may even find more time in the day to do something you enjoy!

2.       Be mindful – Did you know that sitting for 5 minutes a day to reflect can help you physically, mentally and emotionally? Sometimes life takes us by storm and it’s easy to get wrapped up in the day to day antics – but as you are crossing off things on your to do list, don’t forget to take care of yourself. The only way you will be able to perform the best at your job, while also enjoying each day, is if you address your needs. Don’t forget to get the support you need in order to be successful!

3.       Celebrate your wins – Big or small, if you accomplish something – celebrate it! Sometimes we get in such a routine that we don’t acknowledge some of our accomplishments. Whether it’s coming up with a new workout routine and sticking to it, or nailing a big presentation in front of the executives at your job, give yourself a pat on the back. Sometimes we have to be our own biggest supporters to stay motivated, and that’s ok.

Throughout this year remember to be realistic and honest with yourself so you can tackle every goal you set your mind to. Never forget that you determine how your life unfolds and at any moment you can change the path you are on if you are determined to do so. Let’s make 2017 the best year yet! 

Hear from Kory Stimpfl, Assistant Director of Engineering and Plant Operations, and Roger Arnott, Director of Engineering and Maintenance,  about why they chose Northwell Health as the place to grow their engineering career.

Why did you choose to pursue an engineering career at Northwell Health.

KS: Huntington Hospital, and through them Northwell Health, has been a staple of the community for my entire life. I was born at Huntington Hospital, so I am grateful for the chance to work here and help make it even better. I have had many family and friends that have been helped right here, and now I have the chance to use my engineering skills to help other peoples family and friends.

RA: I personally chose to come to Northwell Health because I wanted to work in a field where I could use my skills and abilities to help people.

Tell me a little bit about your background? Were you always in health care – if you weren’t, why did you decide to get into the field?

KS: I graduated college from SUNY Maritime College in the spring of 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a Coast Guard Marine Engineering License. Using this license I got a job as a civilian contractor with the US Navy. In this job I was on a team that took care of the engine room of one of the navy’s civilian ships. I worked for them for almost a year, during which time I was traveling all over the country and the world. I realized that I wanted something that was more stationary but also wanted to see how my engineering was benefiting people, because in my old job there was a much greater divide between myself and the “customer”. When I started looking for jobs, Huntington Hospital immediately stuck out because it would allow me the best of both worlds. As the Assistant director of Engineering I can use my engineering talents to help the hospital not only with the day to day facility operations, but also with the improvements to it going forward. Every day I know that the work that I am doing in the health care field will help save people’s lives, or at least help the medical staff save people’s lives.

RA: My career started in the Marine Industry after graduating from The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

After working as a Marine Engineer for almost 30 years, including operations in Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and much international travel, it was time for a change. My new path took me to Brooklyn, New York for the next five years and a large 46 high story building housing complex with a centralized power plant. An engineering opportunity then arose to come to Northwell Health Huntington Hospital.  I had grown up in Huntington, NY and the opportunity to work and help people at the very hospital I was born in was extremely appealing to me. This was my first endeavor into the Healthcare Industry.

What career growth opportunities does Northwell provide for you and all engineering professionals?

KS: Northwell health is a large healthcare system, and is always growing. As with any system this large, it begins to take on a lot of its own engineering and facility work. As an engineer within the system, there are opportunities to grow within the individual hospitals and into the Physical Assets department and beyond. As a young engineer, there is incredible room for growth within the system.

RA: I believe Northwell Health offers growth opportunities for engineering professionals in different ways. The many engineering responsibilities at a hospital afford engineers the opportunity to hone their skills and expertise in many different disciplines. In addition, Northwell Health is a large and ever growing organization. This allows one many opportunities for future career advancements.

Why would you encourage other engineers to work for our health system?

KS: Working in this health system allows you to have a direct impact on helping people. The sense of purpose here is incredible, all it takes is a walk around the hospital to see all the amazing things that are possible because of the work that our department does every day.

RA: If you are a person who desires work that is personally rewarding and professionally challenging, then Healthcare industry is a good field for you. Northwell Health is a great system because it believes in and fosters a culture where everyone is a caregiver to its patients.  You truly feel you are part of a coordinated team supplying patient care.

What new initiatives/ projects have you worked on?

KS: Since July I have been involved multiple projects including the commissioning of two new emergency diesels and testing of their associated transfer switches. I have participated directly in the patient’s environment through Environment of Care rounds and through mock Joint Commission inspections. I have also been involved in the planning of the installation of three new boilers and two new air cooled HVAC chillers. As these projects complete there are always new ideas and projects around the corner that need some input from our department. This ensures that the job will always be exciting.

RA: Since my start a few months back I have been involved in numerous projects of varying sizes. Although it was started before my tenure I have been working to finalize and commission our new Emergency Department addition and its associated 3 MW of emergency diesel power system. I have also been working on the design and construction for three Main boiler installations totaling 650hp, and a chiller relocation and replacement project for 800 tons of air cooled chillers. Both of these projects being simply the first phase of a two phase projects. Additionally, we are also doing work for a new Hyperbaric unit requiring the installation of an additional Oxygen tank and pad, re-powering from 208 VAC to 480VAC, installation of new lab testing equipment, installation of new nuclear medicine equipment , replacement of an Underground fuel oil tank and new air handling equipment. This is all happening coincidentally with multiple departmental re-locations and renovations as well as the day to day repairs and maintenance of the hospital. It is a busy pace covering many Engineering disciplines but is extremely rewarding.

 Interested in joining our team of engineers? Explore our unlimited career possibilities today.

The most advanced and accurate imaging equipment is only as good as the radiologists interpreting the studies. Northwell Health Imaging has the largest group of subspecialized, fellowship-trained radiologists on Long Island. We are excited to welcome three new imaging centers to our expanding service line. 

Northwell Health Imaging is the first radiology practice in New York State – and seventh in the nation – to be designated as a Diagnostic Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR) for achieving the highest levels of imaging quality, safety, and care.  Our imaging centers are also accredited by the ACR as Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence and the Lung Cancer Alliance has named our facilities Screening Centers of Excellence. 

When you become part of Northwell Health Imaging  you will be joining a dedicated group of radiologists, nurse navigators, certified technologists, and caring support staff. 

Learn more about our three new Imaging Centers:

Imaging at Bayshore 

Northwell Health Imaging at Bay Shore offers a wide variety of diagnostic services, offering employees access to the latest imaging technology on the south shore of Long Island. In addition to MRI, PET/CT with low dose capability, SPECT/CT, ultrasound and digital X-ray, Imaging at Bay Shore will offer interventional radiology. 

Imaging at Lenox Hill Greenwich Village 

Northwell Health Imaging at Greenwich Village offers a full range of diagnostic and breast imaging services. Combining state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technology with subspecialized radiologists, this site offers employees access to outpatient radiology services in Manhattan. Services include: MRI, low dose CT, ultrasound, digital X-ray and bone densitometry. Comprehensive breast imaging services are also offered: 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI and breast biopsies. 

Imaging at Smithtown 

Northwell Health Imaging at Smithtown also offers a full spectrum of diagnostic testing services including MRI, low dose CT, ultrasound, digital X-ray, bone densitometry, image-guided biopsies and procedures – all in spa-inspired settings. The center also offers comprehensive breast imaging services including 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI and image-guided breast biopsies.  

 Join our team at one of our Imaging Centers and apply today. 

When you work here, you are family.

As an organization we pride ourselves on teamwork, which is only one of the many pillars we stand on. Gary Levitt, RN at Southside Hospital, couldn’t agree more. Whenever he is walking into a shift he knows he will be surrounded by people he can trust, “It means a lot to me to be an RN in the Emergency Department at Southside Hospital.  I am part of the most dynamic team I have ever known.  We all have our different personalities which makes it all the more exciting.  I can honestly say that we are one big family.”

Just like in all families, you have to accept the differences and learn to work around them. Levitt says, “We are always mostly happy together but there are days when we get frustrated with the job and sometimes with each other.  What family doesn’t?  In times of urgent situations, we place our differences aside and work extremely well together.  I can even anticipate a co-worker’s response in a given situation.  I guess when you spend so much time together, you really learn about a person.” Being in such a fast paced and highly demanding job it’s inevitable to avoid conflict but the environment that surrounds you makes all the difference. Gary knows that without the help of his team they wouldn’t be as successful as they are today:

“Our nurses, nurse assistants, physicians, PA’s, NP’s, x-ray technicians, transporters, ward clerks, social workers, case managers, and our leaders in administration all have to work together to provide the excellent care we give on a daily basis.  I can’t do it alone.  I need EVERYONE on the team.” 

Leaning on each other and recognizing each employee for their strengths is exactly the environment we are talking about. Every team is committed to delivering exceptional patient experience, pursuing innovative ideas that are transforming the delivery of health care, and fostering greater teamwork to improve patient safety. The dedication Gary and his team shows is the perfect example of who we are here at Northwell Health: we are teamwork, we are innovation, we are excellence. 

Begin your journey with us.

Photo: Gary is in the middle of the picture in the black t-shirt. His dedication to his team never fails to impress us: “The enclosed photo is me with my co-workers after a CPR course.  I did not want to send a photo of just myself, but insisted on showing at least part of the team that I am proud to be a part of.” 

About the Exceptional Patient/Customer Experience Winner

The winner for Exceptional Patient/ Customer Experience is Amy Smith, NP, Program Coordinator – Emergency Nursing at Lenox Health Greenwich Village. As a Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention advocate, Amy noticed that there was a great opportunity to better connect medical providers and patients in very difficult situations. She voluntarily responds to overnight calls from local emergency departments for patients who were victims of sexual assault or intimate partner violence.

She chose to become a nurse at North Shore University Hospital eight years ago. She worked on her off days to continue caring for patients in the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, known as SANE. The lure of a day position landed Amy at Lenox Hill Greenwich Village. Although the facility was not officially a SANE center, Amy tended to patients who needed her specialized attention.

Her biggest influence has been from her work as program coordinator of emergency nursing at Lenox Hill Greenwich Village, a leadership role she embraced when the standalone emergency center was set to open two years ago. Since then, Amy has developed the nursing staff and has made strides in building Lenox Hill Greenwich Village into New York City’s newest SANE Center of Excellence.

She’s collaborated with the New York State Alliance Against Sexual Assault to train her staff. Amy has become a preceptor for the Department of Health and she’s helped set protocols for her program. In two years, Amy and her team have helped more than 80 sexual assault victims. She provides court testimony in support of the victims and is working with FDNY to train EMS providers in the pre-hospital care of sexual assault victims.

Her exemplary journey through Northwell Health is a direct result of her passion. From connecting medical providers with patients, to holding patients hands and making them feel comfortable, Amy makes a difference each and every day.

Watch her story come to life.

About the Teamwork Winner

Transparency of Patient Satisfaction Reviews of Northwell Health Physician Partners Administration recognized that the focus on transparency in patient care quality is gaining significant momentum. With no reliable, transparent way for potential patients to learn about doctors or medical services, the unit began its Patient Satisfaction Reviews Transparency Program.

This journey began with the creation of individual doctor scorecards, based on the Press Ganey Medical Practice Survey. The results include absolute scores, percentile ranks against peer and national benchmarks, and patient comments — the best possible information about the care we provide. Northwell Health’s Find a Doctor profiles feature consumer-friendly data and ratings from more than 130,000 patient surveys, plus more than 12,000 comments on almost 1,000 physicians. Patient satisfaction scores have risen from the 45th to the 64th percentile with the new tool.

Last August, we became the first health care organization in the metro New York area and the seventh in the nation to provide public patient satisfaction reviews. Now, organizations like Duke, Virginia Mason, Reading Health System and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center are seeking our expertise in patient transparency. This program has earned national recognition and is now a benchmark for other transparency initiatives.

Watch their story come to life.

As we continue to transform, our employees always remain committed to providing the best care for our patients, customers and team members.

Our team members who go above and beyond, and exemplify our mission and vision, are recognized through our Annual President’s Award Program. This year, our winners and nominees will be celebrated at the 10th Annual President’s Award Gala. 

The President’s Award Gala

The 2016 President’s Award Gala, honors individuals and teams who represent the very best of the organization in three distinctive categories: Exceptional Patient/Customer Experience; Innovation; and Teamwork.

• Exceptional Patient/Customer Experience Award: recognizes an individual who demonstrates extraordinary compassion and understanding for all people, as well as excels in creating a superior and consistent patient/customer experience;
• Innovation Award: honors an individual or a team whose creativity, thought leadership and entrepreneurship has positively impacted Northwell Health’s strategic goals;
• Teamwork Award: celebrates a team who has successfully collaborated and inspires others to improve quality, financial performance and/or patient-centric care.

Congratulations to the 2016 President’s Award winners.

From living Northwell Heath’s behavioral expectations every day, learning new skills and taking on additional responsibilities, to comforting patients and solving problems, our diverse nominees are the epitome of what it means to uphold our values and Culture of C.A.R.E:

• Innovation Winner: The Long Island Jewish Medical Center’s MindFULL C.A.R.E Team
• Exceptional Patient/Customer Experience Winner: Amy Smith, RN, Program Coordinator – Emergency Nursing at Lenox Health Greenwich Village
• Teamwork Winner: Northwell Health Physician Partners Administration’s Transparency of Patient Satisfaction Reviews