Meet Jennifer, Physical Therapist, Goal Setter and Health Raiser
Career Advice
Jennifer Langenberg knew she wanted to work for Northwell after completing her clinical rotation at Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Services (STARS) Manhasset in 2018. A year later, on her birthday, that goal was achieved when she began her journey as a full-time Health Raiser in September of 2019.
As a physical therapist (PT), Jennifer specializes in helping patients with injuries and chronic health conditions to help them regain their range of motion, manage pain and improve their quality of life. She is not only involved in restorative care, but also in educating patients on general wellness, staying active and preventing future injuries. She works closely with colleagues to discuss treatment ideas, best practices and ways to help accommodate patients with challenging schedules to smoothly coordinate their care. “Even as a student, I knew the quality of care at Northwell surpassed any place I had ever worked before,” says Jennifer, “I was so impressed by not only the structure of the STARS clinics, but by how happy both the patients and staff seemed to be.”
During her student internship at STARS, Jennifer saw the opportunity for success at Northwell. “Northwell as an organization is always expanding and changing, offering all team members countless opportunities to develop and grow,” shared Jennifer. “My leaders take a genuine interest in each employee by supporting continuing education at the Center for Learning and Innovation, mentorship programs and more.”
A major part of Jennifer’s role as a PT is getting to know her patients, finding out what is most important to them and designing a plan to reach their mutual goals. “I feel so fortunate to not only work with such wonderful patients, but also colleagues who make the day brighter because we have the same genuine interest in providing the best care for our patients.”
In 2022, Jennifer was awarded “Employee of the Quarter,” where she was ranked as the highest performing team member for all of Northwell’s STARS Rehabilitation sites, from July 2022 to September 2022. With over 20 locations system-wide and recognized as a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Clinical Quality Exceptional Performer, STARS Rehabilitation operates in a collaborative team environment across all rehab disciplines with our physician partners at Northwell Health. Jennifer attributes her successful three years at Northwell to being patient with herself as she hones her skills, setting achievable goals, and allowing herself to learn and grow at her own pace. “I am proud of not only the work I do, but the behavior and lifestyle modification this field elicits in others. It is so important to help people understand, they are in control of their outcomes and success.”
Join our team of Health Raisers. Find your next opportunity in physical therapy at Northwell Health.
Strengthen your leadership skills with Northwell Health’s nursing team
Career Advice
Northwell Health invests in its people. We provide our team members with access to the right resources and mentorship programs so they can grow their career and learn to lead others. Read to hear from two of our nurse leaders and learn more about Northwell’s professional development opportunities in nursing.
Mentorship is one of the greatest ways a nurse can learn and grow professionally. “My managers and directors knew I wanted to pursue higher positions. They encouraged me to apply for greater opportunities. They helped me form a path to get me to where I am today,” says Emanuel Remilus, assistant nurse manager at Cohen Children’s Medical Center (CCMC). Emanuel attributes his mentorship approach and love in caring for others to his time being hospitalized as a child at CCMC. He was so inspired by the care he was given when he was young, that it made him want to pursue a career in nursing and nursing leadership at Northwell. Emanuel started his career in 2013 as a member in our pediatric critical care fellowship program. From there, he grew in his role as a registered nurse (RN) and recognized quickly that his passion for learning and leading others was something he could pursue.
“The great thing about Northwell is that when someone sees the potential in you, they will help nourish you, so you can grow.” Because Emanuel’s managers and directors knew he wanted to pursue higher levels in nursing, they invited him to attend the Northwell Nurse Leadership Conference in March 2020 where he had the chance to network with mentors and team members with similar interests and goals. The following year, Emanuel was recommended to apply for the assistant nurse manager role in his unit, and he is now currently participating in the Stony Brook University Master of Science in Nursing Leadership program. “I’ve learned how to connect with people and how to identify their strengths and areas of improvement. I always like to challenge and support everyone so they can be their best selves. My leaders have always tried to help me grow, and that’s something I like to translate into my leadership style today.”
Victoria Cotto, assistant manager of patient care at Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH), kicked off her exciting nursing career with our team after she attended Northwell’s Golden Ticket Nursing Showcase event in 2017. Every year, Northwell hosts this exclusive, annual event for top performing nursing students. It’s a day of networking and learning about the great opportunities for nursing careers across our entire health system. “Despite being such a large organization, Northwell does an amazing job of making people feel welcome and part of a team,” shared Victoria, “That’s how I felt the moment I walked into the Golden Ticket Nursing Showcase and it’s why Northwell has continued to be my number one choice throughout my career.”
Victoria joined Northwell as an RN in our nurse residency program at NWH in 2018 and settled into a medical surgical telemetry unit for almost four years. While at Northwell, she completed her MSN in nursing management and executive leadership from Sacred Heart University. She also held a spot on the informatics team on the shared governance board, and quickly began her preceptor training to supervise nursing students during their clinical rotations. During the Covid–19 pandemic, she volunteered to be crossed trained in the intensive care unit (ICU) which led her to pursue her passion in critical care as she began to work in the ICU full-time. “Having great managers behind me who endorse all of my career interests, really make the difference,” shared Victoria. “Every single one of us has something to give, and if you have the right support system, the potential is there in everyone.”
At Northwell Health, we believe that lifelong learning opportunities truly have a positive impact on one’s career, which is why we have some of the best opportunities for professional growth and development available. Registered nurses and nursing support team members can advance their careers within our organization through tuition reimbursement programs which help our team members experience continuing education, access to certification courses at our Institute for Nursing mentorship opportunities across the health system and more. We also offer nursing students, new graduates, and experienced nurses a strong foundation to develop their clinical skills through hands-on experiences, with our fellowship and externship programs. Our Center for Learning and Innovation offers continuous learning programs to all Northwell team members, and all Health Raisers have access to LinkedIn Learning courses so that they can grow their professional career at their own pace.
Create your path to new nursing leadership opportunities at Northwell Health.
Five reasons to choose a career in Hospice Nursing at Northwell Health
Career Advice
Kathleen Malhame, RN, started working at Northwell Health 14 years ago and served as a registered nurse in different areas of specialization throughout her career, but her passion was always hospice nursing. Today, as a field registered nurse (RN), she covers the inpatient hospice care unit at Stern Family Rehabilitation Center and makes home visits for patients admitted to the home care hospice program. Her responsibilities range from emotional and psychosocial support, symptom management and education to pain management and end-of-life care.
When people think about a hospice nurse role, it may be difficult to imagine themselves working with patients who are living their final days, weeks, or months. What most people don’t know, is hospice nurses wouldn’t trade what they do for anything else. For those in this career, like Kathleen, it’s a passion and a privilege to help improve the quality of life for a patient’s remaining days and to serve as a source of support for a patient’s family.
Read below to learn more about Kathleen’s career journey and five reasons to consider a career in hospice nursing.
1. Hospice nurses love what they do.
Our team members don’t become hospice nurses by accident. Nurses like Kathleen always found themselves drawn to patients who were dying. Early in Kathleen’s career, she worked as an oncology nurse with cancer patients and with patients with HIV/AIDS, before today’s effective treatments were available.
Kathleen shared, “It’s an honor to help patients with their journey. We develop close bonds with them and because we’re in their homes, we’re often there to witness emotional interactions between patients and their loved ones. You can feel it when you’re in the presence of love—it’s palpable.”
2. Hospice nurses have many roles.
Before patients enter hospice, they may have struggled with shortness of breath, unmanaged pain, or other symptoms. Hospice nurses offer interventions that help to ease these symptoms. But hospice care goes beyond managing physical symptoms.
Some patients are very accepting of their diagnosis and prognosis. Other individuals struggle, unsettled by their circumstances. Our hospice nurses work with the social worker to pick up on things like this, to help patients reach a better place emotionally. Hospice nurses are also an invaluable resource for loved ones.
3. Hospice nurses work with people of all ages.
While the majority of hospice patients are older adults, there are no age limits on hospice. Anyone who has a prognosis of six months or less can be eligible from babies, children, teenagers, and young adults in hospice. For patients of all ages, hospice nurses help to ease symptoms while offering compassionate care.
4. Hospice nurses help guide families through different experiences.
When a hospice nurse meets with patients and families for the first time, they tell them that hospice care creates a 24-hour safety net for symptom management.
There’s nothing mundane about this job. Every day our team members see different patients and families coping with their conditions and try to help improve situations. The job allows us to focus on patients and family members by providing health knowledge and emotional support to help family members cope with the reality of the situation.
Sometimes a hospice nurse might sing to a patient with end-stage dementia because dementia patients are often able to connect with music. If a patient needs to be transferred to an inpatient unit for a higher level of care, our team might arrange for the family to get together one last time at home, before the patient leaves. If the patient’s children live far away, they might speak with them by phone and get to know their local caregivers.
5. Hospice care is mission-driven work.
There are advantages of the hospice benefit that many patients and their families don’t know about it. Because of this, some patients come onto hospice very late where families may not hear about it until the final days of their loved one’s life.
“Hospice is so often centered around the certainty of death,” shared Kathleen, “If there was anything I would want my patients, families and colleagues to know and understand about this profession, is that the mission of the work we do looks to celebrate life and to continue to provide quality resources to support each and every life story.”
Discover a career well cared for at Northwell and explore a meaningful career in hospice care.
Quick tips to make your next job interview bright and merry
Are you prepared to gift yourself a new career at Northwell Health? Below are 4 important tips to help you succeed in your next interview. Use these tips and have a reason to celebrate a new beginning. Find available opportunities to become a Health Raiser at NorthwellCareers.com
Career tips that will help you along your BOO-tiful Northwell career journey
This Halloween, treat yourself to a career well cared for. Grab your favorite candy and read our blog for five tips to help you embark on your Northwell career journey.
Five helpful career tips to read while you sit poolside
The summer is the perfect time to make a splash with a new career without missing out on summer fun. We’ve compiled our top five career tips you can tackle while poolside. So next time you apply sunscreen, you can also apply for a new career.
What It’s Like to Interview at Northwell
Career Advice
Searching for a new job can trigger a wide range of emotions—from hope to anxiety—and for many, the interview is the most intimidating part of the process.
But it doesn’t have to feel that way. After all, a request for an interview means your resume and application have spurred a company to want to learn more about you! The interview allows you to share more details about your experience and skills, as well as your personality. At the same time, you can learn more about the company and role beyond what you read in the job description.
Get to know Northwell’s interview process and read advice from our recruiters to help your next interview be a success.
What is the Northwell Health interview process?
While our most common steps are outlined above, your process may differ given the variety of positions at Northwell Health. Our Talent Acquisition team engages with candidates across a variety of ways such as texting, video, virtual or in-person interviews. For example, given the many pandemic-era adjustments that businesses and candidates have had to implement, virtual interviews are far more prevalent now than ever before. No matter how you’re interviewing with us, we’ve collected some great tips to help you prepare for a successful interview experience.
What’s expected in an interview
Whether you’re interviewing for an entry-level position or a more seasoned role, our recruiters recommend that you:
- Arrive on time
- Dress professionally
- Bring copies of your resume
- Come prepared with questions
First impressions matter. Vikash Ramnarine, a senior talent acquisition specialist, reminds you to treat a virtual interview the same way you would if it were in person: “Make sure you’re dressed professionally—and don’t forget the camera is always on!”
Talent Acquisition Specialist Sade Somorin says if you’re attending an in-person interview, “Have your resume on hand. And read your resume to be prepared to answer questions pertaining to your job history.”
Sade looks at not just alignment between the candidate’s background and the role’s requirements, but also “the value the candidate will bring to their team and the organization as a whole.”
That means being specific. Sade suggests, “When you share a team project or assignment you participated in, explain the task, action and result that contributed to its success.”
Attentive listening is important, but an interview is a conversation, not a one-way street. “Candidates should have questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview about the position to ensure it is a good match for themselves and the company,” says Nicholas Franzini, a senior talent acquisition specialist. Asking pointed questions also demonstrates that you’ve done your research and have a true interest in the role and the company.
Preparing for your interview
Our recruiters advise:
- Do your research on the position and the company
- Troubleshoot ahead of time
- Plan and arrange your setting
Senior Recruiter Shannon Skaee stresses doing research before the interview so you can better explain how your experience and the job’s expectations line up. “Demonstrating that you’ve done your research can set you apart from other candidates—and may impact the final hiring decision.”
Coaching legend Vince Lombardi once said, “If you are five minutes early, you are already ten minutes late.” That’s good advice on the gridiron as well as in the job market. “Candidates should also map out a route to ensure they arrive 15 minutes early,” says Nicholas.
This applies even if you’re interviewing from your kitchen table. You won’t have to worry about traveling to your interview, but you should still allow yourself at least 15 minutes to identify and address any technical issues that may arise, especially regarding your internet connection.
In a virtual setting, be mindful of your surroundings. Conduct the interview in a quiet location that minimizes background distractions and potential interruptions. A tabletop setting, such as a desk or dining table, works great because it provides a professional feel of sitting across from the recruiter. “Avoid using a phone for a video interview,” Vikash adds, “but if absolutely necessary, prop it up on something stable so that it’s not shaking.”
Other advice? Relax! Be confident about your skills. Let your experience and knowledge shine. At Northwell, we value being “Truly Ourselves”—expressing your personality during the interview can leave a positive and memorable impression on the interviewer.
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank you note to everyone with whom you interviewed while you wait for your recruiter to reach out regarding next steps.
Now that you know what it’s like to interview at Northwell, it’s time to apply so you can become a Health Raiser! Explore careers today.
It is important to note that Northwell recruiters will always have an @northwell.edu email address and our communications will always be clear that they are from Northwell Health.
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The Importance of a Strong Personal Brand
Career Advice
A personal brand is an important opportunity to showcase who you are as a potential employee in a way that authentically reflects who you are as a person. Building a strong personal brand ensures that when employers search for candidates they find much more than a name and a resume—they find you. The following tips can help you create a personal brand that sets you apart and demonstrates the unique skills you bring to the table.
8 Tips for Building a Strong Personal Brand
1.
Develop a professional social media presence.
Review your social media pages to ensure that your information is filled out, you have profile pictures selected, and your bio reflects your professional goals. Remember, every social channel provides a new opportunity to let your personality and accomplishments shine.
2.
Make your LinkedIn profile work for you.
Highlight your industry skills, add recommendations and endorsements from peers, and quantify your accomplishments.
3.
Become a thought leader on your social feed.
Start a dialogue by curating news articles and other relevant content to share with your network to help position you as an expert in your field.
4.
Connect with fellow professionals and peers.
Join Facebook groups, comment on posts you find interesting, engage meaningfully and professionally. Get started by joining Northwell’s Talent Community for news and events tied to your industry.
5.
Prepare an elevator pitch.
Can you give a quick synopsis of your background and experience? Your elevator pitch is a great way to share your expertise and credentials quickly and effectively with people who don’t know you.
6.
Keep all of your information up to date.
Your online information may be the first impression a recruiter or manager has of your career history. Regularly check your resume and profiles to ensure your latest accomplishments and contact information are reflected.
7.
Stay up-to-date in your industry.
Follow prominent and inspiring figures in your industry to not only stay updated on news and industry information but to network with others who may be sharing, posting, or commenting in your industry.
8.
Your personal brand isn’t just an online persona.
Make sure your brand is present at offline events, in the workplace, and throughout your day-to-day responsibilities.
Once you’ve built a strong personal brand, you’ll be prepared to put your best foot forward with any and all potential employers. And if you’re looking for a career well cared for, explore our opportunities at Northwell Health. Apply today!
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What it’s like to apply at Northwell Health
Career Advice
Starting the search for your next career opportunity may seem overwhelming at first. As a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For, Northwell Health wants to ensure you know what you can expect when you apply for an opportunity with us. Read our infographic below as we walk through the stages of Northwell’s application, selection, interview, and offer experience at New York State’s largest health care provider and private employer.
Prepare for your journey to a career well cared for at Northwell.
Ready for the next step in your career? Apply to Northwell Health today!
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Five resume writing tips to jumpstart your career journey at Northwell Health
Are you ready to jump into a new career at Northwell Health? We’ve compiled our top five resume tips to help you succeed in your next job interview, plus download our extensive resume writing guide. Discover a career well cared for with us today at NorthwellCareers.com.
What it’s like to interview at Northwell Health
Career Advice
When it comes to looking for a new job, interviewing can be the most intimidating part of the process. But interviewing doesn’t have to be nerve-inducing. It’s a great opportunity to let your experience shine and a major step in your career.
Get to know Northwell’s interview process and hear from our recruiters about their best advice to help your next interview be a success.
What is the Northwell Health interview process?
While our most common steps are outlined above, the process may vary given the variety of positions at Northwell. Our Talent Acquisition team is also always looking to improve the candidate experience with innovative technology. This means that candidates aren’t limited to traditional phone screens and in-person interviews. Text message screening and on-demand or live video interviews are common to make interviewing as convenient as possible for the candidates. It is important to note that Northwell recruiters will always have an @northwell.edu email address and our communications will always be clear that they are from Northwell Health.
Phone interviews are usually the first opportunity for candidates to leave an impression with our recruiters. “A phone interview should be taken just as seriously as an in-person interview. The same rules apply: professionalism and proper articulation,” says Marisol Antunez, a senior recruiter with our Talent Acquisition team. “Make sure you have good service so there is no static or a chance the call would drop.”
Beyond one-on-one interviews, candidates may also be asked to come on-site for a panel interview. “Northwell is an extremely collaborative culture, meaning panel interviews may be common for clinical roles,” advises Robin Moreno, senior recruiter. But she sees panel interviews as a benefit for our candidates. “Don’t be intimidated. Look at it as an opportunity to network with several people that you may potentially be working with one day.”
How can a candidate prepare for an interview?
When it comes to preparing for an interview, our recruiters all had the same advice: come prepared!
“Be on time, and do your research,” suggests Shannon Skaee, senior recruiter. “Often times doing your research can be what sets you apart from other candidates which may help drive decisions in the end.”
Recruiter Jennifer LaPolla agrees, “Familiarize yourself with the job description for the role. You should be ready to answer, ‘why do you want this job?’ and reading the description will help you answer that question.”
Other advice? Be confident about your skills. Review your own resume ahead of time so you can provide short, organized examples of your experience as well as transferrable skills. At Northwell, we value being Truly Ourselves so letting your personality shine in your interview can also help leave a positive and memorable impression on the interviewer.
Looking at Glassdoor can be another great resource for candidates. Previous candidates share their interview experience and give insight into what can be expected. While each interview is different, candidates can also leave examples of questions they were asked during their Northwell interview. Here are some of the most common:
- What’s your experience in the medical field?
- What are some ways you can help improve patient experience?
- Tell us about a time when you were faced with a difficult or upset patient. How did you handle it?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What qualities do you have that would help you succeed in a stressful and busy environment?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank you note to your everyone you interviewed with along the way while you wait for your recruiter to reach out regarding next steps.
Now that you know what it’s like to interview at Northwell, it’s time to apply! Explore jobs today.
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7 ways to heat up your career this summer
Career Advice
Summer is here and with the changes of the season comes sunshine, beaches, vacation and…career development? Though it may be tempting to slip into vacation mode full-time, summer offers a lot of opportunities to enhance your career without giving up your fun in the sun.
Develop new skills
Offering to cover projects for your coworkers while they’re on vacation allows you to develop new skills and gain first-hand experience that you may not typically get in your role. Work with your manager and teammate to prepare for their absence. You will show your team spirit and ambition along the way!
Summer reading
Summer reading shouldn’t end after high school graduation. Whether you’re hitting the beach or sitting poolside, don’t miss the perfect opportunity to refine your skills. Relaxing with a good professional development book can help you learn how to boost your leadership skills, improve how you communicate, and provide self-reflection.
Make use of the extra sunshine
The sun is rising earlier, and you could too! Develop a morning routine that helps you take advantage of the summer season. Start your morning off right with meditation, exercise, create a to-do list, eat a healthy breakfast, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee outside.
Revamp your online presence
Grab some shade and take some time to update your LinkedIn profile with your latest work information and skills, plus connect with coworkers and friends to grow your network.
Hold meetings outdoors
Head outdoors for lunch or hold your team meetings at the park. Have lunch with your mentor on a regular basis to grow and develop your skills while checking in for feedback and advice. And instead of the usual indoor staff meetings, take a field trip to the park for some team building activities. With everyone eager to get some sun, planning some outside activities is the perfect way to regroup this summer.
Volunteer
Invest in yourself while making an impact on others. This summer find an opportunity to give back to the community by volunteering or if you are a Northwell employee, get active in one of our Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs). Meet new people and help your community.
Enjoy your vacation
While it’s important to develop professionally, it’s also important to take time off! Enjoy your summer vacation and schedule some time away from work and the internet. And even better, studies have shown that summer vacations help boost your productivity once you’ve returned and you’re able to reinvigorate your career with a fresh mindset.
Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Apply to Northwell Health today!
Am I a leader? Top 3 signs you are!
Career Advice
Written by: Marisol A. Antunez, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist
Have you ever wondered if a leadership role is right for you? In my position, I work with leaders on a daily basis and I am always learning and observing their leadership qualities. Regardless of formal leadership education and training, some leaders just have the “with-it-ness” that sets them apart from the flock. Below are three signs that can help answer this question for you: Am I a leader?
You inspire:
“Don’t count the days, make the days count.” People want to be inspired. People naturally gravitate toward those who inspire them to do more, to take chances, to run that extra mile toward greatness. A good leader inspires others through their own actions–actions that an aspiring leader should note.
Patricia Brown, AVP, Talent Acquisition at Northwell Health commented, “For me, the quality that made me realize I wanted to be in leadership was the ability to influence change in people.” Words can be encouraging but actions have a lasting effect. Great leaders are passionate about their work and genuinely love to nurture growth in those around them.
You are a visionary/innovator:
You see the whole picture. You see it, you paint it, and you sell it! Leaders naturally are able to think outside the box, be creative, and welcome challenges. Innovation is one of the keys to success in any organization.
If you find yourself always looking for fresh new ideas, coloring outside the lines, and working passionately to contribute to your company as a whole, then you have what it takes to be a leader!
You are a good communicator:
Ever heard the phrase, “It’s not what you say but how you say it?” Communication is an art and a good leader is an expert; consider that leader the Vincent van Gogh of communication. They use their words carefully to be able to share their innovative ideas and get others engaged and excited. They know exactly how to craft the perfect email to present ideas/projects, or address any situation at a professional level. Communication is a pivotal key to being a good leader. Communication and collaboration go hand-in-hand.
Maybe these skills come naturally to you, and if so, then you have discovered your true calling! But these skills can also be developed. With the help of other leaders and mentors, you will learn what it takes to be a great leader who builds a strong, capable, goal-oriented team. So ask yourself, “Do I have what it takes to be a leader?” Remember this, a leader doesn’t always have a certain title. People can exhibit leadership qualities every day! Share your experience, spread your knowledge, infect others with optimism, and people will see you as an inspirational leader.
At Northwell, we try and foster these skills in our current and future leaders. Employees can take classes at our Center for Learning and Innovation to develop themselves professionally. Mentorship programs also exist for employees to use our leadership as a resource for their own growth and professional development. Getting active in our Business Employee Resource Groups (BERGs) or volunteering also helps cultivate leadership skills. “Try to learn from everyone around you, staff and leaders because that is what will form your leadership practice in the future,” advises Barbara Vetoulis, nurse manager of Medical/Surgical at Phelps Hospital, “Learn from leaders that you look up to and consider a good role model.”
Healthcare Career Advice: Ask a Northwell Health Recruiter!
Photo: Northwell Health Talent Acquisition Specialists from left to right, Gisela Belinfante, Kirsten Wieckhorst, Danielle Terdick, Ali Kahen and Jennifer Carlucci
Career Advice
Applying for a new job is an exciting time but it can come with a lot of questions. We sat down with members of our Talent Acquisition team to hear their expert opinions on the best ways to help you and your resume stand out throughout the application process. From avoiding common resume mistakes to acing your interview, hear from our recruiters on how you can shine.
Watch their best tips below to prepare you to join our team in 2019!
1. Are there any steps a candidate can take to help their resume stand out?
2. What are some common mistakes a candidate make on their resume?
3. How can a candidate best prepare for an interview?
4. What’s your best piece of career advice?
5. Anything else candidates should know about applying for a job at Northwell Health?
Ready to join the Northwell Health team? Sign up for job alerts to get notified of our latest job openings in your field!
