Team members exemplify your organization’s values and embody your mission. Team members are role models of collaboration and teamwork that make a difference in the lives of patients, families, employees, and the community.

Writing this is harder than I expected; not because I’m struggling to find reasons why this team deserves recognition, but because I’m sitting alone in my office in Massachusetts, far from the people I admire most. It’s beautiful here, but I miss my team every single day. This distance has given me a unique vantage point that’s allowed me to reflect on the incredible work being done by the Nursing Professional Development team.

This team exemplifies our organization’s values and lives our mission in every way. They are truly ambitious in elevating nursing practice. They set the standard for excellence, partnering with the CNO's strategic plan to upskill many of our nursing departments in order to care for a broader patient type. Our educators have stepped up with full ownership and leadership in these arenas, from building competencies from evidence-based literature to formulating evidence-based assessments to ensure the educational activity was meaningful. Their commitment to advancing practice is inspiring.

They are also truly compassionate, responding to the needs of both clinical staff and families with grace and dedication. Whether it’s providing one-on-one education for a nurse or patient, introducing a new chemotherapy delivery to our inpatient and outpatient teams, or offering support to leaders and teams during challenging cases, this team shows up.

Their reach extends far beyond the walls of the hospital.

This team is truly inclusive, partnering with high schools across four boroughs and NYC’s Department of Education to offer healthcare career exploration programs for 10th–12th graders. These volunteer opportunities allow students to shadow nurses in clinical, procedural, and surgical settings—opening doors to economic security and a future in healthcare. They also collaborate with Big Brothers Big Sisters, introducing nursing as a career path as early as 9th grade.

They are truly together, lifting others up and celebrating shared success. They work hand-in-hand with:

• Quality Management to continuously improve care delivery
• Materials Management to ensure teams are equipped and confident
• Infection Prevention to instill lasting best practices
• Security to protect and support staff in times of need
• Executive and Nursing Leadership to build strategic pathways for growth
• Medical staff to provide just-in-time education

And the results speak volumes. This team continues to exceed expectations:

• Specialty Certification rates have reached 43%—the highest rate for Northwell Manhattan in six years
• Safe patient handling training is on track to hit a record high of 80% completion
• High-fidelity simulation now accounts for nearly 10% of departmental activities, thanks to collaboration with ED physician leads
• Student Nurse Extern retention rate for 2023 and 2024 was 70%
• Capstone retention rate for 2023 and 2024 was 32%
• Clinical Ladder growth has tripled in three years to 15 registered nurses

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of the Auxiliary. This recognition is for this incredible team of women whose clear vision and investment in professional development have empowered us to reach new heights. You all are leading the charge in advancing certification rates, expanding simulated learning, and building pipeline strategies that begin as early as high school. This partnership is unlike anything I’ve experienced in nursing. Thank you.

To the Nursing Professional Development team: thank you. Thank you for your dedication and quiet leadership. Thank you for showing up for our patients, our staff, and our future nurses. Your work doesn’t just elevate practice; it transforms lives. I’m endlessly proud to have been part of a team that leads with so much heart and purpose.