Why Work at Jewish Home Lifecare?

If You’re a Physician

If You’re a Nurse

If You’re a Physician

One of the greatest gaps in healthcare today is the shortage of experienced geriatricians.

Jewish Home Lifecare established a fellowship program for board-certified physicians in 1984 (at the same time it began its precedent-setting relationship with Mount Sinai Medical School, in which fourth-year medical students underwent a mandatory rotation at JHL.)

Under this program, highly trained physicians broadened their knowledge of geriatrics. One of the early graduates of the program was Mynt Si, M.D., a physiatrist. Si could have gone on to a lucrative career in private practice. Instead, she chose to join the staff of JHL, where she now is co-director of the Department of Rehabilitation.

 “I knew from the beginning that this is what I wanted to do as my life’s work,” she says. “The rewards of working with and helping older adults, and establishing long-lasting and meaningful relationships, go far beyond monetary remuneration. Working here, you have the luxury of spending quality time with your patients, something that is missing in much of today’s hectic private practice.”

Si also points out that the regular work schedule at Jewish Home, combined with vacation time, has enabled her to pursue a normal family life that is denied most private practice physicians, especially when they start out.

Richard Neufeld, medical director at the JHL Manhattan Division, home of the Lester Eisner Center for Geriatric Education, explains what makes Jewish Home Lifecare stand out as an attractive choice. “First,” Nirenberg says, “the diversification of programs and services (for example, day care, home care and housing) provides more dimension for choice to the candidate.” He adds, “And . . . ample opportunity and incentive to advance within that system.”

Second, according to Nirenberg, JHL’s benefits are another draw for medical professionals. “I think our package is a superior one. It provides medical, dental and vision care. We also provide life insurance and disability benefits,” he says. “We also offer a non-contributory pension plan and a 403(b) pre-tax deductible savings plan. Add to that the tuition reimbursement and the scholarship programs.”

Learn more about working with Jewish Home Lifecare.

If You’re a Nurse

The rapidly growing healthcare industry finds itself with a shortage of trained nurses, which means an abundance of career opportunities for people in the field. With so many opportunities, why should nurses consider Jewish Home Lifecare?

“Long-term care nursing at JHL provides an opportunity for nurses to practice their skills in a less tension- filled and less frenetic setting than a hospital,” says Roz Edwards, R.N., vice president of nursing at Jewish Home’s Bronx Division.

“Rather than transitory relationships, nurses can build warm and long-term relationships with both residents and their families, creating an atmosphere of trust and respect. We’re proud of a staff with a long history of dedication, as evidenced by its longevity and experience.”

She adds that Jewish Home boasts a staff that eagerly embraces other nurses— whether new to nursing or from acute care backgrounds. A team spirit prevails. Edwards also stresses the need for relaxation.  “Nursing is often a tension-filled job and our preceptors will encourage nurses to think about their leisure time. Because many new nurses are from foreign countries, the preceptor will serve as a guide to our culture and customs, as well as advise on places to live and dine.”

Another important aspect of JHL’s in-house education opportunities is the cadre of specialty nurses with credentials in various specialty areas. They include a certified rehabilitation nurse, a certified infection-control nurse, a psychiatric nurse clinician, and a resident assessment and utilization management nurse.

Yet another important bonus is the Rory and David Jones Fund for Nursing Education. This fund provides nurses seeking additional education with support such as money for books, lab fees, uniforms, transportation, meals and financial reimbursement for child care while attending school.

“We can’t forget the important role certified nurse assistants play in healthcare, and their role is respected and encouraged,” Edwards says. “For those who wish to advance to LPN and R.N., we encourage them and direct them to the funding programs available through the union. We make every effort to be flexible in our scheduling so that they can continue to draw a salary while advancing their education.”

Edwards says an excellent example is Rosemarie Moise, R.N., a 29-year-veteran at the Manhattan Division. Moise says, “I started out as a CNA, but knew I wanted more. I took advantage of the educational support programs and went on to become an LPN and then, 14 years ago, an R.N. It was a long process, but I never got discouraged because of all the support I got from my fellow employees.”

Learn more about working with Jewish Home Lifecare.