Pharmacy Home Delivery, Lowest Behavioral Staff & Vacancy Rates In Recent History, Comprehensive Endometroisis Or Chronic Pelvic Pain Care, National Special Pathogen Awards, 3 Nursing Leaders Recognized, Nurse Residency 50th Cohort: NYC H+H
Pharmacy Home Delivery, Lowest Behavioral Staff & Vacancy Rates In Recent History, Comprehensive Endometroisis Or Chronic Pelvic Pain Care, National Special Pathogen Awards, 3 Nursing Leaders Recognized, Nurse Residency 50th Cohort: NYC H+H
Editor’s note: We previously reported on the first baby born in 2026 in the City’s hospital system. Stay tuned in the next few weeks if you are interested in pregnancy or medicine, as we will have a midwife conversation coming soon, along with a positive patient story from a former patient at NYU Langone. You can also learn more about the plant-based meal options that are offered at all NYC Health + Hospitals locations to improve patient outcomes, health, and recovery times by improving their nutritional intake. In that same article, you can learn about Maimonedes in Brooklyn joining the City’s hospital network. You can also learn more about the survey results released by MetroPlusHealth Care about the difficulty many New Yorkers, including some of your neighbors, are having affording their own medical and health care.
NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/GOTHAM HEALTH LAUNCHES PHARMACY HOME DELIVERY PROGRAM ACROSS NEW YORK CITY
New service delivers prescriptions directly to patients’ homes, advancing health equity and ensuring faster, more reliable access to essential medications across all five boroughs
Gotham Health Pharmacy Home Delivery Program. Image Credit – NYC H+H
(New York, NY) – NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health today announced the launch of its Pharmacy Home Delivery Program, now available at all 29 Gotham Health locations across New York City. In partnership with ScriptDrop, this innovative program offers patients the convenience of having their prescriptions delivered directly to their homes, addressing one of healthcare’s most persistent barriers: access to medication. According to ScriptDrop, 89% of patients found that home delivery improved medication adherence.
The launch of this program enhances healthcare access, particularly for under-resourced populations facing transportation, mobility, or financial challenges. The Pharmacy Home Delivery Program ensures that Gotham Health patients, no matter where they live within New York City, can receive medications promptly and securely at their doorstep. Patients will receive their medications within one business day, with helpful tracking details via text, and they will be required to sign for their medications upon arrival. The program delivers all prescription medications except for controlled substances and refrigerated medications.
“Our goal has always been to remove barriers to care, and access to medications is a key piece of that,” said Michelle Lewis, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health. “With this program, we’re not only improving convenience for patients but also addressing healthcare equity by making it easier for our most vulnerable communities to stay on top of their health. Medication adherence is critical for managing chronic conditions, and this service helps ensure that our patients are getting the medications they need to live healthier lives.”
Key Features of the Pharmacy Home Delivery Program:
- Access for All: Available to all Gotham Health patients, regardless of insurance status, income level, or health condition.
- Easy Enrollment: Patients can sign up by contacting their care team through MyChart, phone, or in person during their next visit.
- Real-Time Tracking and Notifications: Patients receive a text with the delivery timeframe and can track their order via a secure link. If needed, delivery drivers will confirm addresses and delivery instructions by phone.
- Speedy Service: Prescriptions are delivered within one business day, Monday through Friday.
By making it easier for patients to adhere to prescribed medications, the Pharmacy Home Delivery Program is not just about convenience, it is also about improving health outcomes, preventing disease progression, and reducing unnecessary hospital visits. This service is another step forward in Gotham Health’s ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care in communities that need it most.
As healthcare continues to evolve, programs like this are reshaping how care is delivered, providing New Yorkers with the tools they need to manage their health, wherever they are.
To make an appointment with our providers, please call 1-844-NYC-4NYC (1-844-692-4692).
NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS ANNOUNCES ITS LOWEST BEHAVIORAL HEALTH STAFF TURNOVER AND VACANCY RATES IN RECENT HISTORY
NYC Health + Hospitals’ behavioral health staff turnover rate dropped to 8%,
far below the national average of 31%, and vacancy rate across behavioral health disciplines dropped to 6% systemwide below the national average of 14%
Since January 2024, the health care system has hired about 100 new psychiatrists, nearly 20 new psychiatric nurse practitioners, and more than 400 social workers
Today’s announcement is a result of NYC Health + Hospitals’ robust workforce strategy and commitment to addressing immediate staffing needs while building long-term sustainability
(New York, NY) – NYC Health + Hospitals today announced its lowest behavioral health staff turnover and vacancy rates in recent history following a suite of programs focused on recruitment, retention, training, and expanded career pathways. The health care system’s behavioral health staff turnover rate is now at 8%, a significant drop from nearly 18% in 2022 and far below the national average of 31%. Additionally, vacancies across all behavioral health disciplines declined to 6%, below the national average of 14%. Since January 2024, the health care system has hired about 100 new psychiatrists, nearly 20 new psychiatric nurse practitioners, and more than 400 social workers. Vacancies for social workers fell from 12% in 2024 to 5% today. In addition, vacancies for psychiatric nurse practitioners, psychologists, and behavioral health associates each fell by over 50%.
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest provider of behavioral health care in New York City. The health care system provides over 60% of behavioral health services citywide, serving nearly 80,000 patients annually across emergency, inpatient, and outpatient care. Its behavioral health workforce comprises 5,700 employees.
“NYC Health + Hospitals is demonstrating what is possible within civil service systems by investing in people, aligning workforce strategy with operational needs, and advancing inclusive hiring and retention practice,” said Omar Fattal, MD, MPH, Chief of Behavioral Health Services at NYC Health + Hospitals. “Our workforce strategy, including effective recruitment campaigns, addresses immediate staffing needs while building long-term sustainability, expanding capacity, and ensuring a resilient, well-supported workforce prepared for future challenges. NYC Health + Hospitals is gaining recognition as an employer of choice in public behavioral health. Applications are increasing, hiring timelines are shortening, and the system is drawing attention for its commitment to staff development and wellbeing.”
NYC Health + Hospitals dramatically improved its recruitment and retention for behavioral health staff with several initiatives:
- Recruitment Campaigns: Over the past two years, NYC Health + Hospitals ran two recruitment campaigns for behavioral health staff that ran on buses, subways, digital, and tv. The social worker recruitment campaign, Social Workers Needed Here, led to nearly 55,000 clicks on digital platforms and received a Silver Award for Purpose-Led Campaign of the Year from Modern Healthcare and Ad Age. The 2025 PSYCH DOCS 4 NYC campaign to recruit psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners yielded over 75,000 clicks on the job applicant landing page.
- Creative Sourcing for an Inclusive Workforce: The health care system’s Peer Academy and Psychiatric Social Health Technician Care Corps provide free training and internships to people with lived experience of mental health and substance use diagnoses. Nearly 70% of Peer Academy graduates are hired within 12 months or less, and 50% of Care Corps graduates secure employment within two months. Nearly 50% of the peer counselors at NYC Health + Hospitals are graduates from the Peer Academy.
- Behavioral Health Physician Assistant (PA) Pipeline: To address the gap in experience in psychiatry among new PAs, NYC Health + Hospitals created the Psychiatric Physician Assistant Fellowship with the New York State Office of Mental Health. This program provides hands-on training and helps develop experienced PAs who can mentor future clinicians.
- Service Commitments & Financial Incentives: Financial incentives have helped to stabilize and grow the behavioral health workforce at NYC Health + Hospitals. The BH4NYC Loan Repayment Program has awarded over $6 million to 200 clinicians in exchange for a three-year service commitment, supporting over 110,000 patient visits annually. In addition, the Social Work Clinical Licensure Training Program helps Licensed Master Social Workers attain their clinical licensure in exchange for a two-year commitment to the health care system, while the Behavioral Health Nursing Career Ladder provides staff with educational support and financial assistance to enroll in nursing school in exchange for a three-year commitment to NYC Health + Hospitals.
- Career Ladders and Professional Development: Educational programs for incumbent staff deliver contextualized training that enhances patient care while supporting provider growth and career mobility. Intensive training for Psychiatric Physician Assistants, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, and Social Workers sustains the workforce by boosting job satisfaction, reinforcing supervisory structures, and ensuring continuity of care with highly trained staff.
The gains that NYC Health + Hospitals has made in behavioral health workforce development offer a model for strengthening public service careers more broadly. This achievement is significant at a time when fewer people are staying in healthcare overall. In 2024, approximately 62 million U.S. adults (23% of all U.S. adults) had a mental illness and nearly half of them did not receive treatment (48%). Behavioral health services can be difficult to access due to a number of factors, including behavioral health provider shortages. The stakes are even higher for public healthcare systems, which face unique hurdles—like the cost of training compared to compensation, the burnout that drives people out of the field, and stiff competition from private systems or telehealth jobs that often offer more flexibility.
To apply for psychiatry jobs at NYC Health + Hospitals, visit:
www.nychealthandhospitals.org/psych-docs4nyc
To apply for other behavioral health jobs at NYC Health + Hospitals, visit:
NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS ESTABLISHES PROGRAM TO EXPAND COMPREHENSIVE AND COLLABORATIVE CARE FOR WOMEN SUFFERING FROM ENDOMETRIOSIS AND CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN
About 20 million women suffer from chronic pelvic pain in the United States. Endometriosis is a common gynecologic cause of chronic pelvic pain, and the symptoms can be debilitating
1 in 10 women in the U.S. have endometriosis, and it generally takes 10 years to receive a diagnosis
Doctor counsels an endometriosis patient. Image Credit – NYC H+H
(New York, NY) – NYC Health + Hospitals today announced the launch of the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Program to enhance the health care system’s gynecologic care. Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus instead grows outside of the uterus. This tissue can grow on the ovaries, intestines, or bladder and cause excruciating pain. According to the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, 1 in 10 women in the United States have endometriosis, and it generally takes up to 10 years to receive a diagnosis. Chronic pelvic pain is a complex disease defined by pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen that lasts for more than six months. According to the International Pelvic Pain Society, chronic pelvic pain can be caused by multiple conditions from different organ systems, such as gynecologic, gastrointestinal, urologic, musculoskeletal, neurologic, and others.
Led by Dr. Vijay Palvia and Dr. Daniel Barraez, the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Program offers a wide array of diagnostic tools, medical therapies, and surgical procedures. More importantly, the program provides continuity of care with a robust team of physicians, surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, mental health providers, and social workers. Treatment can include hormonal medication, multimodal pain medication, pelvic floor physical therapy, lifestyle medicine interventions, and surgery. Patients can be referred to the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Program from a NYC Health + Hospitals gynecology practice.
“Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain have too often been dismissed or misunderstood, particularly among women who have historically faced barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment,” said Wendy Wilcox, MD, MPH, MBA, FACOG, Chief Women’s Health Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals. “At NYC Health + Hospitals, our program is built to listen first, believe our patients, and deliver equitable, comprehensive, multidisciplinary care that provides coordinated, high-quality care across the continuum.”
“Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain are complex diagnoses that require prompt screening, accurate diagnosis, and thorough management,” said Vijay Palvia, MD, Co-Director of the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Program at NYC Health + Hospitals. “We are excited to provide a service that has been long-awaited and will address the needs of our diverse and underserved population.”
“This program represents a major step forward in how we care for patients with complex pelvic pain,” said Daniel Barraez, MD, MBA, FACOG, FACS, Co-Director of the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Program at NYC Health + Hospitals. “By integrating advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive surgical options, physical therapy, mental health support, and coordinated follow-up, we are creating a truly multidisciplinary model. Our goal is simple: deliver high-quality, compassionate care that meets our patients where they are and supports them through every stage of their journey.”
NYC Health + Hospitals offers a wide range of obstetric and gynecologic services, including primary care, family planning, abortion care, prenatal through delivery care, midwifery and referrals for doula services, postpartum care, breastfeeding and lactation services, breast exams, nutrition, behavioral health referrals, preventative care, first and second trimester abortion care, and vaccinations. Gynecology services include menopause and fibroid treatments, as well as specialty practices for gynecologic cancers, pelvic pain and endometriosis. Patients can make an appointment by calling 1-844-NYC-4NYC.
NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS/ELMHURST, HARLEM, AND JACOBI EARN NATIONAL SPECIAL PATHOGEN AWARDS TO STRENGTHEN REGIONAL SURGE CAPACITY
Three hospitals recognized as National Special Pathogen System Level 2 Treatment Centers, expanding the public health care system’s ability to safely care for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases
(New York, NY ) NYC Health + Hospitals today announced that three of its acute care hospitals — NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, and NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi — were awarded the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS) Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment and Network Development (STAND) Award. These designations formally recognize the hospital facilities as NSPS Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (SPTCs), expanding the public health care system’s capacity to safely care for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases. The grant program is administered by the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC), the national coordinating body for the NSPS. Each award recipient will receive up to $500,000 to support enhanced training, workforce readiness, infrastructure, and operational planning for special pathogens.
“For generations, NYC Health + Hospitals has been on the frontlines of every major infectious disease threat facing our city, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Ted Long, Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Care and Population Health at NYC Health + Hospitals. “From early detection to specialized treatment and systemwide response, we are building the capacity New Yorkers rely on in moments of uncertainty. These designations continue our proud legacy of infectious disease response and affirm our commitment by supporting our workforce and leading with readiness when it matters most. I am thankful for our doctors, nurses, hospital staff, epidemiologists, and city emergency workers who never hesitate to leap into action to support New Yorkers in their greatest time of need.”
“NETEC is pleased to welcome three distinguished facilities within the NYC Health + Hospitals system into the National Special Pathogen System as Level 2 treatment centers,” said John Lowe, PhD, Executive Director of the Global Center for Health Security at University of Nebraska Medical Center, and NETEC Co-Principal Investigator. “Their designation strengthens preparedness across HHS Region 2, supports NYC Health + Hospital/Bellevue’s role as the Region’s Level 1 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center, and contributes to a broader national expansion that adds 54 new Special Pathogen Treatment Centers across 28 U.S. states and territories — significantly reinforcing the country’s preparedness and response capabilities for high-consequence infectious diseases.”
“These awards recognize the extraordinary preparedness and expertise of our frontline teams,” said Syra Madad, DHSc, MSc, MCP, CHEP, Chief Biopreparedness Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals. “By building a stronger Level 2 network within NYC Health + Hospitals, we are enhancing national preparedness and regional surge capacity for special pathogens across HHS Region 2 and ensuring more communities can rapidly access safe, specialized care when it matters most. With Bellevue serving as our Level 1 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center, NYC Health + Hospitals is uniquely positioned nationally as one of the only health systems with both a Level 1 hub and three Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Centers, creating a powerful, integrated system for high-consequence infectious disease response.”
“We live in an interconnected world. An infectious disease outbreak abroad can quickly become a public health concern here at home. As an international travel hub, New York City is a vital part of the nation’s front-line pathogen protection to prevent the spread of disease and to protect those who live and travel through our city,” said NYC Health Department Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “The NYC Health Department is committed to its ongoing partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals, NYCEM, and FDNY to prepare the city for emerging public health threats and to be ready whenever disaster strikes.”
The STAND Award is administered by the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) with support from the federal Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The award strengthens national readiness by expanding and advancing Level 2 special pathogen capabilities, including staff training, infrastructure, workforce development, and operational preparedness.
NYC Health + Hospitals has a storied legacy of infectious disease response. NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, home to the system’s Special Pathogens Program, responded to the 2014 Ebola outbreak by building durable, long-term special pathogens capabilities, and was designated as a founding member of the three-institution NETEC consortium along with Emory University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Today, Bellevue serves as the NSPS Level 1 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (RESPTC) for HHS Region 2, which includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“For nearly three centuries, Bellevue has stood at the forefront of infectious disease care, helping shape how healthcare systems respond to emerging threats,” said Eric Wei, MD, MBA, Chief Executive Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. “Today, Bellevue’s role as a national leader in special pathogen preparedness is carried out by working alongside NYC Health + Hospitals system’s Level 2 treatment centers and in partnership with healthcare leaders across the region — advancing readiness and expertise to protect our workforce and the communities we serve.”
As NSPS Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Centers, Elmhurst, Harlem, and Jacobi Hospitals will work closely with NETEC and regional partners to achieve and maintain Level 2 readiness standards. These hospitals will support preparedness across the continuum of care, reinforce the region’s ability to rapidly scale up during outbreaks, and partner closely with Level 1 regional hubs. Level 2 facilities are designed to deliver specialized care for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases for the duration of illness and to support coordinated response during times of surge.
“As the Level 1 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center, Bellevue Hospital works closely with partners across the region to ensure readiness for high-consequence infectious diseases,” said Vikramjit Mukherjee, MD, Chief, Critical Care and Chief, Special Pathogens Program, Bellevue Hospital, and NETEC Co-Principal Investigator. “We are thrilled with the addition of Elmhurst, Harlem, and Jacobi as Level 2 treatment centers, strengthening NYC Health + Hospitals’ collective capacity and aligning with Bellevue’s role in coordinating training, clinical readiness, and systemwide response.”
The NYC Health + Hospitals System Biopreparedness Team will support each awardee hospital’s implementation efforts and will work closely with leadership and staff at Elmhurst, Harlem, and Jacobi Hospital to strengthen and sustain their special pathogens programs.
“Securing the NETEC STAND Level 2 grant is a powerful affirmation of Elmhurst Hospital’s commitment to protecting our patients, our workforce, and our community,” said Laura Iavicoli, MD, MBA, FACEP, CHEP Chief Medical Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst. “This award recognizes the extraordinary preparedness, clinical expertise, and teamwork that define Elmhurst, and it strengthens our ability to respond safely and effectively to emerging infectious disease threats.”
“We take immense pride in the exceptional work being done at Harlem Hospital to guarantee that our patients receive the best standard of care,” said Georges H. Leconte, MPA, FAB, Chief Executive Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem. “Our designation as a Level 2 Special Pathogens Treatment Center (SPTC) demonstrates our interdisciplinary team’s unwavering commitment to achieving and upholding readiness standards in preparation for any potential outbreak. This recognition significantly enhances our preparedness and capacity to safely manage patients with infectious diseases that pose significant risks and consequences. The Harlem community can have complete confidence that Harlem Hospital is fully equipped with the expertise and resources necessary to safeguard our patients and effectively respond to any infectious disease challenge.”
“We are thrilled to be recognized as an NSPS Level 2 Special Pathogen Treatment Center (SPTC),” said Cara Taubman, MD, MPH, Clinical Director of Emergency Management at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem. “Given the recent outbreaks of highly infectious diseases globally, Harlem Hospital is fully prepared to provide exceptional care to our patients in the event of an outbreak in New York City. This designation is instrumental in enhancing our readiness, safeguarding our hospital, and protecting the community we serve.”
“When the Bronx and New York City experience a crisis and medical care is needed, Jacobi Hospital is where they turn,” said Christopher Mastromano, Chief Executive Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi | North Central Bronx. “This NETEC STAND Level 2 Award is an important recognition and a sign to our patients and neighbors that if there’s an outbreak of a high-consequence infectious disease, Jacobi will be ready to respond with the expertise and specialized care they need.”
BECKER’S HOSPITAL REVIEW RECOGNIZES THREE NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS NURSING LEADERS ON 2025 “CNOS TO KNOW” LIST
NYC Health + Hospitals Chief Nursing Executive Natalia Cineas, NYC Health + Hospitals/ Kings County Chief Nursing Officer Opal Sinclair-Chung, and NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Chief Nursing Officer Christopher G. Wilson are recognized on the CNOs To Know List for their commitment to shaping the future of patient care
Image Credit – NYC H+H
(NEW YORK, NY) – NYC Health + Hospitals today announced that NYC Health + Hospitals Chief Nursing Executive Natalia Cineas, NYC Health + Hospitals/ Kings County Chief Nursing Officer Opal Sinclair-Chung, and NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Chief Nursing Officer Christopher G. Wilson are recognized on the “CNOs To Know List” for 2025. The annual recognition list highlights the outstanding CNOs who drive nursing strategy, address workforce and budgetary challenges, and build strong professional development pathways for the next generation of nurses. Beyond overseeing nursing operations, these executives lead innovative initiatives that elevate care quality and clinical excellence, blending deep clinical expertise with executive leadership to support nurses and advance healthcare across their organizations. Becker’s Healthcare is the go-to source for healthcare decision-makers and one of the fastest growing media platforms in the industry.
“Being named a CNO To Know by Becker’s Hospital Review is a tremendous honor and a meaningful recognition for strengthening nursing practices across the system through innovation and patient-centered care,” said NYC Health + Hospitals CNE Natalia Cineas, DNP, MSM-N, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, FADLN. “It motivates me to continue serving with dedication and compassion while striving every day to deliver the highest quality care for all New Yorkers.”
“The future of healthcare depends on investing in our nursing workforce, through mentorship, innovation and a relentless focus on quality and patient outcomes.” said NYC Health + Hospitals/ Kings County CNO Opal Sinclair-Chung. “I am truly honored to be included on the list alongside so many inspiring nursing leaders.”
“It is an incredible honor to be named among the Becker’s CNOs To Know List,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Chief Nursing Officer Christopher G. Wilson. “CNOs play a critical role in aligning clinical excellence with operational strategy, ensuring nurses have the resources they need to lead meaningful change at the bedside and beyond.”
Natalia Cineas is Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at NYC Health + Hospitals. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare from Northern Arizona University’s W.A. Franke College of Business, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from George Washington University, a Master of Science in Management and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from New York University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stony Brook University. Cineas serves as adjunct faculty at Columbia University School of Nursing. In 2021, she was named a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, one of the most significant milestones in a nurse leader’s career, in which their accomplishments are honored by colleagues within and outside the profession; she currently serves on the Academy’s Fellow Selection Committee and previously served on the Health Equity Panel. In 2024, she was named an Inaugural Distinguished Fellow of the Academy of Diversity Leaders in Nursing, a new fellowship program to recognize, support, and promote the astounding work that has been done to diversify the nursing profession by advancing health equity, creating anti-racism policies, and strengthening antiracism healthcare practices in an intentional way.
Opal Sinclair-Chung is the Chief Nursing Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County. Sinclair-Chung has received multiple leadership awards for her work as CNO at NYC Health + Hospitals, including the prestigious “Sloan Public Service Award” from the Fund for the City of New York. She currently leads the nursing workforce at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, the largest municipal hospital in Brooklyn and a level 1 trauma center. Under her leadership, Kings County became the first hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y. and the second in New York City to achieve “Pathway to Excellence” designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Additionally, her nursing staff from the medical ICU, cardiac care unit and neonatal ICU received gold and silver “Beacon” awards in 2024 from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Sinclair-Chung is committed to developing effective policies and procedures that foster highly engaged team members, prioritizing patient experience and quality outcomes.
Christopher G. Wilson, MSN, RN. is the Chief Nursing Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan. Wilson oversees nursing and patient care services at a 338-bed academic community hospital, including nursing, advanced practice nursing, radiology, laboratory, social services, respiratory care, behavioral health, creative arts therapy and pastoral care, with additional oversight of behavioral health regulatory improvements. Under his leadership since 2022, the hospital earned multiple national recognitions, including “GOLD Beacon Awards” from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses for both the neonatal ICU and adult ICU, the Emergency Nurses Association “Lantern Award” for the emergency department, Baby-Friendly re-designation, Safe Sleep GOLD redesignations, Association of periOperative Registered Nurses centers of excellence and “Pathway to Excellence with Distinction,” making the organization the first in the world to achieve that distinction. Operationally, he reduced agency staffing by more than 95% while converting at least 60% of agency nurses to permanent roles, opened a new inpatient unit and an inpatient psychiatric unit, and reduced hospital-acquired pressure injury and catheter-associated urinary tract infection by more than 75%. RN turnover declined from 28.54% in 2022 to 2.26% in 2025, supported by a rebuilt education department that expanded from two educators to 14 and accelerated recruitment of RNs and nurse leaders. Wilson has earned multiple state and professional honors for nursing best practices and inclusive leadership
NYC HEALTH + HOSPITALS’ NURSE RESIDENCY PROGRAM LAUNCHES ITS 50th COHORT
The program has trained over 2,800 nurses since 2019
The 12-month program is a key pillar to develop the health care system’s nurse workforce
Celebrating the 50th cohort of the NYC Health + Hospitals Nurse Residency Program.Image Credit – NYC H+H
(New York, NY) – NYC Health + Hospitals today announced the 50th cohort of its Nurse Residency Program, which has enrolled more than 100 nurses, for a total of over 2,800 nurse residents enrolled in the program since it launched in 2019. The 12-month program provides newly hired nurses with specialized training, education, and mentoring and is a nationally recognized, evidence-based best practice for improving nurse satisfaction, performance, and retention. Prior to the program’s launch, the health care system’s staff nurse turnover rate was 46%. By 2025, the staff nurse turnover rate dropped to 12%, a clear indication of the program’s impact.
“As the nation’s largest municipal safety‑net health system, we stand at the front lines for New York’s most vulnerable populations, and our pioneering Nurse Residency Program allows new nurses to step immediately into a role where their skills, their voices and their compassion make a profound difference in patient care, helping all New Yorkers live healthier, fuller lives,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive Natalia Cineas, DNP, MSM-N, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, FADLN. “Through the Nurse Residency Program, we are investing in New York City’s next generation of dedicated nurses, the caring women and men who will be driving the development of the nursing profession in the future. Our commitment to nurse professional development strengthens our hospitals, elevates our teams, and directly enhances the quality of care we provide to our patients, their families, and the communities we proudly serve.”.
“This program has been successful because we manage to make a required training fun and rewarding,” said Albert Belaro, DNP, MA, RN, Senior Director of Nursing Professional Practice and Education at NYC Health + Hospitals. “Our staff are excited and energized by the engagement and opportunity for professional growth.”
“Nurses are the backbone of our health care system, and the launch of the 50th cohort at NYC Health + Hospitals underscores the impact of a sustained and our shared commitment to creating pathways for nurses to succeed,” said Deepa Dhawan, Director, New York Alliance for Careers in Healthcare (NYACH), the healthcare Industry Partnership with the NYC Office of Talent and Workforce Development (NYC Talent). “This residency program ensures nurses are supported from the start – through education, mentorship, and real-world experience-preparing them to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care across our communities.”
“Reaching the 50th Nurse Residency Program cohort at NYC Health + Hospitals is more than a milestone, it reflects sustained commitment to nurses and to the systems that support them at the most critical point in their careers, the transition into practice,” said Jasmine Vega-Pegram, Executive Director, New York Alliance for Careers in Healthcare (NYACH), the healthcare industry partnership with the NYC Office of Talent and Workforce Development (NYC Talent). “Since the program launched in 2019, NYC Health + Hospitals has demonstrated that scale and quality can coexist in a public health system, growing the program to more than 2,800 nurse residents across NYC Health + Hospitals and strengthening retention, clinical confidence, and patient care. At NYACH and NYC Talent, we view the Citywide Nurse Residency Program as critical workforce infrastructure not just NYC Health + Hospitals but across all of the 31 participating hospitals and clinical sites. It is an evidence-based model for how we can work together to welcome new graduate nurses into the workforce. As we mark this achievement, we should remain focused on what comes next and commit to building the next 50 cohorts with the same level of intention and partnership.”
Nurse facilitators with Dr. Cineas and Dr. Belaro. Image Credit – NYC H+H
NYC Health + Hospitals offers a wide range of professional development opportunities to help nurses build their career. In addition to the Nurse Residency Program, nurses can join the Nursing Clinical Ladder Program to support their professional growth or join one of the system’s 181 shared governance councils to ensure that frontline care providers are active participants in the public health care system’s decision-making processes. Nurses can also apply for fellowships to develop their skills in the Emergency Department, Critical Care, Operating Room, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Nursing teams across NYC Health + Hospitals are consistently recognized with national awards, including the Pathway to Excellence designation, Beacon Award for Excellence, Lantern Award, and PRISM Award.
Nurses can learn more about joining NYC Health + Hospitals at www.nychealthandhospitals.org/nurses4nyc.
Banner ImageL Doctor counsels an endometriosis patient. Image Credit – NYC H+H
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