- Nov
- 17
- 2016
Honoring the Night Shift at LIJ Forest Hills
On a recent November night, the lobby at Long Island Jewish Medical Center Forest Hills took on an international flavor. Flags from around the world hung from the ceiling, music filled the air, and aromas of homemade food wafted through the hallways, as employees dressed in clothing from their native countries. Coworkers, friends and family ate, danced, and walked the red carpet on this very special night shift.
Welcome to LIJ Forest Hills’ Annual International Cultural Celebration & Pageant.
Now in its third year, the idea came about through chats Miriam Chapman, assistant director of nursing, had with hospital nurses and staff about our employees who worked late shifts, and felt excluded from special events held during the day. “LIJ Forest Hills is located in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in our system. We thought a celebration such as this would make our night shift employees feel special and appreciated for the amazing care and compassion they provide to our communities,” says Ms. Chapman.
For Claudia Charry, a nurse in 4S med surg, the annual event is a chance to showcase her Colombian heritage and represent South America. “We see each other every day, but we’re always in a rush, this night was just about us,” says Ms. Charry, who dressed in a colorful folkloric dress usually worn to dance Cumbia.
The festive evening also gave Zoya Galibov, a nurse in the hospital’s ED, and her daughter Sarit an opportunity to wear elaborate gold embroidered garb usually reserved for Russian Sephardic weddings.
“The camaraderie is great and the support of everyone is fantastic,” said Jennifer Mentis-Frase, a PCA in the 5N cardiac unit, as she piled roti, fried chicken and shrimp fried rice onto her plate. “This makes us feel like we’re a family.”
Story submitted by: Diane O’Donnell, Senior Public Relations Specialist
I want to thank Diane O’Donnell for interviewing and conversing with our amazing employees!