Olivia DeCurtis, BSN
Olivia DeCurtis, BSN, Assistant Nurse Manager in the Emergency Department, The Mount Sinai Hospital, has long been a fan of the Mount Sinai Health System. “I grew up on Long Island, and when I needed a neurologist as a teenager, I was referred to Mount Sinai. I am still a patient of hers, today!” She majored in health care administration in college, but during her last semester, the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, and she felt a calling to care directly for patients. So she enrolled in the Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing. Olivia liked the idea of attending a school affiliated with Mount Sinai and the ability to complete her education in 15 months. As classes began and clinical rotations followed, she fell even more in love with nursing.
Olivia’s first position after graduation was as a New Grad Fellow in the Emergency Department at The Mount Sinai Hospital. Olivia had completed her student clinical hours there, and she felt strongly that it was the right place for her to begin her nursing career. “I loved the culture, teamwork, and leadership,” Olivia says. “The fellowship was a 24-week immersion into the ED, and everything clicked for me; it felt like a second home. The managers and the preceptors were outstanding and taught me so much.”
Olivia’s dedication, enthusiasm, and growing skills were instrumental to her winning Rookie of the Year Award for both The Mount Sinai Hospital Nurse Excellence Awards and the Mount Sinai Health System Emergency Nurse Awards. Recipients of Rookie of the Year have eighteen months or less experience working in the ED and consistently display confidence, initiative, and high potential in providing clinical care and contributing to the team’s success.
Olivia rose quickly to Charge Nurse and then her current position as Assistant Nurse Manager.
Olivia’s schedule is intense, but that has not stopped her from pursuing a dual MSN/MBA from Johns Hopkins University; she will graduate in 2026. “I feel that my calling is leadership. It comes naturally to me,” she says. “I love the bedside, but in a leadership role, I can be more of a role model and resource for my team and still make an impact in the clinical realm. So much of what I am learning right now in my classes I can apply directly to my clinical work.” Olivia plans to continue her education after earning her master’s degrees, and pursue a doctorate in executive leadership.
Ashley B. Caceres, MSN, RN, Director of Nursing, Emergency Services, The Mount Sinai Hospital, says Olivia is a natural born leader. “Since joining the team as a student, Olivia has showed great promise,” Ashley says. “She has grown tremendously in the department, and even as a new graduate nurse stood out as a leader and role model. I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Olivia says, “The connections I have made throughout my time at Mount Sinai have been influential in my leadership development. Ashley has been a role model to me and has played an instrumental role in my leadership journey.”
Despite a full plate, Olivia has not forgotten her nursing school origins. She is currently helping a group of students in their final semester prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). “Vivian Lien, DNP, RN, CNE, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Well-Being, was such a wonderful professor and mentor,” Olivia says. “She took me back with open arms. I am thrilled to be helping students cross their educational finish line.”