Updated on Aug 20, 2025 | Nursing, Stories of Excellence, Uncategorized
From left: Beth Oliver, DNP, RN, FAAN; Melissa James, BSN; Claudia Garcenot, MSN, MHA, RN; and Nicole Jones, BSN
Melissa James, RN, began her career in health care as a patient care associate (PCA) at Mount Sinai Brooklyn in 2015, but nursing school was always in her plan. It was also in the family, as Melissa’s mother began her own health care career as a certified nursing assistant, eventually becoming a licensed practical nurse.
In fact, Melissa’s mother encouraged her to become a PCA in order for her to test the waters and make sure nursing was the right path. Melissa quickly decided it was, and began saving for her nursing education. She attended Long Island University part-time during the day for five years, while continuing to work at Mount Sinai Brooklyn, at times covering both evening and morning shifts, in addition to scribing for a local medical office.
”It was challenging,“ she says, “but doable. My family and work colleagues were tremendously supportive. And after 16-hour days while I was a student, my current 12-hour shift is a breeze.”
Melissa says her experience as a PCA was invaluable training for a career in nursing.
“It was like having clinical rotations before even starting nursing school. As a PCA, I spent a lot of time at the bedside, which really helped me develop strong patient communication skills, something that might have taken longer had I gone straight into nursing,” she says. “While I’m still very much involved with patients as an RN, the nature of my role has changed. There are certain hands-on tasks I no longer perform as often, but I now have the opportunity to apply critical thinking and collaborate with fellow nurses and the medical team to develop treatment plans.”
Melissa is on the same unit, 2 East, as she was as a PCA. “My unit is special. If you stick your head out the door asking for assistance, people come running,” she says. “We are all committed to helping one another. 2 East works as a team! And, we are a fun, friendly group.”
Nicole Jones, BSN, began her health care journey as a patient care associate at Mount Sinai Brooklyn in 2020. Like Melissa, she always knew she wanted to become a nurse. And she previously majored in Science as an undergraduate. In 2023, she took the next step by enrolling in the accelerated BSN program at the Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing.
“Balancing part-time work with the intensity of a 15-month program was challenging, but the support at PSON made all the difference,” she says. “The faculty truly wanted us to succeed—tutoring was accessible, and the close-knit environment made it easy to build strong relationships with both faculty and classmates.”
After graduating in 2024, Nicole started her nursing career in February 2025 at Mount Sinai Brooklyn’s Stepdown Progressive Care Unit, where she cares for patients transitioning from surgery or the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
“I absolutely love being a nurse and having the autonomy to make decisions in patient care,” she says. “Working as a PCA really shaped me—it not only taught me to prioritize safety and strengthened my appreciation for bedside care, but also prepared me for the demands of nursing school by enhancing my clinical awareness and time-management skills.”
Nicole, like Melissa, is focused on the present but remains open to what the future holds. “I’m considering the ICU as a potential next step to grow clinically, but I’m also interested in pursuing wound care—both areas really speak to different parts of my nursing passion,” she says. “It feels good to be in a place where there are so many meaningful directions to explore.”
Jul 16, 2025 | Nursing, Stories of Excellence
Grace Tesoriero, NP
A patient recently shared their experience with Grace Tesoriero, NP, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Mount Sinai Morningside. They said, “I came in experiencing a great deal of pain and was angry at everyone I encountered because I just couldn’t manage it anymore. But Grace treated me as if she could feel exactly what I was going through. Her presence was calming, and just being with her made me feel better. I was truly blessed to have seen her that day.”
Romelin Bonilla, Practice Manager, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Care Medicine, says Grace’s commitment to patients is truly outstanding. “This patient encounter is one of many that speak to Grace’s ability to bring comfort and connection during moments of deep vulnerability. Grace approaches each patient with genuine empathy, clinical excellence, and unwavering dedication. She does not just treat symptoms; she connects with people on a human level. Grace is the kind of provider every patient hopes for: attentive, kind, thorough, and deeply committed to making a difference.”
Grace explains what the patient experience means to her: “A patient’s experience to me is how a patient feels appreciated, accepted, and understood by the provider with their medical concerns, and sometimes with their emotional and personal issues. My goal as a provider is to provide high-quality and effective care while having patients feel comfortable, heard, and acknowledged, with all their issues entrusted to me.”
Updated on Jun 30, 2025 | Nursing, Stories of Excellence
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.”
Updated on Jun 18, 2025 | Featured, Nursing
“We Are the Champions” is an apt theme for CNA Week 2025—Thursday, June 12, to Wednesday, June 18—as the Mount Sinai community recognizes Nursing Assistive Staff as dedicated champions of their patients.
Nursing Assistive Staff are essential members of health care teams throughout Mount Sinai who help to elevate the experience and outcomes of the patients and families who entrust us with their care. Their many contributions are evident is a variety of impactful roles, including Nursing Assistants, Patient Care Associates, Emergency Department Technicians, Cardiology Technicians, Surgical Care Assistants, Endoscopy Assistants, Medical Assistants, Clinical Oncology Associates, and other unlicensed members of our nursing teams.
The CNA role originated during World War I when the American Red Cross established the Volunteer Nurses’ Aide Service to train young women to provide basic support to nurses who were overburdened as demand for care increased dramatically. The Red Cross reactivated the program during World War II, and at the war’s conclusion, many of the aides continued as volunteers or transitioned to paid positions. The role continued to grow, and certification was established in the late 1980s. Today an estimated 1,350,000 nursing assistants are employed in the United States. National CNA Week provides a valuable opportunity to pause and thank our Mount Sinai Nursing Assistive Staff for the invaluable support they offer to our practice and our patients.
Below are personal reflections of several Nursing Assistive Staff from throughout Mount Sinai Health System who demonstrate their many contributions and dedication:
Jessica Lopez Mount Sinai South Nassau, D2 West
“Working as a Certified Nurse Assistant has shown me the true power of teamwork in delivering compassionate, high-quality care. Being part of a collaborative health care team motivates me to give my best each day, knowing that our combined efforts can make a meaningful difference in a patient’s life. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a patient walk out of our unit recovered and knowing I played a difference in their healing journey. Moments like those remind me why I chose this career path allowing me to connect, care and contribute to a patient’s quality of life saving care. I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated team and contributing to the meaningful care we provide daily.”
“The driving force behind my dedication as a PCA at Mount Sinai South Nassau in the Emergency Department is knowing that my actions, no matter how small can make a tangible difference in someone’s well-being, are incredible fulfilling. Whether it’s offering a reassuring word, assisting with daily tasks, or simply lending a listening ear, these moments of connection reinforce the importance of human compassion in healthcare. Ultimately, it is the act of giving back and extending compassion and grace that fuels my dedication to this role.”
Lynnette Sylvestre Mount Sinai South Nassau, Emergency Room
Margaret Daniels Mount Sinai West, 9C Addiction/Rehabilitation Impatient
“I enjoy being in this position because it is my desire to help people and it also aligns with my values and allows me to contribute to the organization. I am driven by the fact that I can contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference in people’s lives. My motivation comes from knowing that my efforts are valued and appreciated. One of my biggest motivations is when patients are discharged after being cared for and I see that big smile on their faces, and they would say thank you Maggie… it makes me happy.”
“What I love about working in NYEE is my colleagues that feel like family as we work together as a team.”
Maximel Sorio New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, Fourth Floor Operating Room
Audrey Jones Mount Sinai Morningside, STY-6 Rehab
“For the past 27 years, I have proudly served as a nursing assistant at Mount Sinai, where my passion for patient care has never wavered. I take great pride in providing compassionate and dignified care to individuals during their most vulnerable moments. My long-standing commitment reflects my deep respect for patient care. I show up every day to make a difference in the lives of my patients.”
“I have been a Patient Care Associate for about 23 years and am certified in Phlebotomy and EKG. I appreciate the work that I do, and I understand that my impact on the staff and patients is immeasurable; from the exceptional patient care and customer service I give to the patients to the great teamwork I have with the medical staff here in ambulatory care. These things alone make my day go by faster and smoothly with the least to no conflict in this busy and demanding environment. This friendly and cooperative working environment motivates me to come to work daily and stay longer if needed to help out.”
Ana Acevedo Mount Sinai Downtown Union Square, Ambulatory Surgery/Peri-Operative Services
Veronica Anderson Mount Sinai Queens, 3East
“I like helping people, I feel satisfied when my patients are happy, especially when they call me their angel.”
“It has always been a dream of mine to care for the sick and the elderly. I have done so in many ways over the years. I am a nurturer and it gives me a deep sense of satisfaction, gratitude, and fulfilment to be part of the recovery process. I was beyond grateful beyond words to express when I was offered the position at Mount Sinai Queens as a nursing assistant. I felt at that moment my dream had finally materialized. Working with the staff over the years was an inspiration due to their professionalism and comradery. When my patients tell me they are comfortable and relaxed it is all the satisfaction I need to make my day. I am blessed.”
Kathleen Wong Mount Sinai Queens, 3 East
Esther Francis, Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Oncology/Hematology
“I’ve worked at Mount Sinai for over 18 years and I love being a CNA/PCA at Mount Sinai because every day I get to make a real difference in our pediatric patients lives. Knowing that my care and compassion help patients feel supported and valued motivates me to give my best. It’s inspiring to work with such a dedicated team, and I’m proud to be part of a place where kindness and respect are at the heart of everything we do.”
“I’ve been working at The Mount Sinai Hospital for 10 years. I started as a nursing assistant (NA) and eventually transitioned into the patient care associate (PCA) role. Caring for people, but in particular the elderly population, has always been close to my heart. It reminds me of the times I spent caring for my great-great-grandmother. That experience taught me the value of patience, compassion, and dignity in caregiving. Over the years, I have also had the opportunity to train and orient many new NAs and PCAs, trying to pass on the same standards of care that are so important to me. What keeps me motivated here at The Mount Sinai Hospital is the supportive environment. I feel comfortable here, and that sense of support encourages me to continue giving every patient the same level of care I gave to my own family. Overall, being a PCA at Mount Sinai is more than just a job for me. It is a meaningful way to honor my roots in caregiving and help shape the next generation of compassionate health care workers.”
James Leon, The Mount Sinai Hospital, KCC 4/5 South
Updated on Jun 10, 2025 | Nursing, Stories of Excellence
Irsa Quinones, RN, BSN
Irsa Quinones, RN, BSN, began working in the Department of Equipment Transport at The Mount Sinai Hospital in 2006. She was thrilled to be working in a health care setting, influenced partly by two aunts who were nurses and by her passion for taking care of people. Several years later, she decided she would apply to nursing school.
There were major challenges ahead. For one, she was a single mother of a young son and could not afford to work less than full time.
Irsa also faced another challenge—she has lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. “I was impacted by lupus throughout my nursing journey, and it could have stopped me from continuing my education, but I was determined. I kept pushing toward my goal, no matter how much I had to endure.”
Irsa graduated in May 2023, and is now a nurse at The Mount Sinai Hospital Spine Center. She says the difficult road has been well worth any hardships. “I am so very happy to finally be a nurse at the hospital where I started my career in health care. I want to be there for patients, especially those going through hard times. I understand health challenges acutely. There is just not enough compassion in the world, and I want to be that compassionate and caring nurse.”
Camille Hamilton, BSN, RN, Nurse Manager at the Spine Center, adds, “Although Irsa is still fairly new to my team, she appears dedicated to being an excellent nurse. She communicates well with her peers, health care team, patients, and family members, and takes pride in her work.”
Christopher Palamara, System Director, Patient and Equipment Transport, Mount Sinai Health System, worked with Irsa for almost 10 years and is not surprised she has made her dream come true. “Irsa is empathetic, patient-centered, hard-working, compassionate, innovative, creative, and a leader among her peers,” he says. “She is one of the best staff members I have ever had the privilege to lead, and I could not be prouder of her incredible growth.”
Updated on Jun 5, 2025 | Nursing, Stories of Excellence
Leela Gupta, NP
On Sunday, May 18, Leela Gupta, NP, who works at The Mount Sinai Hospital on the Heart Transplant team, took her four-month-old puppy, Otis, out for a walk to McCarren Park, near her home in Brooklyn. She was walking along the track at the perimeter of a playing field when she heard a group of men screaming. They were playing soccer, so at first she thought there might be a fight over a disputed call. However, she looked over and noticed one of the players on the ground—a large man in his mid-60s who appeared lifeless, lying on his side.
She asked a bystander what was going on, and he said the player might be choking. She ran to assess the situation and announced she was a nurse practitioner trained in CPR. She noticed that the man had labored breathing and felt his neck for a carotid pulse, but could not feel one. She asked for help flipping the man from his side to his back, began CPR, and asked someone to call 911.
During compressions, Leela asked if anyone in the crowd knew CPR so she could alternate compressions, but no one responded. One of the players from the opposing team began to sing and clap the Bee Gees song “Staying Alive”, which Leela says was actually helpful. “It was total silence except for that song; the beat of which was perfectly timed to the rhythm of my chest compressions.”
A few minutes into providing CPR, Leela was worried her compressions would become compromised as she grew fatigued. Since no one else was trained in CPR, she instructed one of the man’s teammates to place his hands over the man’s sternum and provide compressions to the beat of the song. She kept her fingers on the victim’s femoral artery to ensure a palpable pulse during these brief breaks, which meant the compressions were effectively circulating blood and adequately performed. She rotated places with him for about ten minutes until Emergency Medical Services arrived.
The paramedics analyzed the man’s heart rate and provided one shock to the man’s heart using a defibrillator, and a heartbeat was restored. He was then transferred to a local hospital for further evaluation. “CPR is a lifesaving technique that helps circulate oxygenated blood until medical help arrives, but defibrillation is often needed to restore the heartbeat,” Leela says. “Without CPR, even if a heartbeat is later restored, the person in cardiac arrest risks brain injury or brain death from lack of oxygen.”
Leela has been in touch with the man’s daughter, who said her father is recovering from coronary artery bypass surgery.
“I am just relieved he is okay. Ironically, I care for very sick heart patients, but this is the first time I have ever had to perform CPR outside of the hospital setting. With no one else trained to do heart compressions on the field, and no automatic external defibrillator (AED) nearby, admittedly I was concerned about the outcome. Thinking about that day is sobering,” Leela says. “There had to be over 100 people at the scene, and not one person knew CPR. That is so scary. This man would have died had I not been at the right place at the right time, and sheds a light on the importance of all adults learning this truly lifesaving skill.”
