Zhanna Makoviy, RN, FAACM, is a case manager at Mount Sinai West, guiding patients smoothly from the Emergency Department to inpatient care. Marking her 10-year anniversary with the Mount Sinai Health System, Ms. Makoviy receives high praise from her leadership, colleagues, and patients. “Zhanna exemplifies the very best of our values and mission at Mount Sinai,” says Jose Francisco Morales, BSN, CCM, Assistant Director of Case Management at Mount Sinai West. “She has been a cornerstone of our case management and emergency departments, practicing with clinical expertise, a collaborative approach, and an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care.”

Two patient caregivers expressed gratitude for Ms. Makoviy’s efforts. “I want to praise the actions and kindness of Ms. Makoviy,” one patient’s sister wrote. “She was so helpful as we moved my brother from the ED to a room. She was empathic, working with a fellow nurse to have the forms processed quickly. I owe her a deep debt of gratitude.” Another caregiver wrote, “My experience with Ms. Makoviy was wonderful. She is a shining beacon.”

Ms. Makoviy is committed to patient experience excellence, for all patients. “Every patient we encounter in the emergency room is not just a case, but a unique individual, deserving of compassionate care and meticulous attention,” she says. “As a case management nurse, I believe in the power of collaboration and advocacy, ensuring that each patient receives not only the immediate treatment they need, but also the resources and support necessary for their ongoing recovery. Our role is to bridge the gap between urgent medical needs and comprehensive care, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and empathy in every interaction. It is beautiful and fulfilling to see the positive impact a health provider’s dedication has on a patient’s journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this field.”

“The impact of Zhanna’s work extends beyond her clinical abilities,” says Mr. Morales, “for her humanity and compassion lead to profound impressions. Zhanna is a testament to how one person’s dedication to always go above and beyond can transform care experiences and create lasting positive outcomes for all involved.”

Elizabeth Sierra, RN

In August 2024, a man who had passed out on a Manhattan street was taken by ambulance to Mount Sinai Morningside. He had no identification and appeared to be deaf and unable to communicate, so the team on 9 East, the unit where he was admitted, cared for him while making every effort to find out who he was.

For several days, their efforts were futile. The patient experienced seizures, mumbled when he spoke, and was aggressive at times. But Elizabeth Sierra, RN, Assistant Nursing Care Coordinator on the unit, persevered. She entered “missing Hispanic male in New York,” and the patient’s face popped up instantly. Staff at the group home where he lived had placed a Facebook ad searching for him.

From there, a return home was in sight. Hospital security reached out to the New York City Police Department, and officers came to the hospital and showed the patient the ad. Ms. Sierra says it was “very emotional” when the patient recognized himself and said, “That’s me!”

Ms. Sierra is humble and explains it was a team effort. “We all cared—physicians, nurses, social workers, and other staff—we all wanted a happy ending.” Omar Camba, MBA, BSN, nurse manager of 9 East, praised Ms. Sierra, giving her credit for her commitment to her patients and her team. “It’s not uncommon for Elizabeth to go above and beyond for patients and colleagues, but in this instance, Liz truly went the extra mile. This act exemplifies the essence of nursing and compassionate care.” He adds, “She truly embodies the qualities of an exceptional nurse. Academically, professionally, clinically, and as a leader, she serves as a role model for our unit. We are lucky to have her.”

Aaron Siegel, nursing student, Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing

Aaron Siegel is a first semester student at the Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing, in its Accelerated Bachelor of Science program. Originally from Detroit, he had his first health care experience administering COVID-19 vaccines for the New York City Department of Health in 2021 and went on to work at a clinic for vulnerable populations. This kind of experience recently enabled him to save a stranger in need.

Prior to starting classes in early September, Aaron worked in a Low Threshold Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic, treating opioid use disorder, at St. Ann’s Corner of Harm Reduction in the South Bronx. St. Ann’s offers nonjudgmental health care services to vulnerable people including drug users, homeless individuals, and sex workers. He saw patients both in the clinic and in a mobile van. He also performed wound care and tests for HIV and Hepatitis C. In addition, Aaron is a New York City Department of Health trainer in dispensing naloxone, an aerosol drug that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

On September 20, Aaron had just come up the stairs from the subway station at 125th Street and Lexington Avenue, on his way to class a block away, and saw a man lying in the middle of sidewalk. His position did not look right to Aaron, who also noticed that the man’s head and hands were bleeding, indicating that he likely fell and hit the sidewalk hard. Aaron took a closer look and saw that the man was not breathing. Another passerby had naloxone in his bag, so Aaron took over, administering it and doing chest compressions between two doses. The man began breathing, but not fully. Aaron asked another bystander to run over to the OnPoint Overdose Prevention Center a block away to get more naloxone. After a third dose, the man’s breathing greatly improved, and he regained consciousness, which is when emergency medical technicians arrived. Aaron consulted with them and then continued to class. His classmates were already chatting about what had transpired; Aaron had been filmed on the Citizen app, and within minutes his efforts to revive a stranger had been viewed by thousands of people.

Aaron does not see himself as a hero, despite his lifesaving actions. “So many people walked by this man. He could have been in cardiac arrest or been suffering from any number of conditions,” he says. “It only takes a few seconds to see if someone is conscious. This man would have died within 10 minutes if he was not treated.”

Not surprisingly, Aaron is passionate about the use of naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan®, to treat overdoses. “In the last few years I have reversed around 10 overdoses with Narcan. Narcan training was provided on the first day of class, which really impressed me; I commend PSON for that. “It’s important for everyone to know how to respond in these situations and be aware that if someone is unresponsive, but you’re not sure it is an overdose, you can give them Narcan anyway. It’s completely harmless if they are not having an overdose.”

Aaron is clear about his future plans upon graduation. “I want to work in mental health and addiction treatment. Individuals living with addiction have experienced trauma—both psychological and physical. And they often have untreated conditions like diabetes and hypertension.” He is likely to work one-on-one with patients, perhaps even back at St. Ann’s, but is aware of the opportunities that exist at Mount Sinai. “It’s terrific that Mount Sinai has an Addiction Institute and a Center for Research on Emerging Substances, Overdose, and New Discoveries (RESPOND). Nurses and health care workers should be aware of the dynamic nature of the poisoned street drug supply. New substances are being introduced, and it’s getting deadlier and more unpredictable.”