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A DAY in the LIFE
Joanne Turnier
Program Manager, Diversity,
Inclusion and Health Literacy
Q: What are your responsibilities?
A: I promote health literacy, cultural diversity and inclusion throughout North
Shore-LIJ. I also assess and implement strategies to improve the health literacy
of our staff members, patients and their families. Along with Dr. Terri Parnell, I
create health literacy programs for healthcare professionals, cultural resources
for employees and educational content for patient-room TVs across the system.
I also teach and develop curricula for the Center for Learning and Innovation and
the Nursing Institute.
Q: How did your career path lead to this role?
A: I began my career in neonatal intensive care, and eventually transitioned to
working with those who’ve experienced the sudden traumatic death of a loved
one. Meanwhile, I worked as a nurse educator focusing on staff wellness and
end-of-life care. This experience in program development and exposure to
diverse populations prepared me for my current position. I believe effective
communication is essential in healthcare no matter the situation.
Q: What initiatives are you working on?
A: I am particularly focused on our Dignity and Respect = Inclusion campaign.
This program educates employees about various cultures and how to overcome
biases or lack of knowledge so misinformation does not hinder the healthcare we
provide. The Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Literacy is introducing the
program through videos and live presentations. I’m also developing a number of
educational initiatives and staff resources that we will launch soon.
Q: What is your #1 tip to those who want to promote diversity, inclusion and
health literacy?
A: Approach patients and families with a compassionate heart and cultural
humility. Be aware of your own biases; don’t be afraid to ask questions about
your patients’ beliefs, traditions and culture.
Take the pledge: NorthShoreLIJ.com/inclusionpledge.
— By Erica Manney
Duty Calls at 30,000 Feet
For Two NSUH Nurses
By Thea Welch
Debbie Smith, RN, and Connie Kwiatkowski, RN, were on a
JetBlue flight to West Palm Beach in April, getting away for some
R&R at Ms. Smith’s condo, when an announcement by the flight
attendant made them realize that they weren’t on vacation quite yet.
“She said, ‘Medical to the front, medical to the front,’” Ms.
Smith recalled, “and then she said, ‘Any nurse or doctor, to the
front.’ Connie and I looked at each other and she said to me, ‘I
guess that’s us.’”
So the nurses made their way to the front of the plane. There
they found an older woman on the floor, with a younger man
kneeling beside her and supporting her head. “The first thing I
said was, ‘Lay her down,’ Ms. Smith said. ‘Her blood needs to be
flowing to her head.’ He didn’t respond. ‘Lay her down!’ I said,
more forcefully. Finally he did. ‘I’m a nurse,’ he said. ‘We are,
too,’ I said. I didn’t tell him that we have more than 50 years of
nursing experience between us, but I guess he felt the woman was
in capable hands, because he went back to his seat.”
continued on page 69
Connie Kwiatkowski (left) and Debbie Smith, nurses at NSUH, were pressed
into service on a recent flight to Florida.
The New Standard
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