Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion at North Shore-LIJ Health System

North Shore-LIJ hospitals and facilities serve Nassau and Suffolk counties, plus Queens, Staten Island and Manhattan. These are wonderfully diverse communities that we are proud to serve.

Diversity and inclusion are among the core characteristics of the North Shore-LIJ healthcare family. By understanding and respecting the health beliefs, cultural, religious and language needs and practices prevalent in the communities we serve, we can:

• Help patients feel more welcome
• Provide quality patient-centered care
• Enhance patient safety
• Ensure excellent patient health outcomes
   

What Is Diversity?

North Shore-LIJ defines diversity as any aspect that differentiates groups and people from one another. Aspects of personal and cultural backgrounds that make us diverse and multicultural may include:

• Race, color and ethnicity
• Nationality and national origin
• Ancestry
• Gender and gender identity
• Age, religion and creed
• Physical and mental abilities
• Sexual orientation,
• Socio-economic status
• Political affiliation
• Veteran and active armed service status
• Job level, job responsibilities and experience
• Education and training

As members of a healthcare team, North Shore-LIJ employees are expected to:

• Practice inclusion so that our patients and their families feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued
• Deliver “culturally competent” care to patient care situations and encounters with co-workers
• Be responsible, culturally sensitive and acquire knowledge, skills and an accepting attitude toward those who are diverse
• Provide patient-centered care: Be aware, understand and strive to meet our patients’ unique needs throughout the continuum of care
• Treat all patients and their families with dignity and respect

Our ultimate goal is to deliver the highest quality of care to every patient, regardless of race, ethnicity and cultural background, as well as factors including language proficiency, literacy, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or socioeconomic status.