National Jewish Health Employee Perspectives

Maybe it is because we are set amid a thriving metropolitan region of 2.4 million residents, that the National Jewish Health campus benefits from the vast array of social, cultural, and recreational opportunities offered by the Denver area.  Perhaps it is because we are a unique blend of academic, clinical research, and patient care teams, or that we have been ranked the number one respiratory hospital for seven years consecutively.  Whatever the reason, this is a great place to begin or enhance your career.

See some of the reasons why our employees like working here:

"I have been here for 16 1/2 years, and one of the biggest plusses is the mutual respect which occurs between RN's and MD's here - it is a very positive atmosphere, possibly even a bit foreign for nurses coming from in-hospital jobs where their input may not be valued. Also, it is gratifying to have the benefit of the latest in respiratory therapies to share with our patients as well as the old folk medicine remedies like nasal washes which are still so effective." "I have been at National Jewish Health 2 1/2 years and can't imagine ever leaving.  There is just something about being here ...a sense of warmth and community.  I think you can feel it the moment you walk through the hospital doors."

"I chose to come to National Jewish Health for many reasons.   I decided I wanted to change my career when I moved out to Colorado to do something that would make a difference in this world even if only to help someone achieve their goal by assisting to make their day run more efficiently.  I was not a doctor, nurse, nor a lab technician, but I knew computers like the back of my hand.   I knew I was a hard worker and I wanted to work in some capacity in research.  I looked at several places and was offered 3 jobs the day I was offered my job at National Jewish Health.  I thought I knew what I was getting into when I was hired almost 6 years ago, but I did not.  I could not have imagined the wonderful environment that exists here.  

I interact with the physicians, nurses and staff each day.    They are truly amazing.  They are professional, caring, dedicated individuals.  I have not met one...yes even one that is not just as I have stated.  They love their work here because they are dedicated to making a difference in the quality of life for many people with the varying respiratory diseases.  I think the hiring at National Jewish Health is very specific.  The people here are dedicated to the same goal “helping others to achieve quality of life” in their clinical expertise and research developments.  I love being a part of that goal.  

The small community here cuts through the “red tape” of the larger institutions.  We can pick up the telephone and talk with someone on the other end that we know and “get things done”.  With the larger institutions, you just don’t have that “community” feeling.  I love my job and would choose NJ again and again."   

"I think one of the most important things to remember about National Jewish Health, is that, we are the best at what we do. I have not worked anywhere that the whole staff is so friendly and glad to be here." "I am blessed to work with some of the best laboratory professionals in the field.  My colleagues are friends I can relate to on both a personal and professional level.  Not only is their work top-notch, but they are some of the best people I know."

"I came to National Jewish Health because it is a world class center offering world class services and at this season of my career I wanted to find a way to contribute to such a prestigious undertaking. I stay at National Jewish Health because I share so many values with the leadership of this organization and the openness of its culture.  One can truly make a difference here; a difference in the organization and in the lives of those NJC serves.  What more could a motivated person ask for."

"I have worked in so many arenas here. I started in Pediatric Care Unit, went to Lung Line and learned computers and marketing. I was introduced to community outreach programs and encouraged to read current literature and National Jewish Health published studies to stay current in speaking with clients.  I got started teaching asthma education classes in house and in the community. I was asked to work in a new program called Disease Specific Case Management and actually generated an article that was published in a case management journal."  

"After years of telephonic patient care with Lung Line and Disease Specific Case Management, I wanted more direct patient care and transferred to the pediatric clinic. I am privileged to work closely with the faculty here; they inspire my interest in food allergies which led to speaking engagements at our annual Allied Health Conference the past few years.  I have become a certified asthma educator which led me to co-present a pilot program for asthma management in Seattle in Summer 2004. National Jewish Health gave me latitude in my movement with in the hospital. I was offered wonderful opportunities to travel, speak, and learn.  This hospital is like a small town, everyone knows your name. Faculty members go by first names and laughter is as much of our clinic day as any other treatment."

"National Jewish Health's world class research and stellar reputation attracted me.  I love it here because employees treat each other with respect and courtesy. Such effective and friendly collaboration makes work enjoyable-especially in research where teamwork is a must."

"I wanted to take a step up in my career and I knew that National Jewish Health was the right step in the right direction. I feel proud walking in the front door every morning, knowing that I work for such a prestigious institution. The Principal Investigators I conduct research for, make sure the researchers are involved every step of the way. As employees we are treated as a family by the administration, doctors and co-workers."

"I chose National Jewish Health because it was a specialized hospital in Respiratory Medicine, which was my background and interest.  I have stayed because of the cohesive environment that I have found throughout the nursing department, and with all of the other ancillary departments.  There is a strong spirit of teamwork at National Jewish Health.  I have also experienced a place where I have been able to expand my nursing potential in leadership, and strengthen my clinical skills."

"I also enjoy the outpatient and diagnostic focus of National Jewish Health, which makes it very unique and different from other hospitals.  I feel like we find answers for patients that they have not been able to find anywhere else."

"Because of the incredible scientific research departments, and the collaborative environment they provide.  Also, National Jewish Health is a small institution where everyone knows one another, which adds to a feeling of family."