As National Nurses Week approaches, from May 6 through May 12, the dedicated nursing team at Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Forest Hills Hospital is taking time to reflect on the meaning of their work and the powerful role they play in the lives of their patients and the Queens community.
Through stories of service, mentorship, compassion, and personal growth, the nurses at this Northwell Health facility are offering a glimpse into what drives them—and what it truly means to be a nurse.
Tossica McKinnon, who has worked at LIJ Forest Hills for more than 14 years, describes her nursing journey as deeply fulfilling.
“Nursing is such an important thing and it means so much to me. Just being able to serve such a diverse community is so rewarding. The day-to-day work is pretty rewarding,” she shared. “There are some tough challenges, but the good thing is we are able to face them as a team.”
McKinnon recalled the moment she knew LIJ Forest Hills was where she belonged, long before her first official day on the job.
She said the hospital made her feel supported, welcomed, and like part of a team from the start. After her interview, she went home and prayed they would offer her the job first, since she had recently interviewed elsewhere as well. As a new graduate, she was prepared to accept the first offer she received—but she was thrilled it came from Forest Hills, the place she truly wanted to be.
Over the years, McKinnon has not only built a career but also advanced her education, earning her master’s degree with full support from the hospital.
Meanwhile, Zennova Davis brings a lifelong nurturing spirit to her work as a nurse, one that began in childhood.
Growing up as the eldest sibling instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility and compassion, which later shaped her approach to nursing. For Davis, the role went far beyond administering treatment; it was about forming meaningful connections with patients and advocating for their needs.
“I also continue to advocate for people because, as a nurse, it’s not easy to just give them meds and just be there. It’s more like talking and advocating for your patients. Nursing is a passion and something I continue to enjoy doing,” Davis added.
Crystal Diaz, who has also spent 14 years in nursing, is most proud of the opportunity to lead and mentor.
“What I love about nursing is to provide not only to the patients and family members but to give that care when family members are in doubt,” she said. “I remember one time we had an elderly patient come in at night, and you could see that their daughter was exhausted. We told her, ‘Go home, we got it from here,’ and they were grateful.”
In her leadership role, Diaz discovered a new sense of purpose in her nursing career, guiding and supporting the next generation of nurses. She shared how rewarding it was to mentor newly graduated nurses, helping them build a strong foundation for their careers.
For Diaz, nursing’s versatility went far beyond patient care; she had never imagined that as a leader, she would serve as a support system not only for patients and their families but also for novice nurses just beginning their professional journeys. She has found it truly fulfilling to provide them with the guidance and encouragement that would help shape their careers and set them on a path to success.
Jonathan Luna, another valued member of the nursing team, shared how he sees nursing as a source of light and hope for those who need it most.
He deeply believes in the power of advocacy and the importance of offering patients a sense of hope during their challenging times. Luna has found that sometimes, all patients needed was a small spark of positivity in their lives.
He finds immense fulfillment in being by their side, offering comfort, and, through simple acts of kindness, bringing a smile to their faces. For him, being able to make that small but meaningful difference was one of the most rewarding aspects of his role as a nurse.
“Healing is not just giving medicine. Healing is like touching their hands, souls and hearts and giving them the empathy touch that they need,” Luna said.
This spirit of dedication and excellence is reflected in the hospital’s recent achievement: LIJ Forest Hills is one of eleven Northwell Health hospitals to receive a coveted A Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit that evaluates hospitals based on safety, quality, and transparency.
“Earning a Grade A for patient safety and quality is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our entire team at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills,” said Lorraine Chambers Lewis, President of LIJ Forest Hills.
“This recognition reflects the high standards we uphold every day to ensure our patients receive the safest, most compassionate care possible. As a vital part of the Queens community, we take great pride in being a trusted healthcare partner and will continue striving to improve the health and well-being of every person we serve.”
As National Nurses Week begins, LIJ Forest Hills is proud to honor the voices, values, and hard work of its nursing staff—those who inspire, heal, and advocate every single day.
