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“Employee Spotlight” with Philyss Seidenfeld, RN Supervisor Fisher House
Philyss Seidenfeld, RN Supervisor Fisher House
"When I walked into Fisher, the smiles of my former and present co-workers, and residents were priceless. To this day, it has truly been a happily ever after journey."
Philyss grew up in Louisiana and from a very young age knew she wanted to be a nurse. Let’s find out about that passion.
Tell us about your background and childhood, and how did you know you wanted to be a nurse?
I grew up as an only child in New Orleans, Louisiana. When I turned 14, I began work as a candy striper in our local hospital in the maternity unit. A few years later, as I was about to turn 18, my father made me a promise. He told me I could leave home for college and then head to “the Big City”. While I was sad to leave, I moved to NYC 2 days shy of my 18th birthday to attend Nursing School. I received my ADRN from Beth Israel Medical Center and my B.S. in Nursing from Yeshiva University/Stern College.
While your career took you to many places, when did Jawonio come into view?
I was hired as a Nurse Supervisor in 2013 and responsible for 2 of our group homes and eventually became the RN Supervisor for the Fisher home located on the Jawonio campus. A few years later, I then worked in both Day Services and Fisher which was wonderful to have both those experiences. In 2018, I left for Israel and spent a few years there, and in December of 2022, destiny brought me back to Jawonio. When I walked into Fisher, the smiles of my former and present co-workers, and residents were priceless. To this day, it has truly been a happily ever after journey.
Please share some Philyss fun facts?
- I’m most happy being a “Maw Maw” (AKA grandmother in the deep south) to 2 wonderful grandchildren.
- I create and sew “one of a kind” bread (challah) covers that are used for traditional Sabbath meals.
- I’m a spiritual influencer/motivational speaker.
As a member of the Nursing Team, what would you want people to know about Jawonio and the culture?
I would want people to know that you are part of a family. You are not your employee badge number. The fact that Jawonio has incredible longevity of their staff creates very special bonds and relationships as part of your team, and the people we take care of.
Lastly, If you were stuck on an island how would you survive?
If I had a continuing supply of spaghetti and meat sauce that would be fine. Well, that and a good steak too!
