Proudly Part of Jefferson Health
Diane Hegedus is a nurse turned academic career consultant who is helping her LVHN colleagues achieve their career goals
At Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), growing your health care career isn’t just encouraged, it’s actively supported. We spoke with Diane Hegedus, Academic Career Consultant at LVHN, to explore our health network’s resources, career advancement opportunities and the rewarding journey of guiding colleagues toward their professional goal
Every day is different, and that’s what I love about this role. It’s a blend of proactive and reactive support in consulting colleagues in their various health care careers, whether in clinical or non-clinical roles, nursing or other fields. I visit different departments as part of initiatives like the Patient Care Partner Academy, licensed practical nurse workshops and residency programs, as well as foster career development through meet-and-greet sessions. I also help colleagues who have a clear picture of where they want to go in their health care career but aren’t sure how to get there, providing guidance and resources to set them on the right path.
My background is in nursing, and I’ve always had a passion for education. I started my journey at LVHN at 16, and by 18, I had my first big health care job as a patient transporter. From there, I advanced to a patient care partner, then a registered nurse. Now, I’m giving back by helping my fellow colleagues navigate the same questions and aspirations I once had. I truly believe in the opportunities the health network provides, and I love showing others how to grow in their health care careers and stay here.
There are so many options! LVHN offers tuition reimbursement, partnerships with various academic affiliates, schools, colleges and institutions, resume-building workshops, webinars, emotional intelligence training and networking opportunities through platforms like networking resources and more from the organization development team. Now that LVHN is part of Jefferson, our colleagues have even greater educational support, including tuition discounts at Thomas Jefferson University for themselves and their dependents. Whether it’s academic partnerships, financial aid or career coaching, we ensure colleagues have access to the tools they need.
Many colleagues say, “I don’t know where to begin,” or “I don’t know what I don’t know.” It can feel overwhelming. In my consultations, I help them organize their thoughts, validate their concerns and provide structured guidance and exploration of the vast array of health network resources to help facilitate their academic or career progression. We break things down step by step so they feel empowered to take that first step toward their goals.
Every colleague is unique. I never try to fit someone into a preset mold. I listen to their life circumstances, health care career aspirations and current skill set, then help bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Each consultation is personalized, ensuring they receive resources and support tailored to their needs.
Absolutely! One that stands out is a single mom who felt overwhelmed balancing her family’s needs with her career goals. She realized her “why” – her desire to be a role model for her children – and took the leap into nursing school. Now, she’s thriving at LVHN’s Joseph F. McCloskey School of Nursing. Another colleague had all the right education but wished to grow his networking skills. We connected him with a program that pairs LVHN colleagues with mentors, and he’s now successfully building his professional network.
First, I remind them it’s OK to feel stuck. The key is to figure out why and remind them they have choices. Sometimes, it’s insecurity or uncertainty about the next step. I help colleagues take control – whether it’s exploring available internal network resources or discussing different external academic partners. Having someone objective to talk to makes a big difference.
We have so many programs that help different types of learners find a career in health care. There are tuition reimbursement options, academic partnerships and discounts, shadowing opportunities and even a 50 percent tuition discount for dependents pursuing undergraduate degrees at Thomas Jefferson University.
Yes! We have the Management Academy, certifications programs for emerging health professionals, self-directed learning through organization development, PRIME nursing programs and much, much more. There are endless ways for colleagues to develop leadership skills and advance their health care careers.
Networking is key! Our health network is full of highly-interconnected, talented colleagues. I hope more people will take advantage of interdepartmental and intradepartmental programs. By joining committees, expressing interest in leadership and engaging with mentors, doors can open to new opportunities.
Health care is evolving rapidly, and LVHN is embracing innovation. We’re looking beyond traditional methods to find new, strategic approaches to patient care and professional growth. Colleagues are the “lived experience” of health care evolution. Everyone’s story is unique. Colleagues must continue to be a voice and an active participant in the change.
Seeing colleagues gain confidence in themselves and knowing that I played a role in helping someone take that next step are incredibly fulfilling. If someone had told me 20 years ago that I’d still be here, I wouldn’t have believed it. But at age 18, a mentor saw potential in me – and it changed my life. Now, I get to be that support person for others.
Abraham Maslow once said, “In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or step back into safety.” You should gather as much information as possible while still evaluating your options. Even if now isn’t the right time to take the next step, being informed means you’re making a conscious decision. And when the time is right, you’ll be ready.
