“I Knew I Was in the Right Place”—Rachel Lelia-Schwartz, RN, Retires After 47 Years of Service

On June 2, Rachel Lelia-Schwartz, RN, retired from VNS Health’s Compliance Department, closing the chapter on a remarkable 47-year career in nursing, including 39 continuous years with our organization.

“I began my VNS Health career in December 1976 as a public health nurse in the East Bronx,” Rachel recalls. “On my first day, I reported to the Central Office in Manhattan and received my assignment to the Bronx office. Listening to the veteran nurses plan their day, I knew that I was in the right place.”

Rachel went on to care for a wide range of patients in her role as public health nurse, from mothers and their babies to patients who were recovering from surgery or dealing with chronic illnesses, “Every case reminded me why I became a nurse,” she says. Her Bronx post had another benefit as well, she adds: “That’s where I met my husband, who was the only social worker in the office!”

After five years in the field, Rachel was promoted to Patient Service Manager, leading a team of nurses and business staff. Several years later, she took maternity leave and briefly worked per diem for another home care agency. In 1986 she returned to her roots, coming back to VNS Health to serve for a time as a team manager in the Maternal Child Health program, before rejoining her original Bronx team.

In 1990, Rachel transitioned to a new challenge—regulatory compliance. As a Compliance Specialist, she focused on Medicare, OASIS documentation, and emerging regulations like HIPAA. Under the mentorship of Chief Compliance and Privacy Officer Annie Miyazaki, she helped develop VNS Health’s Compliance Program, eventually earning professional certification along with her team.

“Helping to build the Compliance Program was one of the most rewarding chapters of my career,” she says. In her current role, Rachel has continued to support the HIPAA team by training staff, investigating privacy incidents, and monitoring access to medical records.

When asked what advice she’d give to her younger self, back when she was just beginning her nursing journey, Rachel doesn’t hesitate: “Be ready for a long and fulfilling nursing career,” she says. “Relax and enjoy it!” Looking back, she adds, “I‘m deeply grateful to my colleagues for their support and sense of humor.”

In her retirement, Rachel plans to travel, spend time with her family, reconnect with old friends, explore her ancestry, and dive into other interests she’s long put on hold.

Thank you, Rachel, for nearly five decades of dedicated service to VNS Health and its mission!