Congrats Steven Dantus, HealthWorks 360 Allstar!
HealthWorks 360 (HW360) is a model that is all about enhancing patient care access in our health centers. We are honored to celebrate our newest HW360 Allstar, Steven Dantus, for the compassion, teamwork, and dedication he brings to patients and staff every day at our 125th Street location. As a nurse with nearly nine years at Housing Works, Steven is known for stepping up when help is needed, supporting his teammates, and building meaningful connections with patients. We sat down with him to learn why 125th Street is so special.
Q: How long have you worked at Housing Works?
A: I've been at Housing Works for nine years. I started as a Medical Assistant after interning at our Downtown Brooklyn, Cylar, and East New York sites. Since then, I've worked at a lot of different sites and in different roles, including becoming an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). My tour's not over yet! One thing about me is, if you ask me to do something, I got you. You have to be flexible.
Q: Where are you based?
A: I'm a nurse at our 125th Street Health Center.
Q: What's a fun fact about you?
A: I'm about to become a first-time dad! I'm ecstatic and a little nervous, but it's all about what I pour into my child. I'm already excited to teach them about anime. Most people look forward to when their kids are young, but I'm excited for the teenage years and seeing the person they become.
Q: What's one thing you like about working at Housing Works?
A: I love how Housing Works supports staff, especially when it comes to mental health. Every day in the health center can be hectic with blood draws, follow-ups, and everything else that comes our way. It means a lot to work somewhere that encourages you to take a breather and where teammates look out for each other. Nobody wants to see you burn out.
Q: What's your approach to communicating with patients?
A: It's refreshing because you get to talk with patients about what's going on in their lives, whether it's something good or something difficult. They rely on us a lot, and even if I don't have the answer right away, I make sure to follow up. The best part is when patients come back and tell you how your interaction impacted their life.
Q: What's one piece of advice about HW360 you would give to a staff person who is new?
A: Be all in. We're all here from 9 to 5, and no one person is bigger than the program. If somebody needs help and you can help, jump in. If I don't know the answer, I reach out and ask. Sometimes you can take a load off a colleague's plate just by stepping up. The show must go on. If I see you drowning, I'm going to reach out and help. I want to see the team succeed.
Q: What else would you like to share?
A: I love seeing how Housing Works has grown over the years because I've been part of that growth. I've been here through COVID, staffing changes, new locations, and so much more. Housing Works supported me while I balanced school and work and gave me flexibility when I needed it. That's built a lot of loyalty. I care about the big picture, and I always try to do my part to help move things forward.
