Healthcare Heroes: Erkan Arklan

“We work from roof to basement here in Housekeeping. But the most meaningful part for me is when I clean a patient room after discharge and before another patient is admitted. I clean each room as if the next patient coming in is somebody in my own family. Because that’s just it – the next person being admitted IS somebody’s loved one. I care about everybody. And I really see us here in Housekeeping as playing a critical role in the patient experience.?

Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital is a special place, and it’s not just because it’s so peaceful looking out at the water before walking into work! The people here are amazing. We are a family – literally. My wife works here, as well, in Dietary. We love seeing each other at work. And leadership is so supportive. My supervisor is the best manager I have ever had, and it doesn’t stop there. Our leader, Paul Connor, is equally as amazing. Everybody is so nice. We are a tight-knit community, both inside and outside of the hospital. People sometimes call me the mayor because I know everybody! And I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m in it for the long haul here at Stony Brook. It’s my place.”

?– Erkan Arklan, Housekeeping, Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital