Proudly Part of Jefferson Health
She's dedicated her career to caring for the most fragile patients
At Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), nursing is more than just a profession; it’s a shared calling. Few people embody this calling as wholly as Lisa Cassavaugh, RN, who has dedicated her career to caring for the most fragile patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest. With compassion, expertise and a deep commitment to her colleagues and patients, Cassavaugh has become a cornerstone of LVHN’s nursing community.
For Cassavaugh, working in the NICU is not just a job – it’s a passion. “I love working in the NICU because of the difference we make in our patients’ lives and the bonds we build with their families,” she says. “These families are with us for weeks or even months, and during that time we become partners in their care.”
Cassavaugh joined the NICU team in 2013, caring for the hospital’s most vulnerable newborns. Every day, she supports babies who are fighting for their lives, providing critical care alongside a dedicated team. But Cassavaugh’s work isn’t just about clinical expertise. It’s also about trust – trust between nurses and families, trust between team members and trust in the process, no matter how difficult the road may be.
Cassavaugh’s dedication extends beyond the bedside. As co-chair of the external transport team, she plays a crucial role in transferring critically ill newborns from surrounding facilities to LVHN’s Level IV NICU, where they receive the advanced care they need. Leading a team that includes respiratory therapists, physicians and MedEvac professionals, Cassavaugh ensures every detail is covered during these high-stakes transfers.
“Lisa’s leadership is essential to the success of our transport team,” says Warren Furry, BSN, RN, NICU Nurse Manager. “She organizes annual training sessions and makes sure we’re prepared for anything. Her calm demeanor and clear communication help us deliver the best care possible, even in the most challenging situations.”
Cassavaugh is also an active member of several NICU committees, where she helps shape protocols that improve neonatal care. Whether it’s refining clinical practices or finding new ways to support families during difficult hospital stays, Cassavaugh’s leadership is felt across the entire unit.
Despite her many accomplishments, Cassavaugh remains humble about her impact. “I just come to work and do my best every day,” she says modestly. But her colleagues and patients know that her best is extraordinary. Her dedication, compassion and leadership are not just acknowledged but celebrated across the hospital.
Reflecting on her career at LVHN, Cassavaugh is proud of LVHN’s commitment to health care innovation and its growth through the recent merger with Jefferson. “LVHN has always been a leader in health care, and now there are even more opportunities for nurses to find roles that match their passions,” she says.
Cassavaugh is a shining example of nursing at LVHN: Teamwork and Compassion, Nurse-Led Innovation, Support and Communication and Professional Development. From leading the NICU’s transport team to offering support and care to the tiniest patients and their families, she exemplifies what it means to be an LVHN RN.
Cassavaugh’s journey is a reminder of the incredible impact nurses have on their patients and the entire health care system. Her story is a testament to the power of compassion, leadership and a shared calling to care for those who need it most.
