Nurse Allegedly Fired by NYU Langone After Cancer Diagnosis, Dies Months Later
For 13 years, Lisa White was a familiar presence in the emergency department at NYU Langone Health’s Brooklyn hospital. With a Doctorate of Nursing Practice and nearly 30 years of service to New York’s tri-state area, White’s dedication to patient care was widely recognized by her peers. Last fall, her life changed dramatically; just weeks after a hip surgery and while on disability leave, White was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive bone cancer called sarcomatoid carcinoma.
Facing Cancer and Career Uncertainty: Lisa’s Experience
She began a difficult treatment journey, including urgent spinal surgery, radiation, and ultimately chemotherapy at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center. As she focused on survival, her employer contacted her about the hospital’s policy limiting disability leave to six months, which would end in February. According to sources, although White’s physician requested an extension for further recovery and treatment, NYU Langone did not respond to this request.
White’s sister, Joanna White-Oldham, acting as her power of attorney, received confirmation from New York Life Insurance that Lisa was approved for long-term disability benefits. However, only a week after that approval, NYU Langone terminated White’s employment in March 2024. White described her shock at the termination, believing her leave benefits ensured job security. She passed away in hospice care on June 30, 2025, at age 50.
Lisa's experience isn’t isolated. There are reports of multiple lawsuits and complaints from NYU Langone employees who have faced termination or alleged mistreatment after receiving serious medical diagnoses or requesting extended leave. Her sister has since spoken publicly about workplace culture and is advocating for transparency and support for healthcare workers facing illness. NYU Langone said it could not comment on the specifics of Lisa White’s case but their NYU Langone Health’s official nondiscrimination policy is posted online.
A Nurse’s Perspective
As fellow nurses, Lisa White’s story encourages thoughtful reflection. We dedicate ourselves to advocating for patients and providing compassionate care through every challenge. Stories like Lisa’s prompt us to consider how support and respect are extended to nurses themselves during times of personal hardship.
These experiences highlight the importance of fostering a workplace culture where all healthcare professionals feel valued and safe, regardless of their circumstances. Advocacy in nursing goes beyond patient care—it includes supporting each other as colleagues. Building a respectful and supportive environment ensures that every nurse can work and heal with dignity, on both sides of the hospital bed.
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