The National Academies of Practice (NAP) is pleased to announce the election of Mary Beth Russell, PhD, MA, RN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, FNAP, as a Distinguished Nursing Fellow. Dr. Russell holds the position of Vice President of The Center for Professional Development, Innovation and Research at RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH), the largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey. Class of 2022 Fellows were welcomed into the NAP during the awards and induction ceremony in San Diego, California on March 5, 2022.
An experienced health care executive, Dr. Russell has expertise in creating and sustaining change through professional development using multidimensional methods and evidence-based practice. In her work for RWJBH, she has been integral to the development and implementation of programs such as clinical simulation, leadership development, and clinical residencies on a system level. She leads current educational initiatives, training programs using interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as the development and execution of clinical continuing education programs. She also oversees the launch of new products, nursing orientations, competency programs, and nursing research.
Dr. Russell holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers, The State University, a Master of Science in Nursing Education from NYU, and a Doctorate in Education from Seton Hall University with a focus in Cultural Sensitivity. She is Nurse Executive, Advanced and Nursing Professional Development Board Certified, as well as a certificate holder in Just Culture. Additionally, Dr. Russell has been a member of the New Jersey Board of Nursing in an educator position since 2017.
Founded in 1981, NAP is an interprofessional, nonprofit organization, with membership representing a range of health care professions willing to serve as distinguished advisors to health care policy makers in Congress and elsewhere. The mission of the National Academies of Practice is to serve as distinguished professionals advancing interprofessional health care by fostering collaboration and advocating policies in the best interest of individuals and communities.
The academies within the National Academies of Practice include: Allopathic and Osteopathic Medicine, Athletic Training, Audiology, Dentistry, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Optometry, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Podiatric Medicine, Psychology, Social Work, Speech-Language Pathology and Veterinary Medicine.
Fellowship in the National Academies of Practice is an honor extended to those who have excelled in their profession and are dedicated to furthering interprofessional practice, scholarship and policy in support of interprofessional care. The central purpose of NAP is to advise public policy makers on health care issues using NAP's unique perspective -- that of expert practitioners and scholars joined in interprofessional dialogue and advocacy.
For more information on the National Academies of Practice, please visit napractice.org.
About RWJBarnabas Health
RWJBarnabas Health is the largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, with a service area covering eight counties with five million people. The system includes twelve acute care hospitals – Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, Community Medical Center in Toms River, Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton in Hamilton, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway in Rahway, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville; Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth; three acute care children's hospitals; Children’s Specialized Hospital, including a network of outpatient centers; a behavioral health center and the state’s largest behavioral health network; two trauma centers; a satellite emergency department; ambulatory care centers; geriatric centers; comprehensive home care and hospice programs; fitness and wellness centers; retail pharmacy services; an affiliated medical group; multi-site imaging centers; and two accountable care organizations.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers – with more than 38,000 employees and 9,000 physicians – and routinely captures national awards for outstanding quality and safety. RWJBarnabas Health, in partnership with Rutgers University, is New Jersey’s largest academic health care system. The collaboration aligns RWJBarnabas Health with Rutgers’ education, research, and clinical activities, including those at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey – the state's only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center – and Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
The vision of the National Academies of Practice is to lead and exemplify interprofessional health care that promotes and preserves health and well-being.
For more information: Melanie Bowzer, 859-514-9184 or mbowzer@amrms.com