West Orange, NJ, March 17, 2026 – The Institute for Nursing Excellence at RWJBarnabas Health has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 93 Hospital and Health System Simulation and Education Programs to Know list for 2026.
The list celebrates hospitals and health systems with exceptional simulation and education programs across the U.S. The organizations on the list are dedicated to advancing their workforce and service lines through state-of-the-art technology and lifelike simulation programs. These programs empower students and professionals to hone their skills in realistic, safe settings designed to mirror real-world scenarios and drive better patient outcomes, lower health care costs and improve patient safety.
RWJBarnabas Health’s Institute for Nursing Excellence offers cutting-edge education and professional development for nurses through state-of-the-art training facilities that serve the entire system statewide. The Institute emphasizes hands-on training, emerging technology and realistic simulations to bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice, reducing redundancy and standardizing care protocols across the system.
One of The Institute’s standout accomplishments is the development and implementation of interprofessional simulations both at regional simulation centers and in-situ at hospitals across the system. These simulations are designed and delivered in close collaboration with local teams, ensuring relevance, engagement, and clinical impact.
Key initiatives include:
- Malignant Hyperthermia and Mock Code Simulations conducted in operating rooms, critical care units, and emergency departments to enhance rapid response readiness and team coordination in high-acuity scenarios.
- Imminent Delivery Simulations in emergency departments at facilities without labor and delivery units, and OB Complication Simulations in labor and delivery departments to strengthen preparedness for obstetric emergencies.
- Mass Casualty Incident Drills, supported through integrated high-fidelity simulation cases, enhancing emergency response protocols and cross-departmental coordination.
This is the second year that The Institute has earned this recognition.
ABOUT RWJBARNABAS HEALTH
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 45,000 employees, contributing more than $5.5 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org
Contact: Carrie Cristello
Carrie.Cristello@rwjbh.org