Hamilton Township, NJ, May 5, 2026 – Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, has achieved Magnet® recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for the second time. Fewer than 10 percent of hospitals nationwide have achieved the nation’s most prestigious nursing honor. RWJUH Hamilton first received Magnet® designation in 2021.
“Achieving Magnet redesignation is a powerful affirmation of RWJUH Hamilton’s enduring commitment to quality, safety and the patient experience,” said Lisa Breza, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, Chief Administrative Officer for RWJUH Hamilton. “This recognition reflects the excellence of our nursing team and the collaborative culture that defines who we are. Together, we are advancing care for our community and ensuring that every patient receives the very best we have to offer.”
“Magnet redesignation affirms the strength of our professional practice environment and the outstanding outcomes our nurses help drive each day,” said Dawn Hutchinson, MSN, RN, PCCN-K, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer, RWJUH Hamilton. It is a testament to their expertise, their collaborative spirit, and their relentless focus on providing compassionate, high-quality care. “
The hospital was notified of their redesignation on April 28. During a conference call, M. Maureen Lal, DNP, MSN, RN, the Senior Director of the Magnet Recognition Program at the ANCC, noted several areas of excellence, including the hospital’s outperformance of the industry benchmarks for rates of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries (HAPI), Catheter Assisted Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI), Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI), falls with injury, burns and surgical errors. Magnet recognition also affirmed RWJUH Hamilton’s excellence in patient experience, especially in listening, courtesy, respect and patient education.
Pictured left to right is Cheryl Prall, MSN RN, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, Director Professional Development, Innovation and Research; Dawn Hutchinson, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer; and Jacqueline Ciccarelli, MSN, RN, Magnet Program Director/Manager, of RWJUH Hamilton
Studies have found that Magnet-recognized organizations report better patient care outcomes, including decreased mortality rates, patient falls and rates of infection. Additionally, a growing body of research indicates that Magnet organizations enjoy higher nurse job satisfaction and lower registered nurse turnover.
Magnet® redesignation is just the latest achievement for RWJUH Hamilton. In 2025, the hospital was recognized among the nation’s Top 100 Great Community Hospitals by Becker’s Hospital Review; earned its 17th Leapfrog Safety Grade “A” Award; achieved Friendly Health Systems Level 2 — Committed to Care Excellence recognition from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), advancing its promise to deliver the best possible care for older adults; and opened a new cardiac catheterization lab, helistop and the Woods Primary and Behavioral Health Center at Hamilton, which expands access to high-quality care for the community.
In addition to RWJUH Hamilton, Magnet®-recognized hospitals at RWJBarnabas Health include Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, Jersey City Medical Center, Monmouth Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. Together, these recognitions reflect RWJBarnabas Health’s continued investment in nursing education and its commitment to educating and empowering the next generation of compassionate, highly skilled nurses.
About RWJUH Hamilton
Located in Hamilton Township, NJ, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), an RWJBarnabas Health facility, serves Mercer County as well as a larger five-county region of New Jersey. RWJBarnabas Health and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton’s Cancer Center, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute – the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, brings a world-class team of researchers and specialists to its cancer center, providing close-to-home access to the latest treatment and clinical trials. RWJUH Hamilton is Joint Commission Certified, Primary Stroke Center Certified from The Joint Commission, and a Center for Excellence from The Joint Commission for stroke, spine surgery and hip and knee replacement and is MAGNET® Recognized from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
RWJUH Hamilton’s other specialties include heart and vascular care, including emergency and elective angioplasty, heart failure intervention program, coupled with a specialty-trained support staff, treatment and care for minor injuries and life-threatening illnesses, outpatient diagnostic and treatment services and medical/surgical services, bariatric surgery, wound care, women’s health, geriatrics/ senior health and wellness care, infusion services, outpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy centers, including cardiac rehab, orthopedic rehab, speech therapy, aquatic therapy, a balance and hearing center and sleep center.
Media Contact:
Sherry Smith
(609)-584-6583
sherry.smith2@rwjbh.org