Updated March 17, 2026
- Message From the CNO
- Employee Engagement
- Achieving Our Goals — RWJUH Nursing Priorities
- Introducing the New Pediatric Infusion Team
- You Said, We Did
- Team Member Recognition
- Safety and Security
- Nursing Research & Science
- Quality Update
- Preceptor Breakfast
- NEW News! Latest COP / Changes to Policies Affecting Patient Care
- Celebration of Life
- System Nursing News and Events
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Message From the CNO
Posted 3/12/26
Greetings from Maureen Harding, Interim RWJUH Chief Nursing Officer
Dear Team,
Snowflakes and the overabundance of them that we have seen over the past
several weeks have given me pause to think about the impact of individuals
and their contributions to the whole.
I looked up a little bit about the structure of snowflakes and learned that they are comprised of six branches. As each snowflake grows, smaller branches sprout from the larger ones beneath them, with each subsequent branch growing similarly to the one before it and collectively representing the whole. Our nursing team mirrors this beautiful pattern seen in nature. Our new-to-practice nurses are provided with the foundation and strength from the nurses who came before them, but together we represent a collaborative and supportive whole. We are one system, one family, comprised of individuals, working together to demonstrate the beauty of this profession.
The most recent February snowstorm, which brought close to 20 inches of snow to New Brunswick, has presented me with the opportunity to once again express my deepest gratitude to our team. We know the conditions were challenging and that simply getting here was not easy. Your willingness to show up, support one another and ensure continuity during difficult weather reflects the dedication and professionals that define our team. I am so proud of the work we do together and look forward to our continued growth as we support one another in the shared successes ahead!
P.S. I am also looking forward to spring!
With gratitude,
Maureen Harding, MSN, BSN, RN
Senior Vice President and Interim Chief Nursing Officer
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Employee Engagement
Posted 3/12/26
The teamwork demonstrated during the snowstorm was a representation of the results we obtained from our recent Employee Engagement survey.
We are excited to share that employee engagement among RNs at RWJUH ranked higher than the national average.
Our top 5 performing items were:
- This organization provides career development opportunities.
- There is a climate of trust within my work unit.
- The work I do makes a real difference.
- My work unit works well together.
- I have confidence in senior management's leadership.
Over the month, your leader will be reviewing your unit’s employee engagement results. Please be sure to contribute to the plan for 2026 and ensure you review it with your leader.
We look forward to building upon this success to achieve even more in 2026!
Snowstorm photo, 5North team includes from left to right: Renee Cummins RN, Johanna Moore MS, RN, MSW, LSW, MBA, MEDSURG-BC, Eugenia Khurgin BSN, RN, Michael Schaier MSN, BS,RN-BC, PCCN
6Tower team includes from left to right: Jessica Mercado RN, Patricia James DNP, RN, CCRN, NE-BC, William Stinnett ASN, RN, Colleen Price DNP, RN, APN, AGACNP-BC, Sophie Castillo BSN, RN, Mica Dario, CCT, Jennifer Poblete BSN, RN, Jeena Philip BSN, RN, Maria Chennattu Mathai BSN, RN
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Achieving Our Goals — RWJUH Nursing Priorities
Posted 2/12/26
Nursing By the Numbers, Committed to Nursing Excellence
In alignment with our RWJUH Nursing Strategic Plan, we are committed to making our academic medical center the best place to receive and to deliver care in New Jersey and our region. We are on a journey to excellence. This section provides important information and transparency on our specific goals and efforts to achieve them. We can all be proud of the tremendous progress we have made, together, to achieve important milestones in our plan.
RWJUH RN Turnover and Vacancy Rate Outperforms the National Average in 2025
Employee Referral Program
| Bonus Amount | Details |
| $7,500 | Receive a $7,500 referral bonus for referring an individual for a FULL-TIME REGULAR position listed on the system-wide referral “Hot Jobs List.” |
| $5,000 | Receive a $5,000 referral bonus for referring an individual for a PART-TIME REGULAR position listed on the system-wide referral “Hot Jobs List.” |
| $2,500 | Receive a $2,500 referral bonus for referring an individual for a PER DIEM REGULAR position listed on the system-wide referral “Hot Jobs List.” |
| $7,500 | A referral bonus of $7,500 will be paid to employees who refer a VETERAN regardless of position. |
| The referral bonus will be paid as a one-time bonus upon successful completion of the referred employee’s introductory period. | |
| Careers at RWJBarnabas Health | |
Hot Jobs
- APPs
- Cat Scan
- Central Sterile Processing (CSP) Techs
- Crisis Workers
- EEG Technician
- Food Service Worker
- Medical Technologists
- Menu Technician
- Monitor Techs
- Patient Access
- Patient Monitor
- Patient Transporter
- Pediatric Care Techs/Clinical Care Techs
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Physical Therapists
- Radiologic Technologists
- Respiratory Therapy
- RNs
- Security
- Social Worker
- Support Aides
- Surgical Technician
- Unit Clerks
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Introducing the New Pediatric Infusion Team
Posted 3/12/26
In May 2025, we officially opened our Children’s Same Day Suite located on the first floor of BMSCH. This suite includes our Pediatric Sedation team that consists of four nurses and four physicians.
The suite offers sedation services Monday – Friday from 7AM – 5:30PM for children undergoing outpatient procedures such as lab draws, audiology exams, and tests in our radiology areas.
As of January 2026, the team already performed 344 sedations. When available, the team is also able to assist with pediatric inpatient sedations. We look forward to their continued growth and success with the goal of becoming the first Pediatric Sedation Center of Excellence in New Jersey.
BMSCH nurses from left to right: Heather Wilson, BSN, RN, Melissa Perez, BSN, RN, CCRN, Ashley DeBiasse, BSN, RN, CCRN, & Danielle Cuccio, BSN, RN
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You Said, We Did
Posted 3/12/26
Preventing Workplace Violence
The CCT council requested additional opportunities to gain experience about responding to workplace violence and methods to keep ourselves and our patients safe. In response, two of our sergeants from our security services shared their expertise and presented to the CCT council.
- De-escalation techniques, body language, and personal safety skills were presented by two of our security sergeants. Role-playing opportunities were provided enabling CCTs to simulate patient perpetrated workplace violence events.
- Research also informs us that a culture rooted in respect and teamwork further supports reducing incidents of workplace violence. Therefore, the CCT council also participated in a team-building exercise, using a dice game that prompts “getting to know you” type of questions. There was lots of laughter alongside of learning.
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Team Member Recognition
Posted 3/17/26
Recognizing Outstanding Team Members
DAISY
At Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, DAISY Award candidates include nurses who provide direct patient care – staff nurses, assistant directors, APRNs, and case managers. DAISY Award nominations can be submitted in a number of ways. Any staff member may submit a nomination via the Bridge (Departments > Nursing > DAISY Award). Patients and family members can nominate a nurse via the GetWell Network on in-room TVs or through a link to the DAISY Foundation on the hospital’s public website.
All nominations are blinded and reviewed by staff nurses on the Magnet Ambassador Council. Recipients of the DAISY Award are selected at multiple intervals throughout the year and are recognized with an award presentation in their department.
Congratulations February 2026 DAISY Award Recipient – Tabitha Walker, 7 Tower
“From a nurse colleague: Tabitha goes above and beyond for her patients and colleagues. Tabitha learned of a patient whose cat was surrendered to a shelter after the patient was unable to care for it due to prolonged hospitalization. Tabitha went to the shelter and adopted the cat so the patient had comfort knowing the cat was being loved and care for. Tabitha also learned of a colleague that had a week to evacuate her apartment after learning it was unsafe. Tabitha did not hesitate to offer this co-worker a space to live until she could find a suitable living situation. The new colleague and the cat have become best of friends! Tabitha truly cares about RWJUH patients and colleagues.”
Nominate a Nurse Today!
To nominate a nurse for the DAISY Award, go to the intranet home page, select Departments > Nursing > DAISY Award. Complete and submit the online nomination form. Please be sure to include an example of how the nominee meets the award criteria.
Congratulations to our February S.E.E.D. award honoree: Joseph Canavan, Volunteer Services! This award honors non-clinical team members or departments that deliver a best-in-class service experience.
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Safety and Security
Posted 12/4/25
Nonviolence in the Workplace
At RWJBarnabas Health, we are committed to fulfilling our vision to be the premier health care destination offering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. Pursing our mission starts with each of us – this is the foundation of our total wellbeing promise – Wellbeing starts with you. As part of this promise, we are committed to providing a safe environment for you, your colleagues, and our patients and visitors. Working closely with local leadership, the site and system Workplace Violence Committees, Corporate Security and local security leadership, a network of vendors and subject matter experts, and local law enforcement, we are constantly enhancing and deploying the latest security and safety capabilities.
However, your security is your responsibility too. We have a responsibility to work together as one system, one family to maintain safety across RWJBarnabas Health. Please take the opportunity to review the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Protect Together flyer for guidance and tips and be sure to stay current on your annual education including the online De-Escalation to a Safe State (DESS) module and Protect Together Workplace Violence class. Both trainings are available on The Bridge.
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Nursing Research & Science
Posted 3/12/26
Elevating Nursing Science
“Nursing is a progressive art such that to stand still is to go backward.” Florence Nightingale
For nearly three decades health care quality has plateaued. Evidence demonstrates that only 60% of patient care is aligned with evidence-based practice, 30% of care is ineffective or of low-value, and 10% is actually harmful.
How can we as RWJUH nurses work to ensure our practice always aligns with the best available evidence?
We know that when nurses participate in quality improvement, EBP, and in generating new knowledge through research, our patients and the profession improves.
What Can You Do?
Choose from any of the below:
- Lead/participate in unit-based practice councils
- Join our journal clubs
- Lead/participate in committees
- Seek out CEUs that support EBP and research
- Email Mindy Rodden PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CPNP-AC, Assistant Vice-President, Nursing Science
Interested in Nursing Research?
Discover how nursing research drives innovation, improves patient outcomes, and advances clinical practice. Fill out the form on this website to contact Dr. Mindy Rodden, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CPNP-AC and learn how you can get involved.
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Quality Update
Posted 3/12/26
Specialty certification has demonstrated to significantly reduce the incidence of hospital acquired infections, reduce patient falls, and increase employee satisfaction. As such, certification is a win: win situation.
Recently we celebrated our 2025 unit-based certification winners.
The winners are:
Large Unit: CVICU With a 20.4% Increase in RN Certification Rate in 2025!
CVICU: Alicia Bligen BSN, RN, CCRN, Jenna Filippo BSN, RN, CCRN, & Erin Carr, MSN, RN, CCRN, NE-BC
CVICU: Erin Carr, MSN, RN, CCRN, NE-BC, Gabriela Domingues BSN, RN, CCRN, & Alicia Bligen BSN, RN, CCRN
Medium Unit: 7Tower With a 23.6% Increase in RN Certification Rate in 2025!
7Tower picture from their Christmas party
Small Unit: Physiology With a 17.6% Increase in RN Certification Rate in 2025!
Physiology unit: Elena Shupiak BSN, RN, CEN, Mahesh Patel, Sarah Snyder BSN, RN, CCRN, Dana Haverick MSN, RN, CNOR, Bobbie Tindall, RN & Linda Tamburri, MS, RN, APN, CCRN
Unit-based councils are also an excellent way to drive nursing practice and work to ensure all of our care is aligned with current EBP.
Check out what some of our UBPCs are working on:
MCC8 Justin Rosales RN, Samantha Margulies BSN, RN-BC, & Katie Loughlin BSN, RN submitted an abstract to the 2026 AONL Professional Governance Leadership conference. Submission status will be provided on March 31 – fingers crossed!
MCC 8 Unit: Justin Rosales RN, Samantha Margulies BSN, RN-BC, & Katie Loughlin BSN, RN
5 Tower
5 Tower is achieving tremendous success in reducing length of stay moving average length of stay from 11 days to 5.9 days!
Congratulations to the 5 Tower team for this incredible improvement. They have focused on 2 key components:
- Purposeful communication
- Purposeful IDRs
The team uses techniques such as:
- Utilize patient communication boards for plan to discharge 24 – 48 hours ahead of time
- Dashboard barriers in Epic
- Pending consultations through MD and nursing communication
- Dashboard social needs
5Tower: Milena Illiano RN, Edmarie Narvaez RN, Ritchelle Phanor BSN, RN, Dr. Sameera Maganti MD, Manav Murali CCT, Melissa Wilimzcyk BSN, RN-BC, EMT, Sarai Gonzalez UC, & Victoria D’Uva CCT
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Preceptor Breakfast
Posted 3/12/26
March 20, 2026
6 a.m. to 8 a.m
Location: Large Private Dining Room
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NEW News!
Latest COP / Changes to Policies Affecting Patient Care
Posted 3/12/26
Ten Latest COPs Affecting Care Delivery
| Date | Policy Name | Folder |
|
2/24/26 |
Psychiatric Evaluation and Voluntary and Involuntary Transfers RWJUH New Brunswick |
COP: Emergency |
| 2/17/26 | Discharge from the Emergency Department RWJUH New Brunswick Policy |
COP: Emergency |
| 2/10/26 | Forensic Exam Collection for Victims of Sexual Assault | COP: Nursing |
| 2/9/26 | Triage in the Emergency Department | ADM: Emergency |
| 2/9/26 | Procedure for Collaborating with Rutgers Behavioral Health | ADM: Emergency |
|
1/9/2026 |
Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Infusion of Cellular Therapy Products Procedure |
COP: Cancer & Blood Disorders |
|
1/9/2026 |
Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Infusion Frozen Cellular Products |
COP: Cancer & Blood Disorders |
|
1/9/2026 |
Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Infusion National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Fresh Product |
COP: Cancer & Blood Disorders |
|
1/9/2026 |
Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Infusion Fresh Related Products or Thawed Cord Blood Product |
COP: Cancer & Blood Disorders |
|
12/18/2025 |
Admission and Discharge Process for Pediatric Pre and Post Anesthesia Care Unit and Children’s Same Day Procedure |
COP: Pediatrics |
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Celebration of Life
Posted 3/12/26
Celebrating the Life of Cheryl A. Glaspy-Myers, MSN, RN
March 16, 2026
2:30 p.m.
RWJUH Auditorium
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System Nursing News and Events
Posted 12/23/25
SBAR: Unplanned Readmission Risk Stratification Tool
On Wednesday, December 10, RWJBarnabas Health went live with the Unplanned Readmission Risk Stratification Tool in Epic. Please see the attached SBAR for details, including specific recommendations for the nursing team for decreasing the risk of readmission for high-risk patients.