Summer 2012 - New Jersey Hospital Association

President’s Message
Summer 2012
The summer season is upon us and there
are many things heating up in addition to
the temperatures. This is my first
President’s Message, and there is much
information to share with you. Before doing
so, I would like to thank my predecessor,
Deanna Sperling, for her leadership as
ONENJ President. Deanna worked very
hard to keep
ONENJ in the forefront of nursing leadership in New Jersey. She did this in a manner that was
true to the organization’s mission and vision. As a result of the ONENJ Board’s leadership,
ONENJ is strong and vibrant. I thank Deanna and the ONENJ Board for all of their efforts and I
am truly honored to serve as your President.
Updates from Trenton
Chrissy Buteas
Vice President
Capital Impact Group
It’s a heated summer here in Trenton, but not due to the 90-degree weather. The contentious
debate over the future of healthcare in New Jersey came to a turning point yesterday when the
Supreme Court of the United States decided to uphold President Barack Obama’s health-care
reform law, deeming it constitutional. The Affordable Care Act requires people to get health
insurance or they will face financial penalties. Such strict repercussions were enforced with the
goal of extending health coverage to at the least 30 million uninsured citizens.
The bill severely divided the Supreme Court, mirroring the struggle in Trenton. With 1.3 million
New Jerseyans uninsured (about 15% of the population) [1] it is no surprise that the state
legislature passed S1319 “New Jersey Health Benefit Exchange Act” which institutes a state
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health insurance exchange. However in May 2012, Governor Chris Christie vetoed the bill,
explicating that he did not want to spend money on a law that could be potentially
unconstitutional.
With the advent of recent laws regarding this issue, the legislature plans to move forward in
implementing a state-based health exchange that enables both individuals and businesses to
choose insurance in a transparent marketplace. Though vetoed before, a New Jersey health
exchange plan will surely resurface in Trenton. Legislators such as Assemblyman Herb
Conaway, (D-7) and Senator Nia Gill, (D-34), hope to reintroduce the same bill that was vetoed
earlier this year.
Though now constitutional, there will still be debate over this issue, especially because
Governor Christie has made it clear that health insurance should not be a “one-size that fits all”
system. One may expect the health exchange legislation to be hotly debated once again as
early as this summer.
The Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action~
The Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action is an initiative to advance comprehensive
change in health care through the implementation of the recommendations found in the Institute
of Medicine’s Report: The Future of Nursing. The Future of Nursing (FON) is a vision of a
health care system where all Americans have access to high-quality care with nursing playing a
key role as we contribute to the full extent of our capabilities. The Campaign for Action is
coordinated through the Center to Champion Nursing in America (CCNA). Forty nine state
Action Coalitions have been established to advance the recommendations of the blueprint for
the FON.
A meeting of the New Jersey Action Coalition was held June 21 at the John J. Heldrich
Center in New Brunswick. NJ Action co-lead, Edna Cadmus opened the meeting and
welcomed the gathering. Several ONENJ members were in attendance. Pat Polansky from
CCNA highlighted the work of the Action Coalitions throughout the country. She indicated a
funding toolkit to uncover resources to support the work of the states’ Action Coalitions will be
released in the coming weeks. A new Website will be launched very soon, and Pat made a
special request of the audience to send their comments on the new website to her. When
available, the link to the new Website will be posted on the ONENJ Website. Pat informed the
audience the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) will issue a request for proposal (RFP)
in early July for state Action Coalitions to obtain funding for up to two recommendations from
their coalition’s state implementation program (SIP). Thirty states will be selected for the
funding.
A panel discussion followed. Members of the panel included Susan Bakewell Sachs,
representing the New Jersey Nursing Initiative, Jeannie Cimiotti from the New Jersey
Collaborating Center for Nurses, Robert Wise, chair of the SETC Health Care Workforce
Council, Jamie Smith, NJSNA, and I represented ONENJ. Mary Wachter, co-lead of the NJ
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Action Coalition, moderated the discussion. Each of the panel members spoke about how the
recommendations related to the work of their organization.
South Jersey Healthcare hosted a regional program on May 29 th at Cumberland County
College in Vineland. The program speakers offered an overview of each of the IOM
recommendations highlighting the role staff nurses across settings play in leading change. The
event was well attended and continuing nursing education credits were available. A similar
regional session will be held in the Northern part of the state in September. The date and
details will be sent to ONENJ members when they become available. Another program will be
offered in the Western region. ONENJ members will be kept informed as the details become
available.
Committee News ~
The Advocacy Committee has planned another strategy session July 31 at the New
Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA). They are focused on four areas: ways to support
implementation of the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations found in the Future of Nursing
Report; advancing BSN in 10 legislation; improving the ONENJ position statement process; and,
increasing ONENJ’s dominance as an authority influencing healthcare policy and delivery in
New Jersey. Several new committee members signed up to work with the Advocacy Committee
at the Annual Meeting; however, we can always use more volunteers. If you would like to work
on these initiatives, and more, contact Susan Cholewka at scholewka@njha.com or
609.275.4110.
The Education Committee delivered a terrific 2012 Annual Meeting and Conference in
April. The next event is the Annual Awards Brunch, December 7, at Forsgate Country Club in
Monroe, New Jersey. Jeff Doucette, MS, RN, CEN, FACHE, NEA-BC, healthcare executive,
international presenter and author is the keynote speaker. Jeff is known for his ability to ignite
and empower teams. He has become a trusted mentor for many professionals in business and
healthcare. We look forward to another inspiring program. Don’t forget to save the date,
December 7, and purchase your poinsettia and jewelry purchases early.
Speaking of poinsettias and jewelry, the Finance Committee continues to keep ONENJ
on a sound financial path. The vendor sponsored speed dating meetings at the Annual
Conference yielded revenues that exceeded the budget goal. This committee is always looking
for innovative alternatives to keeping ONENJ financially solid. They have a lot of fun in the
process. Perhaps you would like to join them. Contact Susan Cholewka at
scholewka@njha.com or 609.275.4110 to discuss joining the Finance Committee.
The newly formed, Membership Committee, is bubbling with energy and ideas to
increase membership and retention. They published two surveys in May. The first was intended
to identify the titles used throughout various institutions that designate the nurse manager role.
The results allowed the committee to determine that at least 50 percent of the 508 ONENJ
members operate as nurse managers. The second survey was aimed to collect data to
determine what our members perceive to be the value ONENJ provides; and to identify
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members who possess specific areas of expertise and skill sets who might serve as valuable
resources for other members. The committee is currently utilizing the data collected to devise
program opportunities to enhance membership value. Additionally, the Membership Committee
is sharing this information with other committees to help them in their efforts.
The Marketing/Public Relations Committee continues to work on ways to promote
ONENJ. They are developing a marketing plan to introduce the new tagline “Voice of Nurse
Leaders in NJ.” The committee will also apply the results from the Membership Committee’s
surveys along with the feedback they received during the Committee session at the Annual
Meeting to target specific member segments to build the ONENJ brand.
The mentorship Committee has completed the research study of the first cohort of the
Mentorship Program. The researchers have submitted their analysis and recommendations to
the committee. The Mentorship Committee will discuss the recommendations during the next
meeting, July 6, when they will outline the next steps for the ONENJ Mentor Program.
The Research Committee organized an excellent 10 th Annual Research Day Program
which was held June 15 at the Conference Center at NJHA. The theme for the program was
“Advocacy: A Mechanism for Patient Safety.” The keynote speaker, Lisa Black, PhD, RN, CNE
presented a report on the study commissioned by the Nevada State Legislature in response to
the largest nosocomial Hepatitis C outbreak in U.S. history that occurred in the Southern
Nevada Health District. The studied examined the moral compromise created when the conflict
between duty to advocate for patient safety and the real or perceived pressure from an
employer to do otherwise occurs. Patricia Dunphy Suplee, PhD, RNC-OB followed with a
discussion on the significance of incivility in nursing education and healthcare environments.
Dr. Suplee provided an analysis of the data focused on incivility in nursing academia and
strategies to reduce incivility in workplace environments. Mary Ann Kaufmann, MSN, RN,
addressed the topic “Bullying in the Nursing Workplace” in an animated and yet powerful
discussion. George Hebert, Executive Director, Board of Nursing, led off the afternoon session
with a discussion on the Health Care Professional Responsibility and Reporting Enhancement
Act. Mr. Hebert covered the “Who, What and Where” of mandatory reporting. Stephanie
Dougherty, RN, BSN, CPPS examined “Leadership and Patient Safety” through trust,
communication, best practices and advocacy. The audience clearly enjoyed the highly relevant
and informative program. Thank you to the ONENJ Research Committee for delivering another
outstanding program.
In the Spotlight ~
In each issue of “The President’s Message” we devote a special section to acknowledge
recent accomplishments of ONE/NJ colleagues who have been recognized for their talent and
leadership skills by way of promotions within their organization, appointments to new positions,
publications of their work, awards and professional presentations at the state and national level.
Edna Cadmus, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, Clinical Professor, Director DNP Program-
Leadership Track, Rutgers University College of Nursing and Susan Salmond, EdD, RN, CNAA,
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CTN, Professor & Dean, UMDNJ School of Nursing have been selected as Fellows in the 2012
class of the American Academy of Nursing. This is one of the most prestigious honors in the
field of nursing. Selection as Fellows is recognition of nominees’ whose nursing careers have
influenced health policies and the health and well-being of all. The Academy is composed of
more than 1,800 leaders in education, management, practice, policy and research. Dr. Cadmus
and Dr. Salmond will be inducted as Fellows during the Academy’s 39 th Annual Meeting and
Conference, October 13, 2012 in Washington, D.C. This is a very high honor, and on behalf of
ONENJ, we extend our sincere congratulations to Edna and Sue.
The Inaugural Living Legends Awards were presented to Rich Hader, RN, PhD, FAAN,
Aline Holmes, RN, MSN and Barbara Wright, RN, PhD, FAAN during a brunch reception at
Forsgate Country Club in Monroe, New Jersey. These individuals were honored for their
distinguished careers as leaders, trailblazers, trendsetters, teachers and mentors that have
paved the way for many to follow. The event was a collaborative effort between the Institute for
Nursing, the New Jersey State Nurses Association and ONENJ. Nearly 200 attended to
celebrate the legendary contributions of each of these fine leaders. Over $13,000 in proceeds
from the Living Legends Awards will be used to award scholarships to nurses pursing advanced
degrees.
Diane Applebaum, RN, DPH, CIC, Administrative Director, Hunterdon Medical Center
was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing and the Alpha Epsilon
Lambda Graduate Honor Society. Additionally, Diane was elected Treasurer of the New Jersey
Council of Magnet Organizations.
Professional Presentations ~
Dianne Aroh, RN, BSN, MS, NEA-BC, Claudia Douglas, RN, MA, CNN, APNC and
Denise Occhiuzzo, RN, MS, BC, presented “Blueprint for Nursing Leadership: Creating a
Culture of Accountability,” at the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) 45 th
Annual Meeting & Exposition in Boston, MA, March 2012 and at the American Nurse
Credentialing Center Magnet National Conference in Baltimore, MD, October 2011.
Dianne Aroh presented “Celebrating Nursing Excellence Through Leadership,” at the
Northern New Jersey Black Nurses Association in Newark, NJ, November 2011.
ONENJ member, Donna Reinbeck, RN, BSN, Director of Patient Care, Oncology,
Community Medical Center, presented with Maryann Dzibela, RN, Oncology Staff Nurse
”Redefining the Oncology Nurse Educator Role on the Inpatient Oncology Unit: Developing
Creative Approaches to Facilitate Learning,” at the 37th Annual Congress, Oncology Nursing
Society in New Orleans, LA, May 3-6, 2012.
Cheryl Beers, DHA, RN, NE-BC, CALA, Director Nursing Operations, Saint Clare's
Health System, graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Doctor of Health Administration.
She officially became Dr. Beers on October 31, 2011 and will be hooded at the graduation
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ceremony in Glendale, Arizona on June 30, 2012. Dr. Beers’ dissertation was entitled:
“Examining the Effect of Nurse Manager Behaviors on Organizational Citizenship.”
Suellyn Ellerbe, MN, RN, NEA-BC, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating
Officer/Chief Nursing Officer, Saint Clare's Health System, was invited to attend the Global
Nursing Exchange (GNE). The GNE brings together nurses and other professionals from
around the world who have made significant contributions to healthcare delivery in a variety of
ways. The GNE is an invitation only nursing strategy group established for the purpose of
creating dialogue to craft innovative solutions for the challenges we face in our ‘ever-changing’
healthcare environment.
Diane Applebaum presented the poster “Nurse Driven Foley Catheter Removal Protocol”
at the 29 th Annual Nursing Research and Evidence Based Practice Symposium: Ethics, Nursing
Research and Culturally Diverse Populations at Kean University in Union, New Jersey.
Published Works ~
Suellyn Ellerbe, MN, RN, NEA-BC; Debra Regen, MS, BSN, RN, “Responding to Health
Care Reform by Addressing the Institute of Medicine Report on the Future of Nursing,” Nursing
Administration Quarterly, Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 210-216.
Rita Musanti, PhD, APN-C, AOCNP; Trish O’Keefe, MSN, RN, NE-BE; Wendy
Silverstein, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC; “Partners in Caring: An Innovative Nursing Model of Care
Delivery,” Nursing Administration Quarterly, Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 217-224.
Joyce E. Johnson, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN; Amy L. Smith, MSN, RN, NEA-BC; Kari A.
Mastro, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, “From Toyota to the Bedside: Nurses Can Lead the Lean Way in
Health Care Reform,” Nursing Administration Quarterly, Vol. 36, No. 3, --. 234-242.
Kathy Russell-Babin, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, ACNS B, Senior Manager, Institute for
Evidence-Based Care, Meridian Health, “Many More Hills to Climb: The Journey of Magnet,”
Nurse Leader, 10(1), 30-33.
Sue Weaver, MSN, RN, CRNI, NEA-BC, Shift Administrator, Saint Clare's Health
System, “Position Title: Off-Shift Supervisor,” Nursing Management, January 2012.
Dianne Aroh, RN, BSN, MS, NEA-BC, Executive Vice President, Patient Care & CNO,
Hackensack University Medical Center, “Nurses Are facing a Fast-Changing Healthcare
Climate: Will They Be Able to Face the Challenges of the Future. “ Commerce Magazine, June
2011, 52-56.
Dianne Aroh, Claudia Douglas and Denise Occhiuzzo, “Blueprint for Nursing Leadership:
Creating a Culture of Accountability,” Nursing Administration Quarterly, 35(3), July/September
2011, 189-196.
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Bobbie Stone’s quote “Reach for the moon and settle for one shining star of
accomplishment each day” was published in The Woman’s Advantage Calendar.
Awards ~
Suellyn Ellerbe was honored at the Nursing Excellence Gala on June 6 for being a 2012
NY/NJ Nurse.com Nursing excellence regional finalist in the Advancing and Leading Profession
category.
Claudia Douglas, Administrative Director, Clinical Research Center, Hackensack
University Medical Center, received the 2011 New York Times Tribute to Nurses Award in the
Research category.
Appointments ~
Judy Caruso, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC was appointed Associate Dean of Administration
and Business, Seton Hall University College of Nursing.
Anne McGinley, PhD, RN, has been appointed Dean of Nursing, Health Sciences and
Human Services at Camden County College.
Do the Wave New Jersey ~
The Do the Wave New Jersey initiative is sponsored by the Advisory Committee of the
Reducing HAI Learning and Action Network. ONENJ member, Maureen Bowe, sits on the
advisory committee. Do the Wave New Jersey is open to all New Jersey providers. It is
designed to recognize and share organizations’ efforts to reduce HAIs. Led by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services as part of Partnership for Patients, the national Do
the Wave initiative offers free materials that providers can use to educate patients and staff on
the four steps they can take to prevent infection: wash hands to protect against germs; ask
questions to improve quality of care; vaccinate against flu and pneumonia; and ensure safety by
making sure medical devices are clean and used properly.
To enter, review the contest guidelines at Do the Wave New Jersey and submit a
completed entry form by Oct. 12. Best submissions will be recognized at the joint
conference of the New Jersey chapters of the Infectious Disease Society and APIC in
November.
For additional information, contact Suzanne Dalton, RN, BS, EdM at Healthcare Quality
Strategies 732-238-5570 ext 2017 or sdalton@njqio.sdps.org.
Welcome to our 122 new ONENJ Members as of June 25~
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AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
City Division
Ann Szapor
Barnabas Health Behavioral Health
Network
Colleen Goudie
Bayonne Medical Center
Lydia Cristobal
CentraState Healthcare System
Christie Beyer
Dawn Kline
Clara Maass Medical Center
Shelly Schneider
Community Medical Center
Jean Candela
Lilia Senter
Wendi Hodapp
Lori Bognar
Covidien Respiratory & Monitoring
Solutions
KeithTucker
Holy Name Medical Center
Catherine Fogarty
Johanna Marto
Marguerite Mattessich
Lori Van Bever
Hunterdon Medical Center
Stephanie Dougherty
Florise Altino-Pierre
Karen Hepworth
Carolynn Kedzierski
Gladys Nay
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Eve Regan
Kim Clements
JFK Health System
Patricia Rackovan
Kennedy University Hospital - Stratford
Alice Farrell
Kimball Medical Center
Lisa Rivera
Karen Colella
Judy Colorado
LibertyHealth-Jersey City Medical
Center
Claire Cinelli
MCG Consulting
Mary Geary
Monmouth Medical Center
Donna Weeks
Morristown Medical Center
Laura Reilly
Shahana Quadir
Dominick Scalera
Mountainside Hospital
Glen Johnstone
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Mary Fuhro
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Lourdes Pineda
Elaine Pasawa
Judy Pate
Alison Campoli
Gabriela Kaplan
Rosa Driscoll
Ocean County College
Colleen Manzetti
Princeton HealthCare System
Karyn Book
Kathleen Ryan
Riverview Medical Center
Sally Jack
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Robert Wood Johnson University
Hospital
Billie Bellamy-Brown
Kanisha Boyd-Basden
Risa Katz
Rebecca Weber
Lorraine Martino
Vickie Riskie
Robert Wood Johnson University
Hospital Hamilton
Meliza Weiner
Rutgers College of Nursing
Jeannie Cimiotti
Saint Clare's Hospital/Denville
Sue Weaver
Darlene Borromeo
Reinaldo Montero
Mary Ann Piro
Saint Michael's Medical Center
Norma Esperanza
Saint Peter's University Hospital
Avril Keldo
Tracy Vitale
Seton Hall University-College of Nursing
Jamesetta Halley-Boyce
Somerset Medical Center
Nora Roan
South Jersey Healthcare-Elmer Hospital
Nancy Tonetta
South Jersey Healthcare-Regional
Medical Center
Marjorie Pollock
St. Joseph's Healthcare System
Pamela Schaefer
St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center
Marie Rella
St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital
Donna Devereaux
The College of New Jersey School of
Nursing
Marcia Blicharz
The Cooper Health System
Lisa Brooks
Mary-Jo Cimino
Gina Marone
Ethel Wiley
Janette McFetridge
Diane Floyd
Linda Valenti
Joanne Fox
Richard Herman
Kathy Devine
Dianne Moore
Mary Jane Tiedeken
Robyn Harvey
Karen Gruber
Tim Kane
David Snelling
Nancy Mimm
Mary Louise Kenney
Maryann Tillger
Byron Wells
Amy Hannan
Malikah Taylor
Lois Scipione
Chaudron Carter
Patricia Nelson
Donna Louis
Nancy DuBois
Cynthia Refolo
Lisa Geoghegan
Susan Miller
Tiffany Henderson
Barbara Duffy
Jacqueline Tedeschi
Lisa Passero
Beth Malone
Michael-Lin Pizzuto
Brian Schwartz
Suzannne Gould
Rick Rohrbach
Edsel Itaas
Ann Katz
Jacqueline George
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Cooper Health System (cont’d)
Jeanne Greer
Jennifer Bombaro
The Valley Hospital
Jacqueline Valles
Jeanne Turnamian
Julie Kilpatrick
Derrick Lieb
Meet the ONE/NJ Board ~
University Medical Center of Princeton
at Plainsboro
Barbara Christiano
Barbara Doerr
Audrey Amir
Jennifer Hollander
Virtua Berlin
Patricia Bowen
Visiting Nurse Association Health
Group, Inc.
Patricia Rusca
In January, as I assumed the role of president of ONENJ, Deanna Sperling became the
immediate past president and Pat Steingall the president elect. For this first President’s
Message of 2012, I thought it would be nice to introduce these Officers of the Board of Directors
to the many new members and to reacquaint us with the other members. In addition, I would
like to feature three board members from organizations located in the southern region of New
Jersey, Robyn Begley, Dianne Charsha and Anne McCartney.
Linda Geisler, RN, MNEd, NEA-BC, FACHE
Vice President, Patient Services
CentraState Healthcare System
President, ONENJ
Schools: Wharton, University of Pennsylvania - Wharton Fellow
Currently enrolled in Northcentral University PhD program.
University of Pittsburgh - MNEd
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Carlow College - BSN
Leadership positions: Board, ONE/NJ
Board, New Jersey Hospital Association
Advocacy Committee Board Sponsor, ONE/NJ
Adjunct Faculty, Monmouth University
2001-present CNO, Vice President of Patient Services at CentraState Medical Center,
Freehold, NJ
1999-2000 Senior Vice President of Nursing at Crouse Hospital and Community General
Hospital, Syracuse, NY
1988-1999 Vice President of Nursing at Patient Care Services at Community General
Hospital, Syracuse, NY
1983-1988 Vice President of Patient Care and former Director of Nursing at St. Therese
Medical Center, Waukegan, IL
Prior to that, various nursing instructor positions at colleges/nursing schools, Head
Nurse of surgical unit, charge nurse on telemetry unit, staff nurse newborn intensive care
and medical surgical unit.
Patricia Steingall, MS, RN, NE-BC
Vice President/CNO, Patient Care Services
Hunterdon Medical Center
President Elect, ONENJ
Schools Attended
BSN from the University of Delaware
MS in Healthcare Services Administration from the University of Delaware
Professional Organizations leadership positions
Organization of Nurse Executives/N.J.
Board Sponsor – Finance Committee, 2010 - 2011
Board of Trustees 2010 – 2011
President Elect, 2012 – 2013
Central N.J. Maternal Child Health Consortium
Board of Directors- Vice President (2005-2007)
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Board of Directors- Second Vice President (2001-2003; 2007-present)
CQI Committee Chair (2001-2003; 2007-present)
Planning Committee Chair (2005-2007)
Career Progression
Hunterdon Medical Center (Flemington, NJ)
Vice President, Patient Care Services and CNO 2009-present
Administrative Director, Patient Care Services 1998-2009
Director, Maternal Child Health 1994-1998
Staff RN, Maternity/Newborn Care Center (SCN, L&D) 1980-1994
Muhlenberg Hospital (Plainfield, NJ)
Staff RN Maternity Unit (SCN) 1997-1980
Deanna Sperling, MAS, RN, NE-BC
Chief Operating Officer
Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Network
Immediate Past President, ONENJ
Attended and graduated from Saint James Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1978 with a
diploma in nursing
Attended and received a BSN from Bloomfield College in 1999
Attended and received my Masters in Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2003
ANA Certified Generalist - Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
ANA Board Certification in Nursing Administration
Organization of Nurse Executives NJ – Member since 1998. Member of the
Education Committee since 2000. Chair of Education Committee 2005 – 2008.
Board of Directors 2005 – 2007, President Elect 2008 – 2009, President 2010-
2011, Immediate Past President, 2012-2013.
American Organization of Nurse Executive - member
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October 2011 to present
New Jersey State Nurses Association - member
American Nurses Association – member
Chief Operating Officer, Barnabas Behavioral Health Network
May 2007 to October 2011
Vice President of Patient Care Services – Kimball Medical Center and Vice President of
Behavioral Health Services for Saint Barnabas Behavioral Health Center
May 2004 to May 2007
Vice President of Behavioral Health Service for Saint Barnabas Behavioral Health Center.
This included the overall day to day operations of the Behavioral Health Center at the
Executive Level and the Saint Barnabas Health Care System Behavioral Health product
line.
May 1998 – May 2004
Vice President of Patient Care Services for Saint Barnabas Behavioral Health Center
November 1995 to May 1998
Director of Nursing for a 100-bed psychiatric facility, Saint Barnabas Behavioral Health
Center.
Robyn Begley, DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Vice President of Nursing/Chief Nursing Officer
AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center
In 1977, Robyn began her career as a staff nurse at Framingham Union Hospital in
Framingham, Massachusetts. After a year in here, Robyn moved to Schenectady, New York
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where she became Team Director (Head Nurse) in the ON/GYN Nursery and Delivery Room at
St; Clare’s Hospital. In 1983, she moved to New Jersey and became the Maternal-Child Nurse
Educator at Atlanticare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City. Since that time, Robyn has
advanced to various management roles at Atlanticare including Maternal-Child Nursing
Coordinator; Clinical Manager/OB, Anthony Quigley Memorial Fellowship, Associate
Administrator for Consumer Advocacy, Team Leader, JCAHO Survey Preparation; Interim
Corporate Nurse Executive, Director, Clinical Resource Management and Chief Nurse
Executive. She is currently the Vice President of Nursing/Chief Nursing Officer and she has
held this position since 2005.
Education / professional Development:
N.E.A.-B.C., Certification, Nursing Administration, Advanced, ANCC,
American Nurses Credentialing Center, 2003 - 2013
D.N.P., 2009, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ
Academy Fellow, 2005, Advisory Board, Washington, DC
M.S.N., Nursing Administration, 1996, Widener University, Chester, PA
B.S.N., 1977, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Professional affiliations:
Board Member, ONE/NJ, 2011 – Present
Past President, ONE/NJ, 2006 – 2008
Board Member, New Jersey Hospital Association, 2006-2007
Committee Chair, New Jersey Nursing Initiative, 2010 - Present
Advisory Board Member, Nursing Spectrum, 2004 – Present
Chairperson, NJHA Quality Patient Care Advisory Committee, 2002 -2004
NJHA Nurse Executive Constituency Group, 2002 – Present
N.U.R.S.E.S. Consortium (founding member), 2001 – Present
Board Member, Thomas Jefferson University School of Nursing Advisory Board, 2010 – Present
Dianne S Charsha RN, MSN, NEA-BC, NNP-BC
Sr. VP for Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer
The Cooper Health System
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Dianne acquired her BSN at Wilkes College in Wilkes Barre PA in 1985. She completed her
MSN at the University of Pennsylvania in 1986 specializing in perinatal nursing. In 1992, she
acquired her Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner post graduate degree in neonatal nursing
from the University of Pennsylvania.
Dianne has worked in a variety of clinical settings including PICU, NICU, pediatrics, well
nursery, women’s health, and in obstetrics. She has been a MCH Clinical Nurse Specialist, a
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, a Nurse Practitioner Manager, and the Director of Neonatal
Services. She moved back home in 2007 and accepted the Associate Chief Nursing Officer at
Cooper University Hospital in Camden NJ. In 2009, she was appointed as the Senior Vice
President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. In that role, she is responsible for
operations and strategic planning in a tertiary academic medical center for Inpatient Services,
Trauma and Emergency Services, The Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper, Perioperative
Services, PT/OT/ST/Hearing, Respiratory Therapy, Pastoral Care, PCS Education, Care
Management, Social Services and numerous Outpatient Clinics – PFT, Sleep Lab, Women’s
Care Center, and an Early Intervention Program for HIV Patients to mention a few. Manages
1,845 FTEs of the 5,500 Cooper Health System Employees with 25,000 annual admissions,
56,000 annual ED visits, 246,000 annual outpatient visits with an operating expense budget in
2011 of $220 million.
Dianne is a frequent guest lecturer and has presented on numerous nursing topics since 1988.
She is the author of chapters, articles, and videos all with the goal of enhancing nursing
knowledge.
Anne H. McCartney, RN, MSN, CNM, NEA-BC
Vice President, Patient Care Services
South Jersey Healthcare-Regional Medical Center
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Career Progression
Anne presently serves as the Vice President, Patient Care Services at South Jersey Healthcare
in Vineland, New Jersey. She began her career at South Jersey HealthCare in 1997 as the
Director Maternal Child Health and Midwifery Services. Anne was appointed Director of Nursing
and then Administrative Director, Patient Care prior to assuming the role of Vice President,
Patient Care Services.
Anne began her nursing career in 1971 as a Staff Nurse at The Memorial Hospital of Salem
County and spent thirteen years here. After four years as the Senior Team Leader at St.
Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, Anne returned to the Memorial Hospital at Salem
County in 1988 as the Maternal Child Health Coordinator. In 1990, she became a Clinical
Nurse Specialist at St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington. In 1993, she joined the South Jersey
Hospital System in Bridgeton as a Certified Nurse Midwife.
Education
2006 – Wharton/University of Pennsylvania, Johnson & Johnson - Wharton Fellows Program
2003 – Wharton/University of Pennsylvania, Future Nursing Leaders Program
2001 – Villanova University, Post Graduate Certificate in Nursing Administration
1992 – University of Pennsylvania, Masters of Science in Nursing
1989 – Wilmington University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing
1971 – Helene Fuld School of Nursing, Nursing Diploma
Professional Activities
Organization of Nurse Executives /New Jersey – member since 2002
ONE/NJ Board of Directors – 2006 to 2009
ONE/NJ Board of Directors – 2010 to present
Cumberland County College School of Nursing – Advisory Board, 2000 – present
Nursing Spectrum – Regional Advisory Board, 2009 – present
VHA CNO Council – member, 2008 – present
New Jersey Chapter of the March of Dimes – Board of Directors, 2010 – present
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services – Perinatal and Pediatric Task Force,
2004 – 2005
Southern New Jersey Perinatal Cooperative – Board of Directors, 1988 – 2009
Professional Associations
American Organization of Nurse Executives
Organization of Nurse Executives/New Jersey
American College of Healthcare Executives
American Nurses’ Association
American College of Nurse Midwives
Ann has been a member of the ONE/NJ Education Committee since 2003.
Board of Directors Election ~
The ONENJ Board is presently seeking candidates for six director positions for the 2013-
2014 term. The elected directors will hold office for two years beginning January 1, 2013
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through December 31, 2014. One of these directors’ seats shall be designated for a first line
manager and will be voted on separately in the ballot.
The nominees are required to submit a 100 word position statement detailing their
understanding of the current issues affecting the New Jersey healthcare environment, the
nursing profession and how ONENJ can strategically address these issues. Additionally, the
nominees will be required to submit their resume/CV and a letter of support from their
supervisor.
Nominations should be submitted to Susan Cholewka at scholewka@njha.com by
August 3. Position statements, resumes/CV and letters of support must be received by August
10. The online ballot and position statements will be sent to the membership in September.
The new board will be installed December 7 during the Holiday Awards Brunch and Meeting at
Forsgate Country Club.
ONENJ Nurse Leader Awards ~
Nominations for the 2012 Nursing Leadership Awards are now open. These awards will
be presented during ONENJ’s Annual Holiday Meeting and Awards Brunch. The full
membership will nominate winners for seven award categories. The criteria for these awards are
listed below. Please consider not only nominees from your own organization, but your
colleagues from other healthcare facilities as well.
ONENJ Leadership in Mentoring Award – presented to a nurse leader who demonstrates
supportive leadership in mentoring nurses in the leadership role. The nominee must be a
member of ONENJ.
ONENJ Leadership in Technology Award – presented to a nurse leader who demonstrates
leadership and innovation in developing and implementing computerized documentation
systems for nursing. The nominee must be a member of ONENJ.
ONENJ Professional Recognition Award – presented to an ONENJ member who
demonstrates nursing leadership through a professional achievement or accomplishment that
has made a significant impact on nursing.
ONENJ Nurse Executive Award – presented to the most senior nurse executive in acute care,
continuing care or academia who demonstrates exceptional leadership, guidance and service to
their institution and to the profession of nursing. The nominee must be a member of ONENJ.
ONENJ Divisional Leader Award – presented to a nurse leader who is responsible for
divisional or multiple units and does not serve as a chief nursing officer. The nominee
demonstrates exceptional leadership in his/her role as the individual responsible for several
units and/or areas of clinical practice. The nominee must be a member of ONENJ.
ONENJ Nurse Leader Award – presented to nurse managers from acute care and continuing
care and faculty from academia who demonstrate exceptional leadership, guidance and service
to their institution and to the profession of nursing. Three Nurse Leader Awards may be
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presented, for each practice setting—acute care, continuing care and academia. The nominee
must be a member of ONENJ.
ONENJ Aspiring Nurse Leader Award – presented to an aspiring nurse leader from acute
care who demonstrates exceptional leadership, guidance and service to their institution and to
the profession of nursing. The nominee must be a member of ONENJ.
How to nominate:
1. Download the specific award nomination form from the News & Information page
on the website www.ONE-NJ.org. Fill-in the requested information in the gray
boxes and save it to your desktop.
2. Obtain nominee’s resume or curriculum vitae
3. Return completed application form and nominee’s resume or curriculum vitae
attached to an email to Susan Cholewka at scholewka@njha.com
Nominees should be strong advocates for nursing, demonstrating collegiality, integrity,
professionalism and a relentless commitment to nursing and healthcare. All nominations must
be received by 5 p.m. October 5 to be considered. Any questions, please contact Susan
Cholewka at 609-275-4110.
As you can see, there are many initiatives ONENJ and its members are involved in to
advance our profession and to prepare for the future of nursing. I hope you found this
newsletter informative. I look forward to seeing many of you at the Awards Brunch on December
7. In the meantime, if there is anything ONENJ can do for you, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Linda Geisler
President, ONENJ
[1] USA Today “Where States Stand on Implementing Health Care Law,” The Associated Press.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-06-28/health-care-states/55889922/1
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