The New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing originated in 1995 from the Robert Wood Johnson Colleagues in Caring (CIC) program, which was created from the vision of Geri Dickson, PhD, RN and other nurse leaders. The mission of CIC was to initiate change through collaboration with key stakeholders from all sectors of nursing. The initial goals of the CIC were to develop a nursing demand forecasting model for New Jersey and to establish legislation to create a state nursing workforce center.

The New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (the Center) was established by state legislation (P.L.2002, c.116) on December 12, 2002. As per this legislation, the Center is housed at Rutgers University, School of Nursing, Newark Campus, and is guided by a 17-member board representing New Jersey nursing and healthcare stakeholders. Members of the Board are appointed by the New Jersey Governor, Senate, and Assembly. The Center’s Board and staff work on behalf of nurses to provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the nursing workforce and its impact on patient care.

Strategic Plan

Key Initiatives

For more information on the history of the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing:

Cleary, B., & Rice, R. (2005). Nursing Workforce Development: Strategic State Initiatives. New York: Springer Publishing Company.