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

The following chart shows the organization of all groups and projects according to the 2019 Strategic Plan.

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Key Projects

Members of our Board, Advisory Council, and staff joined committees to explore specific challenges within the nursing workforce. Read on to learn more about these projects and the goals we have in mind.

Advanced Practice Nurses The role and responsibilities of Nurse Practitioners are transforming and evolving, as is healthcare. This project is intended to identify potential and existing barriers to optimizing APN practice in acute care settings.
Home Health This group seeks to better understand the current issues surrounding Home Health Aides so that we may create strategies that address the challenges in providing improved healthcare.
Licensed Practical Nurses This project aims to understand the roles that Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are taking within their workplaces. The group is also examining the supply, demand, and role of LPNs in New Jersey, and whether they are working to the full extent of their licensure.
Nurse Residency This committee seeks to develop, implement, and evaluate a standardized acute care residency for new and transitioning nurses to meet the needs of the acute care population.

Advanced Practice Nurses

The role and responsibilities of Nurse Practitioners are transforming and evolving, as is healthcare. This project is intended to identify potential and existing barriers to optimizing APN practice in acute care settings.

Home Health

This group seeks to better understand the current issues surrounding Home Health Aides so that we may create strategies that address the challenges in providing improved healthcare.

Licensed Practical Nurses

This project aims to understand the roles that Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are taking within their workplaces. The group is also examining the supply, demand, and role of LPNs in New Jersey, and whether they are working to the full extent of their licensure.

Nurse Residency

This committee seeks to develop, implement, and evaluate a standardized acute care residency for new and transitioning nurses to meet the needs of the acute care population.

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.

Data Reports