History of NJCCN | The New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing

Colleagues in Caring Grant funded by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) – Dr. Geri Dickson (PI).
Articulation model developed for nurses to provide a smooth transition from Diploma and Associate Degree Programs to BSN Degree.
Brought together academic-practice partnerships to work on initiatives for nurses.
Beginning of National Forum for State Nursing Workforce Centers – NJ inaugural member.

Governor James E. McGreevey signed the Nursing Center bill into law on December 12, 2002.
The NJ Collaborating Center for Nursing bill was sponsored by Senators Joseph Vitale and John Matheussen.
Dr. Geri Dickson became the inaugural Executive Director.
Dr. Linda Flynn served as Research Associate from 2002–2004.

Grant received from RWJF and the New Jersey Human Service Department to support Center operations.
Rutgers College of Nursing agreed to house the Center.
First NJCCN Board meeting held.
Development of Education Capacity repository established.

“Integrated Competency Based Nursing Practice Model” completed and disseminated.
“Remedies for The Nursing Shortage” report presented to Governor McGreevey.

“Valued Organizational Traits in Long Term Care” survey completed and disseminated.
Dr. Linda Flynn appointed Director of Research.

“Preventing New Jersey’s Impending Health Care Crisis Report” presented to Governor Corzine.
Senator Vitale submitted an appropriation bill for NJCCN.
NJCCN partnered with the National League for Nursing and NJ Board of Nursing to create a model nursing education data collection tool.

I CAN Project initiated with nine other states to encourage nursing as a profession for children in grammar and high school.
Invitational Legislative Education Seminar held in Trenton: “Who Will Care for Us? The NJ Nurse Shortage and its Public Policy Implications.”

Senators Vitale and Weinberg introduced a bill to provide permanent funding for NJCCN by dedicating 5% of licensing fees.
“Impact of Nurse Staffing and Work Environment on Outcomes in NJ” funded by RWJF.
Textbook Nursing Policy Research: Turning Evidence-Based Research into Health Policy published.

“Situation Critical: Closing the Nurse Supply Gap in NJ” report presented to Governor Corzine.
Governor Corzine signed legislation appropriating licensing fees to support NJCCN.

First funding received through licensure fees.
Interdisciplinary Nursing Quality Research Initiative funded by RWJF.
“Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” report released; NJ selected as one of five pilot states.
Linda Parry-Carney named Chairperson of the NJCCN Board.

Dr. Jeannie Cimiotti named Executive Director.
Dr. Mary L. Johansen named Associate Director.
Retirement study conducted to estimate the proportion of the NJ nursing workforce planning to retire within five years.

Strategic planning retreat.
NJCCN website launched.
Civil monetary penalties funding provided by NJDOH/CMS to support a three-year Long Term Care Residency Program pilot for RNs.

Dr. Edna Cadmus named Executive Director.
Advisory Council created to expand input and stakeholder engagement.
Strategic Plan developed for NJCCN.
New Jersey Action Coalition initiatives integrated into NJCCN.

First Annual Report published.
First George Hebert Legacy Award presented to Dr. Yuri Jedotte.
Culture of Health Summit held to identify strategies for expanding nursing’s reach beyond hospital settings.

First Demand Report for the nursing workforce published using a novel data source from Burning Glass.

“Developing a Residency in Post-Acute Care” published and used nationally as a model for out-of-hospital residency programs.
NJCCN funded the Out of Hospital Residency to increase the RN workforce in long-term care, assisted living and home care settings.
NJCCN awarded a New Jersey Health Initiatives grant for School Nursing Leadership.
Dr. Teri Wurmser named Chairperson of the NJCCN Board.

Qualitative study conducted and published on acute care nurse residency programs in New Jersey hospitals.
“21st Century School Nurse Leadership, Moving Evidence into Action” toolkit published and disseminated.
New projection on nurse retirement for New Jersey published.
Dr. Laura Mularz named Chairperson of the NJCCN Board.

Received funding from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to explore New Jersey’s Licensed Practical Nurse workforce.

Mental Health First-Aid Training conducted and funded by the Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation.
First study conducted on Home Health Aides.
NJ Nurse Residency Collaborative established to increase new nurse retention.
Received a GAINS grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor for Workforce Development.
Testimony provided to the Senate Health Committee on long-term care bills during COVID-19.
Nursing home public reporting staffing study conducted.
Second George Hebert Legacy Award presented to Dr. Valera Hascup.

NJ Nurse Residency Collaborative continued, with 739 new nurses enrolled across 18 participating hospitals.
Received a New Jersey Department of Labor Workforce Development grant for a new nurse residency/apprenticeship program.
Acute care nurse burnout study of the New Jersey workforce conducted.

Summit for Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity held for New Jersey.
NJ Nurse Residency Collaborative included 21 participating hospitals and 540 new nurses.
Received New Jersey Department of Labor funding for nurse residency/apprenticeship programs across 14 hospitals.
NJ-NEW launched, including Virtual Schwartz Rounds, Stress First Aid training and the Nurse-2-Nurse Helpline.
First minimum data set created in collaboration with NJBON for Home Health Aides.
First CHHA Data Report published and disseminated.
Worked with Senator Vitale on S2825/A4325 addressing recruitment, retention, data transparency and Center stability.
First interactive data dashboard launched.
The Tri-Council was resurrected to strengthen collaboration among New Jersey’s nursing education programs and address workforce and practice needs.

Released data examining consumer views on access to healthcare in New Jersey.
Developed a new 12-month transition-to-practice program for RNs and LPNs entering long-term care to launch in 2024.
NJ Action Coalition began connecting nursing program leaders with long-term care practice partners to expand clinical opportunities.
Expanded APN Advocacy & Education: Released information and videos highlighting access to care and the role of Advanced Practice Nurses.
NJCCN staff published research addressing nursing workforce and practice issues.
Launched the New Jersey Nursing Insights Podcast.

Hosted the 2024 NJ Nursing Summit: Reimagining Healthcare Across the Continuum: Now and For the Future. Staff nurses and first-line leaders convened to identify recommendations for improving nurses’ work environments.
Launched a 12-month transition-to-practice program for new RNs and LPNs working in long-term care.
Launched an Advanced Practice Provider 12-month Transition into Practice Program.
Released the first Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) report for the state.
Continued to support the work of Essential Jobs, Essential Care™ New Jersey Coalition.
Conducted research to evaluate the role of LPNs in the acute care setting.
Presented and published results at state and national forums.

Expanded nurse workforce initiatives through transition-to-practice, school nurse residency, and long-term care residency programs.
Strengthened nursing workforce research focused on workforce stress, LPN utilization, and national workforce trends.
Advanced nursing policy and advocacy through legislative testimony and efforts to modernize nursing regulation.
Recognized nationally for innovation with an Excellence in Innovation award from the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce.
Dr. Edna Cadmus retired as NJCCN’s Executive Director.
Dr. Daria Waszak appointed NJCCN’s new Executive Director.

Deliver leadership, education, research and innovation for a strong nursing workforce dedicated to quality care for New Jersey residents.
Advance sustainable, evidence-based nursing workforce solutions.
Offer cutting-edge educational programs to recruit and retain talent across settings and roles.
Transform healthcare systems by capitalizing on the nursing workforce.
Advocate on behalf of nursing across settings and roles.
Collaborate with policymakers, professional nursing organizations, trade organizations, consumers, regulatory bodies, employers, nonprofits and other key stakeholders.
Promote nurses’ health and well-being through NJ-NEW interventions.
Maintain transparent and interactive nursing workforce data.
Continue publication of supply and demand data and annual reports.
Work to obtain Certified Nursing Assistant data to project supply and demand.
Advance Future of Nursing 2020–2030 recommendations through collaborative efforts.
Continue efforts to improve access to care for New Jersey residents.

Our Journey

The History of NJCCN