Sep 1, 2011 | Press Releases
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Jersey Nursing Initiative
Graduates 18 Scholars Who Will Teach the Next Generation of Nurses
Atlantic County, NJ – New Jersey, like the rest of the country, is facing potentially crippling nurse and nurse faculty shortages. Without enough prospective nursing students to fill the gap or sufficient nurse faculty to teach them, the Garden State’s health will suffer and health care costs will likely increase.
Oct 28, 2010 | Press Releases
202/371-1999
Prestigious Program Will Fill the Faculty Pipeline with Some of
State’s Most Promising Young Nurses, Creating a Model for Other States
Trenton, NJ – The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) New Jersey Nursing Initiative (NJNI) today announced the selection of 20 outstanding New Jersey nursing students to participate in its prestigious RWJF New Jersey Nursing Scholars program, which is working to assure that New Jersey has the well prepared, diverse nurse faculty needed to educate nurses to meet the demand for health and health care in the 21st century. The program is providing $13.5 million over five years to New Jersey master’s and doctoral level nursing programs and collaboratives. These programs will produce at least 46 new nurse faculty. This is the second and final cohort of New Jersey Nursing Scholars.
Each Scholar has received a scholarship covering tuition and fees, and a $50,000 per year stipend to cover living expenses for the two to four years spent as full-time students. Scholars also receive mentoring from nursing leaders from across the country to help them complete their graduate or doctoral studies. Upon graduation, scholars have the opportunity to receive financial incentives if they become faculty members at schools of nursing in the state.
“There is no question that we are facing an alarming nurse faculty shortage in this state. But thanks to NJNI’s work, we are creating the framework for lasting solutions. The RWJF New Jersey Nursing Scholars are a critical part of this strategy,” said NJNI Program Director Susan Bakewell-Sachs, Ph.D., R.N., P.N.P.-B.C. “Last year we welcomed our first class of 29 scholars, and we are proud to announce our second and final class of 20, who begin their studies this fall. Our faculty preparation program is showing enormous promise, and we expect great things from our scholars in years ahead.” Bakewell-Sachs is dean of the School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science at The College of New Jersey.
The goal of NJNI is to increase the number of nurse faculty in the state, so there will be enough nurses to meet the needs of state residents. Many current nurse faculty members are approaching retirement, and there are not enough replacements in the pipeline to fill their positions. Few practicing nurses have the qualifications to teach; only nine percent have a master’s degree, and just one percent of registered nurses have a doctorate. That is due to significant challenges to becoming nurse faculty, including the prerequisite that all nurse faculty obtain at least a master’s degree.
Many nurses practice first and get advanced degrees later. The lack of available scholarships has caused many nurse faculty members to pursue their graduate studies part-time. The median time span for nurses to proceed from masters to doctorate is now 15.9 years. As a result, the mean age of nurse faculty prepared at the doctoral level is 54. Because these nurses continue their education later in life, nurse faculty may not have long full-time teaching careers.
NJNI is attracting younger nurses to faculty roles; they are likely to enjoy a significantly longer teaching career than the average nurse faculty who joins mid career.
The newest cohort of scholars includes:
- Jamie Boman, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Ruta Brazaitis, B.S.N., R.N., William Paterson University, College of Science and Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Christine Brewer, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Catherine Carlton, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Tammy Cooper, B.S.N., R.N.-B.C., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Diane Cukrow, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Marjory Desulme, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Caitlin Fett, B.S.N., R.N., The College of New Jersey, School of Nursing, Health, & Exercise Science, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Nancy Flood, B.S.N., R.N., Monmouth University, School of Nursing and Health Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Marlin Gross, B.S.N., R.N., Richard Stockton College, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Stephanie Henson, B.S.N., R.N., Richard Stockton College, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Karen Hoary, B.S.N., R.N., Monmouth University, School of Nursing and Health Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Renee Kurz, B.S.N., R.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Tony Malek, B.S.N., R.N., C.B.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Alexander Manning, B.S.N., R.N., The College of New Jersey, School of Nursing, Health, & Exercise Science, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Janice McConnon, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Nancy Mills, B.S.N., R.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Shelby Pitts, B.S.N., R.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Grace Qarmout, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
- Laura Zakresky, B.S.N., R.N., Kean University, College of Natural, Applied, and Health Sciences, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
NJNI is a project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation (NJCCF).
# # # #
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, we work with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 35 years we’ve brought experience, commitment and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those we serve. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, we expect to make a difference in your lifetime.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization based in Trenton. Created in 1911, the State Chamber staff represents its members on a wide range of business and education issues at the State House and in Washington. The organization also links the state’s local and regional chambers on issues of importance through its grassroots legislative network.
Oct 28, 2010 | Press Releases
202/371-1999
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, New Jersey Nursing Initiative
Name 20 New Jersey Nursing Scholars
Trenton, NJ – What if New Jersey ran out of teachers and schoolchildren were left in the lurch? What if state police and fire fighter academies had fewer and fewer instructors each year to meet the demand? An equally devastating yet quiet crisis is brewing in nursing programs across the state. Many do not have—or because of pending retirements soon will not have—enough faculty to teach nursing students. The looming nurse faculty shortage could have damaging repercussions for the health and health care of New Jersey residents for years to come.
The New Jersey Nursing Initiative (NJNI) is working to ensure that does not happen. This month, NJNI has named 20 RWJF New Jersey Nursing Scholars. Two of them are from Cumberland county: Marlin Gross, B.S.N.,R.N.,from Bridgeton, and Stephanie Henson, B.S.N,R.N.,from Vineland. Both are earning M.S.N.’s in Nursing from Richard Stockton College.
NJNI is a project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation (NJCCF). RWJF New Jersey Nursing Scholars receive generous benefits and support to help them complete their graduate or doctoral studies. Upon graduation, Scholars have the opportunity to receive financial incentives if they become faculty members at schools of nursing in the state. Because the incentives are available for a period of up to three years, there is an increased likelihood that Scholars will remain in state nursing programs to educate the next generation of the New Jersey’s nursing workforce.
“There is no question that we are facing an alarming nurse faculty shortage in this state. But thanks to NJNI’s work, we are creating the framework for lasting solutions. The RWJF New Jersey Nursing Scholars are a critical part of this strategy,” said NJNI Program Director Susan Bakewell-Sachs, Ph.D., R.N., P.N.P.-B.C. “Last year we welcomed our first class of 29 Scholars, and we are proud to announce our second and final class of 20, who will begin their studies this fall. Our faculty preparation program is showing enormous promise, and we expect great things from our Scholars in years ahead.” Bakewell-Sachs is dean of the School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science at The College of New Jersey.
“I can’t say what sets me apart from every other nurse because most nurses are just as dedicated and passionate about their profession as I am but in different areas. All I can say is that I am honored and proud that I was chosen to pursue a dream of mine,” said Henson.
The goal of NJNI is to increase the number of nurse faculty in the state, so there will be enough nurses to meet the needs of state residents. The Faculty Preparation Program has awarded $13.5M in grants to New Jersey based nursing programs and education collaboratives. Each Scholar has received a scholarship covering tuition and fees, and a $50,000 per year stipend to cover living expenses for the two to four years spent as full-time students.
Many current nurse faculty members are approaching retirement, and there are not enough replacements in the pipeline to fill their positions. Few practicing nurses have the qualifications to teach; only nine percent have a master’s degree, and just one percent of registered nurses have a doctorate. That is due to significant challenges to becoming nurse faculty, including the prerequisite that all nurse faculty obtain at least a master’s degree.
Many nurses practice first and get advanced degrees later. The lack of available scholarships has caused many nurse faculty members to pursue their graduate studies part-time. The median time span for nurses to proceed from masters to doctorate is now 15.9 years. As a result, the mean age of nurse faculty prepared at the doctoral level is 54. Because these nurses continue their education later in life, nurse faculty may not have long full-time teaching careers.
NJNI is attracting younger nurses to faculty roles; they are likely to enjoy a significantly longer teaching career than the average nurse faculty who joins mid career.
The newest cohort of Scholars includes:
· Jamie Boman, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Ruta Brazaitis, B.S.N., R.N., William Paterson University, College of Science and Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Christine Brewer, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Catherine Carlton, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Tammy Cooper, B.S.N., R.N.-B.C., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Diane Cukrow, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Marjory Desulme, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Caitlin Fett, B.S.N., R.N., The College of New Jersey, School of Nursing, Health, & Exercise Science, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Nancy Flood, B.S.N., R.N., Monmouth University, School of Nursing and Health Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Karen Hoary, B.S.N., R.N., Monmouth University, School of Nursing and Health Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Renee Kurz, B.S.N., R.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Tony Malek, B.S.N., R.N., C.B.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Alexander Manning, B.S.N., R.N., The College of New Jersey, School of Nursing, Health, & Exercise Science, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Janice McConnon, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Nancy Mills, B.S.N., R.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Shelby Pitts, B.S.N., R.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Grace Qarmout, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Laura Zakresky, B.S.N., R.N., Kean University, College of Natural, Applied, and Health Sciences, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
# # # #
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, we work with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 35 years we’ve brought experience, commitment and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those we serve. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, we expect to make a difference in your lifetime.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization based in Trenton. Created in 1911, the State Chamber staff represents its members on a wide range of business and education issues at the State House and in Washington. The organization also links the state’s local and regional chambers on issues of importance through its grassroots legislative network.
Oct 28, 2010 | Press Releases
202/371-1999
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, New Jersey Nursing Initiative
Name 20 New Jersey Nursing Scholars
Trenton, NJ – What if New Jersey ran out of teachers and schoolchildren were left in the lurch? What if state police and fire fighter academies had fewer and fewer instructors each year to meet the demand? An equally devastating yet quiet crisis is brewing in nursing programs across the state. Many do not have—or because of pending retirements soon will not have—enough faculty to teach nursing students. The looming nurse faculty shortage could have damaging repercussions for the health and health care of New Jersey residents for years to come.
The New Jersey Nursing Initiative (NJNI) is working to ensure that does not happen. This month, NJNI has named 20 RWJF New Jersey Nursing Scholars. One of them is from Essex county: Marjory Desulme, B.S.N., R.N.,from Belleville, earning her M.S.N. in Nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
NJNI is a project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation (NJCCF). RWJF New Jersey Nursing Scholars receive generous benefits and support to help them complete their graduate or doctoral studies. Upon graduation, Scholars have the opportunity to receive financial incentives if they become faculty members at schools of nursing in the state. Because the incentives are available for a period of up to three years, there is an increased likelihood that Scholars will remain in state nursing programs to educate the next generation of the New Jersey’s nursing workforce.
“There is no question that we are facing an alarming nurse faculty shortage in this state. But thanks to NJNI’s work, we are creating the framework for lasting solutions. The RWJF New Jersey Nursing Scholars are a critical part of this strategy,” said NJNI Program Director Susan Bakewell-Sachs, Ph.D., R.N., P.N.P.-B.C. “Last year we welcomed our first class of 29 Scholars, and we are proud to announce our second and final class of 20, who will begin their studies this fall. Our faculty preparation program is showing enormous promise, and we expect great things from our Scholars in years ahead.” Bakewell-Sachs is dean of the School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science at The College of New Jersey.
“I truly enjoy working as a nurse and making a positive difference in patients’ lives. As a New Jersey Nursing Scholar, I will be able to further my education in order to increase patient teaching and to teach potential new nurses,” said Desulme.
The goal of NJNI is to increase the number of nurse faculty in the state, so there will be enough nurses to meet the needs of state residents. The Faculty Preparation Program has awarded $13.5M in grants to New Jersey based nursing programs and education collaboratives. Each Scholar has received a scholarship covering tuition and fees, and a $50,000 per year stipend to cover living expenses for the two to four years spent as full-time students.
Many current nurse faculty members are approaching retirement, and there are not enough replacements in the pipeline to fill their positions. Few practicing nurses have the qualifications to teach; only nine percent have a master’s degree, and just one percent of registered nurses have a doctorate. That is due to significant challenges to becoming nurse faculty, including the prerequisite that all nurse faculty obtain at least a master’s degree.
Many nurses practice first and get advanced degrees later. The lack of available scholarships has caused many nurse faculty members to pursue their graduate studies part-time. The median time span for nurses to proceed from masters to doctorate is now 15.9 years. As a result, the mean age of nurse faculty prepared at the doctoral level is 54. Because these nurses continue their education later in life, nurse faculty may not have long full-time teaching careers.
NJNI is attracting younger nurses to faculty roles; they are likely to enjoy a significantly longer teaching career than the average nurse faculty who joins mid career.
The newest cohort of Scholars includes:
· Jamie Boman, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Ruta Brazaitis, B.S.N., R.N., William Paterson University, College of Science and Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Christine Brewer, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Catherine Carlton, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Tammy Cooper, B.S.N., R.N.-B.C., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Diane Cukrow, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Caitlin Fett, B.S.N., R.N., The College of New Jersey, School of Nursing, Health, & Exercise Science, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Nancy Flood, B.S.N., R.N., Monmouth University, School of Nursing and Health Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Marlin Gross, B.S.N., R.N., Richard Stockton College, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Stephanie Henson, B.S.N., R.N., Richard Stockton College, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Karen Hoary, B.S.N., R.N., Monmouth University, School of Nursing and Health Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Renee Kurz, B.S.N., R.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Tony Malek, B.S.N., R.N., C.B.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Alexander Manning, B.S.N., R.N., The College of New Jersey, School of Nursing, Health, & Exercise Science, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Janice McConnon, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Nancy Mills, B.S.N., R.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Shelby Pitts, B.S.N., R.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Grace Qarmout, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Laura Zakresky, B.S.N., R.N., Kean University, College of Natural, Applied, and Health Sciences, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
# # # #
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, we work with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 35 years we’ve brought experience, commitment and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those we serve. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, we expect to make a difference in your lifetime.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization based in Trenton. Created in 1911, the State Chamber staff represents its members on a wide range of business and education issues at the State House and in Washington. The organization also links the state’s local and regional chambers on issues of importance through its grassroots legislative network.
Oct 28, 2010 | Press Releases
202/371-1999
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, New Jersey Nursing Initiative
Name 20 New Jersey Nursing Scholars
Trenton, NJ – What if New Jersey ran out of teachers and schoolchildren were left in the lurch? What if state police and fire fighter academies had fewer and fewer instructors each year to meet the demand? An equally devastating yet quiet crisis is brewing in nursing programs across the state. Many do not have—or because of pending retirements soon will not have—enough faculty to teach nursing students. The looming nurse faculty shortage could have damaging repercussions for the health and health care of New Jersey residents for years to come.
The New Jersey Nursing Initiative (NJNI) is working to ensure that does not happen. This month, NJNI has named 20 RWJF New Jersey Nursing Scholars. One of them is from Hunterdon county: Laura Zakresky, B.S.N., R.N.,from Flemington, earning her M.S.N. in Nursing from Kean University.
NJNI is a project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation (NJCCF). RWJF New Jersey Nursing Scholars receive generous benefits and support to help them complete their graduate or doctoral studies. Upon graduation, Scholars have the opportunity to receive financial incentives if they become faculty members at schools of nursing in the state. Because the incentives are available for a period of up to three years, there is an increased likelihood that Scholars will remain in state nursing programs to educate the next generation of the New Jersey’s nursing workforce.
“There is no question that we are facing an alarming nurse faculty shortage in this state. But thanks to NJNI’s work, we are creating the framework for lasting solutions. The RWJF New Jersey Nursing Scholars are a critical part of this strategy,” said NJNI Program Director Susan Bakewell-Sachs, Ph.D., R.N., P.N.P.-B.C. “Last year we welcomed our first class of 29 Scholars, and we are proud to announce our second and final class of 20, who will begin their studies this fall. Our faculty preparation program is showing enormous promise, and we expect great things from our Scholars in years ahead.” Bakewell-Sachs is dean of the School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science at The College of New Jersey.
“I am very excited and grateful to be a New Jersey Nursing Scholar. I became interested in the program because of the chance to inspire the next generation of nurses. The program provides support and mentorship on transitioning into the role of nursing faculty and the scholarship will enable me to dedicate my time to the development of this new role. It is my hope that I can make a significant contribution to the nursing profession,” said Zakresky.
The goal of NJNI is to increase the number of nurse faculty in the state, so there will be enough nurses to meet the needs of state residents. The Faculty Preparation Program has awarded $13.5M in grants to New Jersey based nursing programs and education collaboratives. Each Scholar has received a scholarship covering tuition and fees, and a $50,000 per year stipend to cover living expenses for the two to four years spent as full-time students.
Many current nurse faculty members are approaching retirement, and there are not enough replacements in the pipeline to fill their positions. Few practicing nurses have the qualifications to teach; only nine percent have a master’s degree, and just one percent of registered nurses have a doctorate. That is due to significant challenges to becoming nurse faculty, including the prerequisite that all nurse faculty obtain at least a master’s degree.
Many nurses practice first and get advanced degrees later. The lack of available scholarships has caused many nurse faculty members to pursue their graduate studies part-time. The median time span for nurses to proceed from masters to doctorate is now 15.9 years. As a result, the mean age of nurse faculty prepared at the doctoral level is 54. Because these nurses continue their education later in life, nurse faculty may not have long full-time teaching careers.
NJNI is attracting younger nurses to faculty roles; they are likely to enjoy a significantly longer teaching career than the average nurse faculty who joins mid career.
The newest cohort of Scholars includes:
· Jamie Boman, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Ruta Brazaitis, B.S.N., R.N., William Paterson University, College of Science and Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Christine Brewer, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Catherine Carlton, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Tammy Cooper, B.S.N., R.N.-B.C., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Diane Cukrow, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Marjory Desulme, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Caitlin Fett, R.N., B.S.N., R.N., The College of New Jersey, School of Nursing, Health, & Exercise Science, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Nancy Flood, B.S.N., R.N., Monmouth University, School of Nursing and Health Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Marlin Gross, B.S.N., R.N., Richard Stockton College, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Stephanie Henson, B.S.N., R.N., Richard Stockton College, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Karen Hoary, B.S.N., R.N., Monmouth University, School of Nursing and Health Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Renee Kurz, B.S.N., R.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Tony Malek, B.S.N., R.N., C.B.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Alexander Manning, B.S.N., R.N., The College of New Jersey, School of Nursing, Health, & Exercise Science, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Janice McConnon, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Nancy Mills, B.S.N., R.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Shelby Pitts, B.S.N., R.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Grace Qarmout, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
# # # #
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, we work with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 35 years we’ve brought experience, commitment and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those we serve. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, we expect to make a difference in your lifetime.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization based in Trenton. Created in 1911, the State Chamber staff represents its members on a wide range of business and education issues at the State House and in Washington. The organization also links the state’s local and regional chambers on issues of importance through its grassroots legislative network.
Oct 28, 2010 | Press Releases
202/371-1999
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, New Jersey Nursing Initiative
Name 20 New Jersey Nursing Scholars
Trenton, NJ – What if New Jersey ran out of teachers and schoolchildren were left in the lurch? What if state police and fire fighter academies had fewer and fewer instructors each year to meet the demand? An equally devastating yet quiet crisis is brewing in nursing programs across the state. Many do not have—or because of pending retirements soon will not have—enough faculty to teach nursing students. The looming nurse faculty shortage could have damaging repercussions for the health and health care of New Jersey residents for years to come.
The New Jersey Nursing Initiative (NJNI) is working to ensure that does not happen. This month, NJNI has named 20 RWJF New Jersey Nursing Scholars. Six of them are from Monmouth county: Christine Brewer, B.S.N., R.N., from Port Monmouth, earning her M.S.N. in Nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University; Tammy Cooper, B.S.N., R.N.-B.C., from Allenhurst, earning her M.S.N. in Nursing from University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ); Nancy Flood, B.S.N., R.N., from Belmar, earning her M.S.N. in Nursing from Monmouth University; Renee Kurz, B.S.N., R.N., from Freehold, earning her M.S.N. in Nursing from UMDNJ; Alexander Manning, B.S.N., R.N., from Fair Haven, earning his M.S.N. in Nursing from The College of New Jersey; and Janice McConnon, B.S.N., R.N.,from Mattawan, earning her M.S.N. in Nursing from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
NJNI is a project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation (NJCCF). RWJF New Jersey Nursing Scholars receive generous benefits and support to help them complete their graduate or doctoral studies. Upon graduation, Scholars have the opportunity to receive financial incentives if they become faculty members at schools of nursing in the state. Because the incentives are available for a period of up to three years, there is an increased likelihood that Scholars will remain in state nursing programs to educate the next generation of the New Jersey’s nursing workforce.
“There is no question that we are facing an alarming nurse faculty shortage in this state. But thanks to NJNI’s work, we are creating the framework for lasting solutions. The RWJF New Jersey Nursing Scholars are a critical part of this strategy,” said NJNI Program Director Susan Bakewell-Sachs, Ph.D., R.N., P.N.P.-B.C. “Last year we welcomed our first class of 29 Scholars, and we are proud to announce our second and final class of 20, who will begin their studies this fall. Our faculty preparation program is showing enormous promise, and we expect great things from our Scholars in years ahead.” Bakewell-Sachs is dean of the School of Nursing, Health, and Exercise Science at The College of New Jersey.
“I wanted to become a New Jersey Nursing Scholar because it has always been my dream to become an educator. I enjoy teaching and it is very fulfilling for me. When I heard about this program a year ago I knew this is what I wanted to do!,” said Brewer.
The goal of NJNI is to increase the number of nurse faculty in the state, so there will be enough nurses to meet the needs of state residents. The Faculty Preparation Program has awarded $13.5M in grants to New Jersey based nursing programs and education collaboratives. Each Scholar has received a scholarship covering tuition and fees, and a $50,000 per year stipend to cover living expenses for the two to four years spent as full-time students.
Many current nurse faculty members are approaching retirement, and there are not enough replacements in the pipeline to fill their positions. Few practicing nurses have the qualifications to teach; only nine percent have a master’s degree, and just one percent of registered nurses have a doctorate. That is due to significant challenges to becoming nurse faculty, including the prerequisite that all nurse faculty obtain at least a master’s degree.
Many nurses practice first and get advanced degrees later. The lack of available scholarships has caused many nurse faculty members to pursue their graduate studies part-time. The median time span for nurses to proceed from masters to doctorate is now 15.9 years. As a result, the mean age of nurse faculty prepared at the doctoral level is 54. Because these nurses continue their education later in life, nurse faculty may not have long full-time teaching careers.
NJNI is attracting younger nurses to faculty roles; they are likely to enjoy a significantly longer teaching career than the average nurse faculty who joins mid career.
The newest cohort of Scholars includes:
· Jamie Boman, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Ruta Brazaitis, B.S.N., R.N., William Paterson University, College of Science and Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Catherine Carlton, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Diane Cukrow, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Marjory Desulme, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Caitlin Fett, B.S.N., R.N., The College of New Jersey, School of Nursing, Health, & Exercise Science, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Marlin Gross, B.S.N., R.N., Richard Stockton College, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Stephanie Henson, B.S.N., R.N., Richard Stockton College, School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Karen Hoary, B.S.N., R.N., Monmouth University, School of Nursing and Health Studies, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Tony Malek, B.S.N., R.N., C.B.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Nancy Mills, B.S.N., R.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Shelby Pitts, B.S.N., R.N., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Grace Qarmout, B.S.N., R.N., Fairleigh Dickinson University, The Henry P. Becton School of Nursing and Allied Health, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
· Laura Zakresky, B.S.N., R.N., Kean University, College of Natural, Applied, and Health Sciences, M.S.N. in Nursing Program
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The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, we work with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 35 years we’ve brought experience, commitment and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those we serve. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, we expect to make a difference in your lifetime.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization based in Trenton. Created in 1911, the State Chamber staff represents its members on a wide range of business and education issues at the State House and in Washington. The organization also links the state’s local and regional chambers on issues of importance through its grassroots legislative network.
