Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
trusted
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Table of Contents
Transformational Leadership
2010 ANCC Certified Specialty Nurse Award
2
Awards and Honors
3
Exemplary Professional Practice
2010 NJSNA C.A.R.E.S. Awards for Nursing Excellence
7
Clinical Advancement and Recognition of Excellence
8
Certifications
12
Professional Organizations
17
New Knowledge, Innovations, and Improvements
Creating a Climate of Scholarship
20
Research and Evidence-Based Practice
21
Publications
25
Presentations
27
Structural Empowerment
Meridian Has a Lot to OFFER to Our Nursing Students
32
Community Service and Outreach
33
Military/International Service
40
Educational Achievements
41
Foundation
Sally Hetzler Nursing Education Scholarship
43
The Rudolf and Ellen Rumeld Memorial Scholarship
44
Elizabeth I. Kellogg Award
44
This annual report was prepared by Meridian Corporate Communications
and Marketing in collaboration with the Ann May Center for Nursing and Allied Health.
Dear Colleagues
Dear Colleagues:
What an exciting year! We had the pleasure of adding Southern
Ocean Medical Center and Bayshore Community Hospital to the
Meridian family. The nursing talents at these two facilities are
adding valued contributions to our community and to the
profession of nursing. We also congratulate Dr. Richard Ridge,
Chief Nurse Executive at Southern Ocean Medical Center, and
Linda Walsh, Chief Nurse Executive at Bayshore Community
Hospital, on their new leadership roles.
Meridian Health nurses continue to make significant contributions
to patient care, the community, and to the profession of nursing.
This report details the significant accomplishments that Meridian
nurses have made in the area of clinical practice, education,
research, publication, and local, regional, and national
presentations. Meridian nurses are known not only for the finest
quality care they deliver to patients but also the contributions that
they make to the advancement of the nursing science.
Over 75% of nurses are nationally certified in their area of clinical
expertise! This is an outstanding accomplishment of which we
should all be very proud! The national percentage of nurses who
are certified is between 11 and 15% and amongst Magnet
facilities it is 22%. We are certainly ahead of the curve because of
our commitment to being a highly motivated and educated nursing
staff. In the past four years, our percentage of bachelor’s prepared
nurses grew significantly and now nearly half of our direct care
givers have earned a BSN! Meridian continues to support ongoing
professional education as demonstrated by over $300,000 being
distributed in nursing scholarships!
Collectively we must continue to work diligently to create new
knowledge and innovation in the delivery of quality nursing care.
As the most respected profession, nurses will need to continue to
find new strategies to improve the outcomes of health care. By
continuing to question how we can make it better, we will develop
new solutions to age old problems and create the best nursing
organization in the country.
As we celebrate Nurses’ Week, let us remember how invaluable
we are because of our commitment and passion to the care
delivered to our patients. Nurses are the backbone of the health
care delivery team and we are trusted by our patients to care for
them with compassion and commitment to the science of nursing.
Regina Foley, R.N., MBA, MSN, FACHE
Mary Ann T. Donohue, R.N., Ph.D., APN, NEA-BC
Richard Hader, R.N., Ph.D., FAAN, CNE, CPHQ
Vice President of Nursing & Hospital Operations
Ocean Medical Center
Vice President of Nursing & Chief Nurse Executive
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Senior Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer
Meridian Health
Linda Walsh, R.N., MSN, CEN
Richard A. Ridge, R.N., Ph.D., CENP
Lori Colineri, R.N., MSN
Vice President of Nursing & Chief Nurse Executive
Bayshore Community Hospital
Vice President of Nursing & Chief Nurse Executive
Southern Ocean Medical Center
Vice President of Nursing & Chief Nurse Executive
Riverview Medical Center
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
1
Transformational Leadership
A Magnet Moment
“My unit initiated MAK (Medication Administration Check). MAK enables a nurse
to see all the medications that need to be given or have been given to a patient.
Medication administration is now charted in real time. A unique feature of this new
program is the scanning of patient identification labels and medications to verify
that the correct patient receives the correct medication.
Overall safety and quality of care has improved on 5 West due to the institution
of this new program. The professionalism and patience required to learn this new
method has brought out the best in our staff. Within a few days, our unit was using
MAK as if they had been using the program all along. However, the staff nurses
did not face this on their own. The dedication of our unit managers and nurse
educators made it all possible. They were indispensable resources, along with
Meridian Technical Support and Pharmacy, in helping to make a smooth transition.
Patrice Spina, R.N.
Ocean Medical Center, 5 West
Meridian strives to deliver quality and safety to its patients. This has been shown
through many efforts. The MAK program has been a huge step towards achieving
quality nursing care and nursing efficiency.”
2010 ANCC Certified Specialty Nurse Award
Richard T. Hader, Ph.D., R.N., NE-BC, FAAN, CHE, CPHQ
Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for
Meridian Health
“Dr. Hader’s remarkable contributions to nursing practice and
his commitment to nursing certification make him the perfect
choice for this award,” says ANCC Executive Director Jeanne
Floyd, R.N., Ph.D., CAE.
Rich led the transformation of nursing practice and patient care
at Meridian Health through the development and implementation
of unique programs centered on increasing successful patient
outcomes. This initiative has led to a certification rate of more
than 75% in nursing specialties throughout the organization,
robust performance improvement projects within the clinical
ladder programs, and outstanding organizational and patient
outcomes. He is an innovative, visionary leader who inspires
others to new heights of excellence.
His visionary leadership led to the establishment of the
unique interdisciplinary, patient-centered Meridian Health
Institute for Evidence-Based Care. In the two years since its
inception, the Institute has produced a research study on
medication reconciliation, over 20 interdisciplinary evidence
reviews, one multi-site performance improvement project on
ambulation, seven evidence-based Webcasts, and two
ground-breaking interdisciplinary evidence-based regional
conferences. Rich’s commitment to ANCC is evident through
his service as an ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®
appraiser. He has served as a Magnet appraiser and team
leader since 1998 and served on more than 20 review teams.
A significant achievement led by Rich was the establishment
of The Georgian Court-Meridian Health School of Nursing,
an innovative and unique partnership between a nonprofit,
independent health system and a local Catholic university. This
BSN program, established in 2008 under his stewardship, is the
only general BSN program in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Further, he secured support for the establishment of the Ann May
Center for Nursing Excellence, which offers scholarships, career
development, mentorship, education, research, and peer support
to hundreds of nurses.
“Rich Hader is one of Meridian Health’s most valuable assets,”
says Kathleen Russell-Babin, senior manager for the Institute
for Evidence-Based Care. “His outstanding knowledge
and experience in health care administration are complemented
by his abilities to rapidly and accurately assess situations and
people to direct them on a path of success.”
Awards and Honors
Our nurses are recognized for excellence in practice, education, and for the generation of innovative ideas and new
knowledge. Not only are their contributions celebrated locally at Meridian, many have been acknowledged
in the community, statewide, and nationally.
Alejandro Allanigue, RN-C, BSN
Excellence Award on Clinical Excellence of the Year,
Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey
JSUMC
Bruce Alston, R.N.
Geriatric Clinical Scholar, Meridian Health
Gilda M. Alvarez, RN-BC, BSN
Polaris Award, Meridian Health
Donna Angelucci, MA, RN, BC
Therapy Dog Terrific Award for Outstanding Service as
Pet Therapist, Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs Incorporated
Roanna Rose Arcardo, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
Ellen Asaro, RNC, BSN
Kellogg Award for Excellence in Nursing, Meridian Health
Ashley Ascough, R.N., CCRN, CSC
Social Change Scholarship, Walden University
JSUMC
Rosie Baselici, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Nimfa Baya, RN-BC, BS
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, Lambda Delta
Chapter, Inductee
MaryAlyce (Molly) Berkowitz, R.N., BSN
Outstanding EMS Educator, NJ State Conference on EMS
Jane Bliss-Holtz, DNSc, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
MH
Karen Brodeur, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Lynne M. Bottge, RN-BC
Orion Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Valerie Bourdot, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Maureen Buckley, R.N., CCM
Star Award, Southern Ocean Medical Center
SOMC
Mae Burrell, RN-BC
Galaxy Award, Meridian Health; Ann May Center for Nursing
General Scholarship, Meridian Health; Sigma Theta Tau International
Honor Society, Inductee
JSUMC
Sara Jane Campbell, R.N., BSN, CHN
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Vimla Christian, R.N., CNN
Orion Award, Meridian Health
Marie Chisvette, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Jennifer Collins, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Kathryn Burns Collins, R.N., BS,
MPA, FACHE
Good Scout Award, Boy Scouts of America;
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Ann Marie Conte, R.N., BS, CPN
Lloyd Family Nursing Scholarship, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Kathleen Curto, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Lucille Delas Alas, R.N., BSN
Special Recognition by Medical Staff, Associates in
Cardiovascular Disease (AICD)
BCH
Susan (Candy) Dice, R.N., CPAN
Kellogg Award for Excellence in Nursing, Meridian Health
OMC
Michele Doebler Morgan, RN-BC
Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, Lambda
Delta Chapter, Inductee
JSUMC
Colleen Drucker, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Jane Drucker, RN-BC
Reiki Level III Practitioner
Jackie Dwyer, R.N., MSN
Gold Plus Award, AHA for Quality in Stroke
JSUMC
David Egan, RNA
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Judith Egan, RNC, MSN, CAPA
Monmouth University Academic Excellence Award,
Monmouth University
Pamela Egnatovich, R.N, BSN
Dorothy Kaywood Schafer Scholarship, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Pasqualina (Lina) English, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Beverly J. Fey, RN-BC
Orion Award and Polaris Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
SOMC
JSUMC
BCH
JSUMC
OMC
RMC
JSUMC
RMC
OMC
OMC
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
3
Awards and Honors
Regina Foley, R.N., MBA, MSN, FACHE
Humanitarian of the Year, Brick Rotary
Most Powerful and Influential Women of the Region
OMC
Kathleen Frank, RNC
Kellogg Award for Excellence in Nursing, Meridian Health
OMC
Julie George, R.N., BSN, CCRN
Dedication and Excellence Award, HPAE Local 5138,
Southern Ocean Medical Center
Penny Geis, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
Rebecca Graboso, DNP, R.N.,
CCRN, FNP-BC
Nursing Excellence APN category, Philippine Nurses
Association of New Jersey
Lisa Guinta, MSN, RN-BC
Nominee, Kellogg Award; Meridian Health
Galaxy Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Joan Hallman, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
SOMC
JSUMC
RMC
Linda Hassler, R.N., MS, GCNS-BC
First Place Poster: GREAT KIT, NYU NICHE Conference
Ellen Heffernan, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
MH
Mary Henderson, R.N.
New Jersey Top Walker Hall of Fame, American
Heart Association; Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Amanda Hessels, R.N., MSN, MPH, CIC
Gail Lawrence Memorial Award, Meridian Health;
Mary V. Black Memorial Award, Meridian Health;
First Place Research Poster Winner, 6th Annual Nursing Research
and Evidence Based Practice Day, Meridian Health,
F.M. Kirby Foundation Doctoral Fellowship
JSUMC
Bernice Hettesheimer, R.N., CGRN
Orion Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Pamela Holmgren, LPN, CGN
Diversity Among the Work Place Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Eduardo Iway Jr., RN-BC, BSN
Kellogg Award for Excellence in Nursing, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Sharon S. Jones, MS, RN-BC, CCRN
Circle of Excellence Award for Chapter Collaboration,
Jersey Shoreline Chapter of AACN
OMC
Karen Kennedy, RNC-NIC
Bard Foundation Nursing Education Scholarship,
Meridian Health; Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society,
Phi Kappa Phi Chapter, Inductee
OMC
Melaney Kinn-Gurzo, R.N.
Orion Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Patricia R. Kremens, R.N., CNOR, ONC
Giraffe Award, Jersey Shore University Medical Center
JSUMC
Ruthann Kosick, MSN, R.N., CCRN, CPAN
Dawn’s Gift, Jersey Shore University Medical Center;
Ann May Center General Scholarship, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Barbara Lawless, R.N., OCN
Star Award, Southern Ocean Medical Center
Debra L. Lechner, R.N.
Kellogg Award for Excellence in Nursing, Meridian Health
Sandra Leddy, R.N., BSN
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Susan Levine, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Noelle Liquori, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Catherine Loughrey, R.N., MSN,
CCRN, CNRN
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Jamie Lowe, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Kate Luscombe Elliott, RN-BC
Galaxy Award, Meridian Health; Shooting Stars, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Rita (Sissy) Mahar, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Elisabeth A. Margl, RN-BC, BSN, CGRN
Nominee, Kellogg Award, Meridian Health
Lee (Sue) Martindell, LPN
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
Elizabeth Martinez, R.N., ONC
Grant Recipient, Oncology Nursing Society Foundation,
Program “Fitting Yourself into Your Own Schedule”
Marie Maursky, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
SOMC
RMC
OMC
JSUMC
OMC
JSUMC
Awards and Honors
Sharon McAllister, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Rosemary McCabe, R.N., MSN, FNP, APN
Mildred H. Rosa President’s Scholarship Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Kimberly McCourt, R.N., BSN, MSN,
CCRN, ANP, APCN
Inductee, Point Pleasant Borough High School Hall of Fame;
NJSNA CARES Award for Excellence in Nursing Clinical Practice
JSUMC
Joyce McKeever, R.N., MS, IBCLC
Master Trainer for Team STEPPS, Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality
JSUMC
Robyn McNamara, R.N., CGRN
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Kenneth Murdoch, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Marlene B. Navarro, MSN,
AOCNP, ANP-BC
Jack Moriarty ONS Congress Scholarship, ONS, Central
New Jersey Chapter
OMC
Nicole Ortiz, RN-BC, BSN
Veronica B. & Felix J. Wolfe Scholarship, Ocean Medical Center;
Bard Foundation Nursing Education Scholarship; Meridian Health
Nominee, Kellogg Award, Meridian Health
OMC
Margaret Pallante, R.N., CCM
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Loretta Pasquarella, R.N., MSN,
NP-C, OCN
Summa Cum Laude, MSN Program, Rutgers, The State
University of New Jersey
JSUMC
Meaghan Peters, R.N.
Polaris Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Aldertha Pitts, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Maria Rocel Ramos, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Karen Reider, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Thomas J. Reinhold, R.N.
Nominee, Ginny Horner Excellence in Nursing, Ocean Medical Center
Clair Ruffler, RN-BC, BSN
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health; Polaris Award, Meridian Health
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN, R.N.,
NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
NJSNA CARES Award for Nursing Administration, NJSNA;
Lloyd Family Nursing Scholarship, Meridian Health
OMC
JSUMC
MH
Gity Safari, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Audrey Savino, R.N., BSN
Nominee, Donor Advocate, The Sharing Network
JSUMC
Sheri L. Schuman, R.N., CCRN
Polaris Award, Meridian Health
RMC
Denise Schwartz, R.N., BSN, BC
Ocean Medical Center Scholarship, Meridian Health;
Ann May General Scholarship, Meridian Health
OMC
Kathy Shimchak, R.N
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
Kimberly Simon, R.N., BSN, CIC
Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Award, Riverview Medical
Center Medical Executive Committee
Judith Slover-Zipf, DNP, ANP-BC,
BC-ADM, CDE
Galaxy Award, Meridian Health
Danielle Smith, R.N., BSN, CNOR
Nominee, Kellogg Award, Meridian Health
Theresa Smith-Lipscomb, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
Lisa Ann Snyder-Stackhouse, R.N., BSN
Dean’s Honor List, Kean University
Chrisanne Starrett, R.N., CEN
Kellogg Award for Excellence in Nursing, Meridian Health;
Polaris Award, Meridian Health
Kathleen Sullivan, RN-BC, MSN
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
Thomas Theroux, R.N.
Frank S. Hedges Memorial Scholarship, Meridian Health
Maria G.D. Torres, RN-BC
Galaxy Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Tiffany Troncone, R.N., OCN
Mehandru Award for Nursing Excellence, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Melanie Turaniczo, R.N., BSN, OCN
Madelyn Wilson Scholarship, Meridian Health;
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
JSUMC
RMC
JSUMC
OMC
JSUMC
SOMC
OMC
JSUMC
OMC
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
5
Awards and Honors
Debra Umlauf, RN-BC
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Tiffany E. Ustick, RN-C, BSN
Orion Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Trish Vigna, R.N., MSN, APN, CWCN
JSUMC
Jenna Wallace, R.N., CCRN
Forum of Nurses in Advanced Practice (FNAP);
APN State Award for Excellence, APN Education Day;
Ann May General Scholarship, Meridian Health
Tracy Walters, R.N.
Rudolf & Ellen Rumeld Memorial Scholarship, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Kelly Ward, R.N.
Florence Nightingale Award, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Tamara Washington, R.N., BSN
Donald J. Keenan Nursing Prize, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Jennifer White, RN-BC, CNML
Nominee, ONE/NJ Nurse Leader Acute Care
Sonja M. Williams, RN-BC, BSN
Cole Foundation Grant, Kean University;
Florence Nightingale, Meridian Health;
Orion Award, Meridian Health
Nancy Winter, R.N., BSN, MSN, NE-BC
Kellogg Award for Excellence in Nursing, Meridian Health
MH
Teri Wurmser, Ph.D., MPH, R.N., NEA-BC
Leadership for Academic Nursing Program Fellow for AACN 2010-2011
MH
Christine Zebrowski, R.N., BSN
Barbara Bailey Nursing Scholarship, Meridian Health
JSUMC
Laura Zimmerman, RNC, MA,
CRRN, HN-BC
Madelyn Wilson Scholarship, Meridian Health
JSUMC
JSUMC
RMC
JSUMC
Exemplary Professional Practice
A Magnet Moment
“The most amazing special Magnet moments for me are those times when you
win over the trust of the patient, which enables you to teach them how to care for
themselves and improve their health. Nurse retention is high at Meridian so when
patients are readmitted or use our outpatient facility, it’s a “safe” place for them
as they see familiar faces of trusted professionals. My patients have enjoyed
knowing that when Riverview Medical Center first got Magnet status, we were the
first system in the country to have all campuses Magnet certified.”
Marilyn Noesges, R.N.
Riverview Medical Center, 4 South
2010 NJSNA C.A.R.E.S. Award for Nursing
Excellence in Clinical Practice
Kimberly McCourt, R.N., MSN, APN, CCRN
Heart Failure Coordinator/Adult Nurse Practitioner
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Kim McCourt built her role as a nurse practitioner on a foundation of over 20 years of
experience in cardiac intensive care. She now expertly applies standards of practice to
manage, support, and coordinate care for the growing congestive heart failure population
during acute episodic illness and exacerbation of their chronic disease. Kim develops
collaborative plans of care as she works with 38 physician associates in delivering
inpatient and outpatient cardiac care. Through her practice, she has consistently demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in
the area of leadership, management, and patient care.
Kim has developed protocols for DVT management, initiated outpatient inotropic infusion services, tracked patient progress through
tele-medicine, and is developing updated CHF clinical pathways. She has conducted nursing research related to neseritide infusion,
epicardial pacing, use of low molecular weight heparin in the Cardiac Cath Lab, and has participated in clinical trials that included cardiac
patients. Kim actively advocates for her patients and assures their rights as she delivers safe and ethical care. She carefully manages
patients’ cardiac volumes, working with her nursing colleagues to minimize the use of medications and reduce hospital length of stay.
Kim’s service to the profession includes teaching Advanced Cardiac Life Support. She is also a frequent speaker at the Meridian Health
APN network, monthly nursing orientation, and the Acute Care Nurse Practitioner convention. Her education extends to the community
where she has presented topics related to women and heart disease and heat stroke in the elderly.
Kim possesses exemplary clinical skills and a commitment to caring that acknowledges the interpersonal connection between the nurse,
patient, and family in the delivery of cardiac health care.
“Kim prizes honesty and integrity above all else, and sets the standard higher for herself,” says Nancy Shafer-Winter, R.N., MSN, NE-BC,
senior manager of Patient Care at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “Her self motivation, dedication to quality care, and enthusiastic
approach to accomplishing personal and professional goals can only contribute to Meridian Health.”
2010 NJSNA C.A.R.E.S. Award for Nursing
Excellence in Nursing Administration
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN, R.N., NE-BC, ACNS, BC
Senior Manager, Meridian Health Institute for Evidence-Based Care
Kathy Russell-Babin has demonstrated leadership expertise through her service to the
people of New Jersey for nearly 30 years in numerous roles in nursing administration.
Throughout her career she has transformed organizations, motivated team members,
and turned challenges into remarkable success stories. Kathy’s skills in sound fiscal
management are evidenced throughout her career in the administration of salary
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
7
Exemplary Professional Practice
budgets, oversight of multiple acute care departments and their
patients, and her responsibility for as many as 1,200 full time
employees. She has sought and secured numerous competitive
grants in support of special initiatives. Most recently, Kathy
secured $35,000 in funding to implement a pharmacist model of
care demonstration project aimed at medication reconciliation.
Kathy has shown outstanding leadership in the development
of sound nursing administration systems while leading her
organizations to secure and maintain the ANCC Magnet
recognition, which requires exemplary nursing leadership and
outstanding measures of nursing quality indicators. She has led
numerous executive, educational, and quality improvement teams
to ensure regulatory compliance that have resulted in high
ratings from The Joint Commission. In her most recent role
as senior manager for the Meridian Health Institute for
Evidence-Based Care, Kathy integrates a new theoretical
framework into the nursing environment. Through her leadership,
Kathy ensures that new knowledge is translated to the bedside
and that care is based on sound, scientific, and up-to-date
evidence in the delivery of safe, effective, and ethical nursing
practice. Furthermore, Kathy ensures the new paradigm
of evidence-based care is sustained through mentorship
and education of staff, physicians, and emerging
nursing administrators.
Kathy created the Nursing Quality Scholars program,
established a Nursing Quality Council, and continues to
champion patient/family centered care. Her administrative
support has helped us achieve comprehensive stroke center
designation, develop protocols for mental status assessment
and falls risk/prevention, and create reports to disseminate
NDNQI results to team members.
“Kathy is an innovative, visionary leader who fosters
professional growth, inspires and models nursing excellence,
and is highly committed to the highest standards of nursing
administration,” says Teri Wurmser, Ph.D., MPH, R.N., CNAA,
director of Meridian Health’s Ann May Center for Nursing.
Clinical Advancement and Recognition of Excellence
The C.A.R.E. Program acknowledges and rewards nurses who have demonstrated a level of clinical expertise
and practice that improves patient outcomes.
Fellow
Jennifer Abbes, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
Angelina Abella, R.N., BSN
RMC
Nicole Adams, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Rita M. AdAse, R.N., CNOR, CGRN, AS
JSUMC
Sherry Arabia, R.N., BS
RMC
Karen Asmar, RN-C, AS
RMC
Janet Elaine Avon, RN-C, BSN
OMC
Gail Baker, R.N., CNOR
Roel C. Banal, R.N., CNOR, BSN
Mary Meagan Barns, R.N., CCRN, BSN
JSUMC
RMC
JSUMC
Jerry Barry, R.N., AS
OMC
Theresa Baxter, R.N., CCRN, AS
OMC
Sebastiana Benavide, RN-C, AS
Kelly L. Bocchino, R.N., AS
JSUMC
RMC
Dana Bodziak, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Claire Bosko, R.N., CGRN
JSUMC
Suzanne Brown, R.N., CMSRN, BSN
JSUMC
Eileen Bye, R.N., AS
OMC
Kim Cardace, RN-C, BSN
OMC
A. Carol Carhart, R.N., BSN
RMC
Stephanie Carrion, R.N., CAPA, BA
JSUMC
Girlie Castillon, R.N., CNOR, BSN
JSUMC
Cynthia Cates-Silva, RN-C, BSN
OMC
Annemarie Cavalli, RN-C, BSN
RMC
Kathy Cavallini, R.N., AS
Kristina J. Ceppaluni, R.N., AS
JSUMC
RMC
Joseph Church, R.N., AS
RMC
Suzanne Clancy, R.N., AS
OMC
Charlotte L. Cole, R.N., RN-BC, AS
JSUMC
Kimberly Crowning, RN-BC, BS
OMC
Jaine Cruz, RN-C, BSN
OMC
Betsy Cushman-Creter, R.N., BSN
OMC
Anabella Dacpano, R.N., CCRN, BSN
OMC
Esther M. Dayalan, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Carol DeBenedictis, R.N., CCRN, BSN
OMC
Cathy D’Elia, R.N., BSN
RMC
Patricia DePuy, R.N., BS
JSUMC
Wendy Devirgilis, R.N., DIP
JSUMC
Helen DeVitis, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Anabello Docpono, R.N., CCRN, BSN
OMC
Margaret Doherty, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Cecilia Dominisac-Sanchez, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Toni Donovan, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Judi Driscoll, RN-C, AS
OMC
Dolores Dzubaty, RN-C, MSN
OMC
Clinical Advancement and Recognition of Excellence
Leslie Eaton, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Christina Lombardi, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Deborah Edgerton, RN-C
JSUMC
Janine Long, R.N., DIP
JSUMC
Sharon Enriquez, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Josephine Lopez, R.N., BSN
RMC
Lindsay Fehring, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Janice Lovell, RN-C
OMC
Marie A. Files, R.N., CES
RMC
Jennifer Lovey, R.N., CRN, BSN
JSUMC
Nenita Flores, R.N., BSN
OMC
Jillian Luongo, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
Abelardo Galang, R.N., M.D.
RMC
Tara Magill, RN-C, AS
JSUMC
Nancy Gannon, R.N., CCRN, BSN
JSUMC
Irene Marsh, RN-C, AS
OMC
Rowena Garcia, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Joena Marshall, RN-C, CBC, AS
OMC
Penny Gels, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Lauren Mashropicro, R.N., BSN
RMC
Laurie Giacone, R.N., CCRN, BSN
JSUMC
Donna Mayer, RN-C, AS
OMC
RMC
Kathleen A. McCue, R.N.
RMC
OMC
Darlene Goldberg, R.N.
Karen Gould, R.N., AS
Kelley McRory, R.N., CCRN
JSUMC
Joanne Hahn, R.N., RN-C, AS
JSUMC
JoAnn Merckx, RN-C
JSUMC
Barbara Hammond, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Dawn Miranda, R.N.
RMC
Sharohn Hankins, RN-BC, BSN
RMC
Deborah Monroe, R.N., AS
OMC
Mary Ann Hay, RN-C, AS
OMC
Barbara Moore, RN-C, DIP
JSUMC
Marian Hedden, RN-C
OMC
Tracy Moreland, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Erika Mulreed, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Katelyn Mundorff, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Christina Hendrickson, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Dawn Hergert, R.N., BSN
OMC
Laure Hill, R.N., CAPA, BSN
RMC
Leeann Murray, R.N., CAPA
RMC
Lauren Hopwood, R.N., CNRN, AS
JSUMC
Renee Nebus, R.N., AS
OMC
Diana Horwitz, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
Dawn Negri, R.N., AS
Mandi Hughes, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Carole Nemec-Hart, R.N., MCS, AS
OMC
JSUMC
Jean Hughes, R.N., CNN, AS
OMC
Janine Novrit, R.N., AS
RMC
Kristin Inzana, R.N., BSN
RMC
Terri L. O’Regan, R.N., BSN
RMC
Janice Jaiyeola, R.N., AS
RMC
Granet Padalia, R.N., RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
Anna Jocson, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
Joey L. Padilla, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
Stephanie Kane-Faulhaber, R.N., RN-C, AS
JSUMC
Pamela Palmer, R.N., BSN
OMC
Margaret Keffner, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
Kristina Pascucci, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Emily Keller, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Suzanne Penna, R.N., BSN
OMC
Sandra Persaud-Foster, R.N.
RMC
Donna Kester, R.N., BSN
RMC
Robin CK King, R.N.
JSUMC
Meaghan Peters, R.N., AS
Susan LaBianco, R.N., BS
JSUMC
Linda Peterson, R.N., AS
Avegail LaGuerta, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
JSUMC
OMC
Jasmin Pilapil, R.N., BSN
RMC
Karen Lammann, R.N., BA
OMC
Shannon Popola, R.N., CAPA, BSN
JSUMC
Daniel Lang, R.N., CNOR, AS
RMC
Brigitte Pyne, R.N.
JSUMC
Kristine Lao, RN-BC, BSN
RMC
Gwen Reynolds, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Amanda Rinderer, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
JSUMC
Carmelinda Lapadula, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
Alice Lastimosa, R.N., AS
OMC
Jessica Rivera, R.N., AS
Sylvia Lau-Kwan, RN-C, BSN
RMC
Eileen Roberto, R.N., MSN
Deborah Lee, R.N., AS
JSUMC
OMC
Ercilia Rodriguez, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Joseph A LeGrano, R.N.
RMC
Clair Ruffler, R.N. BSN
JSUMC
Duane Leist, R.N., CNOR, AS
RMC
Lisa M. Ryan, R.N., AS
RMC
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
9
Clinical Advancement and Recognition of Excellence
Sheri L. Schuman, R.N., BSN
RMC
Arlene Vito, R.N., BSN
RMC
Deborah L. Shea, R.N., CCRN, AS
OMC
Rachael Vogt, R.N., PCCN, BSN
JSUMC
Marelene Sia, R.N., BSN
RMC
Jenna Wallace, R.N.
JSUMC
Seton Simar, RN-C
OMC
Mara Warehime, R.N., BSN
RMC
Christine Simoes, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
Lois A. Weber, RN-C, AS
Brandy Stewart, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Lisa Weiss-Walters, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
Marcia A. Teape, RN-C, AS
JSUMC
Eric K. Wignall, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Marie Theosny, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Jennifer Willis, R.N., BSN
RMC
Rachel Tinao, R.N., BSN
OMC
Patricia A. Windas, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Marleen Trabold, RN-C
OMC
Marianne Wood, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
Rita Traina, RN,-C
OMC
Patrycjusz Wysocki, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Biji Varghese, R.N., CCRN, BSN
Laurette Vilardi, R.N., AS
JSUMC
JSUMC
RMC
Resource
Amy Addeo, R.N., CAPA
JSUMC
Joy Sheryl Hibionada, R.N., BSN
Michelle Allert, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Leah Jacobs, RN-C, BSN
Stella Atamian, R.N., BSN
RMC
Jamie Kiernan, RN-BC, BSN
Hegel A. Balingit, R.N., BSN
RMC
Diane S. LaBarbera, RN-C, AS
RMC
OMC
JSUMC
RMC
Jacki Bernick, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
Kristen Latendresse-Carnevale, R.N.
JSUMC
Michele Bobal, R.N., AS
JSUMC
JoAnn Lillis, R.N.
Fallon A. Brown, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Sharon A. Lyden, R.N., CDN, AS
Vicma Marie Cac, RN-C, AS
JSUMC
Sharon Mack, R.N.
OMC
Anne Carmel E. Castillo, R.N., CMSRN, BSN
JSUMC
Anne Manzi, R.N.
OMC
Ronald Castillon, RN-BC, AS
JSUMC
Ellen McCue, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Almarie D. Castro, RN-BC, BSN
JSUMC
Jennifer L. McGinn, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Catherine P. Connelly, RN-C, AS
RMC
Nenita Medina, R.N., BSN
RMC
Joanne Mary Corley, RN-C, BSN
RMC
Michelle A. Mezey, RN-C, AS
OMC
RMC
JSUMC
Marilyn Crotty, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
Rachel Miller, RN-C, AS
JSUMC
Jane Cushing, RN-C, AS
JSUMC
Danielle A. Moran, RN-C, MSN
JSUMC
Abraham de Leon, R.N., BSN
RMC
Linda Murphy, R.N.
Jeanette C. DelRosario, R.N., MSN
RMC
Helen Olairez, R.N., CCNN, BSN
OMC
OMC
Wendy DiBenedetto, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Jody A. Orth, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
James Dougherty, R.N., RN-BC, AS
JSUMC
Agnes Reyes, R.N., BSN
RMC
Kimberly Dwyer, R.N., CCRN, BSN
JSUMC
Alyssa Roman, R.N., AS
OMC
Beata Emanuel, RN-C, AS
JSUMC
Rose Rumore, RN-C
RMC
RMC
Monica Saldarini, R.N., CPAN, AS
Mary Ann Fernandes, RN-C, AS
OMC
Mary C. Schaad, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Kimberly Forgione, R.N., ONC, AS
RMC
Nadine Schaefer, RN-C, AS
JSUMC
Carmenchu Go, R.N., BSN
RMC
Maria Trifona Silverman, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Mary Pat Fastiggi, R.N., BSN
RMC
Theresa Gonzalez, R.N., CEN, AS
JSUMC
Marylou Stevens, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Theresa Grotheer, RN-C, AS
JSUMC
Sherry Timbrook, RN-C, AS
JSUMC
Jose A. Guerrero, R.N., BSN
RMC
Debra Umlauf, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Lauren Hanson-Gaines, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
Joce Salcedo Villegas, R.N., AS
Angela Hasko, RN-BC, AS
JSUMC
Judith Virga, R.N., CCRN, AS
OMC
Francine Wyres, R.N., CNN, BSN
OMC
Michael Paul Hibionada, R.N., BSN
RMC
OMC
Clinical Advancement and Recognition of Excellence
Scholar
Scholar - CRS
Gilda Alvarez, RN-C, BSN
JSUMC
Joanah Amparo, R.N., DIP
JSUMC
Rebecca Reinhold, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Monica Bergrud, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Scholar - EBP
Valerie Bourdot, RN-C, AS
JSUMC
Mary Bertero, RN-C, BSN
OMC
Karen Brodeur, R.N., CPN, CPEN, AS
JSUMC
Tamara Cafaro, RN-C, BSN
RMC
Dawn Chadwick, R.N., AS
RMC
Frank Dante, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Patricia D. Crocker, R.N., CEN
RMC
David Egan, R.N., CCRN, BS
JSUMC
Diane Czeczuga, RN-C, DIP
OMC
Michael Rupp, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Jenifer Daily, RN-C, BSN
RMC
Kellis Tippit, R.N., DIP
JSUMC
Mary Anne Unger, R.N., CCRN, AS
JSUMC
Francine Dygulski, RN-C, AS
JSUMC
Dana Forster, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Jacqueline Frederique, RN-C
JSUMC
Scholar - GCS
Carroll Friscia, RN-C, BSN
RMC
Kristen Beer, R.N., BSN
OMC
Lani Gernalin, R.N., OCN, BSN
OMC
Jane Drucker, RN-BC, AS
OMC
Kelly Howey, R.N., CCRN
OMC
Karen Kelly, RN-C, AS
Michelle Iannello, R.N.
RMC
Susan Love, R.N., AS
Dawn Manna, R.N., ONC, AS
JSUMC
Kathy McGovern, R.N., CCRC
JSUMC
Patricia M. McKeon, R.N.
JSUMC
Agnes Aurea C. Mendoza, RN-C, AS
JSUMC
M. Jane Mulligan, R.N., CCRN, AS
Jennifer Oritz, R.N., BSN
Patricia Pavlinet, R.N., AS
OMC
JSUMC
RMC
Denise Pischel, R.N., CNRN, CCRN, BSN
JSUMC
Joni Prentice, R.N., CCRN, NP-C, MSN
JSUMC
Jane Schappert, RN-C, AS
RMC
Kathleen S. Spillane, RN-C, AS
JSUMC
Heather Starnes, RN-BC, AS
JSUMC
Mary Lou Wessels, R.N., CEN
RMC
OMC
JSUMC
Thomas Theroux, R.N., AS
OMC
Scholar - NQS
Elaine Alerta, R.N., BSN
RMC
Alejandro Allanique, RN-BC, BSN
RMC
Suzanne Emanueli, R.N., BA
RMC
Patricia Gordon, R.N.
RMC
Jennifer Harper, R.N., CNN
OMC
Jill E. Izzo, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Carol Jamieson, RN-C, OCN, AS
RMC
Barbara Lechner, R.N., AS
JSUMC
Marie Mupada, R.N.
JSUMC
Priscilla Velasquez, RN-C, BS
RMC
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
11
Certifications
The enduring desire to advance one’s clinical skills and to achieve new knowledge is a powerful motivation for Meridian nurses.
AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (ACRN)
Susan Bataille, R.N., ACRN
Nilda R. Lamour Fitzgerald, R.N., BSN, ACRN
Adult Nurse Practitioner (APN-BC)
Margaret M. Corcoran, MSN, MBA, APN-BC
Vicki DeNoia, R.N., APN-BC
Patti Worth, R.N., APN-BC
recertification
MH
MQC
MQC
Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)
Mary Ann T. Donohue, Ph.D., R.N., APN, NEA-BC
Carolyn Keating, APN, MSN, CCRN
recertification
JSUMC
RMC
Advanced Practice Nurse,
Certified (APN-C)
Landa A. PoianiDarocki, MSN, APN-C, COHN-S
recertification
MH
Ambulatory Care Nurse
Certification (RN-BC)
Nancy Atheras, RN-BC, BSN
Karen Cadigan, RN-BC
Jennifer Filardo, RN-BC, BSN
Susan Sharkey, RN-BC
OMC
JSUMC
OMC
OMC
Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC)
Ashley Ascough, R.N., CCRN, CSC
Meagan Barnes, BS, R.N., CCRN, CSC
JSUMC
JSUMC
Cardiac Vascular Nurse
Certification (RN-BC)
Christine Brodeur, RN-BC
Rebecca McBride, RN-BC, BSN
Alanna Schauer, RN-BC
Candy Scisco, RN-BC
Patricia Voorhees, RN-BC
JSUMC
JSUMC
BCH
JSUMC
JSUMC
Certified Ambulatory
Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA)
Suzanne Davitt, R.N., BSN, CAPA
Elizabeth Dowe, R.N., CPAN, CAPA
Catherine A. Isnardi, RN-BC, BSN, CAPA
Noelle Liquori, R.N., CAPA
Certified Breast Cancer Nurse (CBCN)
Betty Moore, R.N., BSN, CBCN
Certified Case Management (CCM)
Maureen Buckley, R.N., CCM
Margaret Pallante, R.N., CCM
Diane Passafiume, R.N., CCM
Certified Childbirth Educator (CCE)
Susan Pear, RNC-OB, CCE
Jean Shafto, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM
JSUMC
JSUMC
recertification
recertification
SOMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
recertification
SOMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
recertification
OMC
Certified Clinical Research
Coordinator (CCRC)
Kathy McGovern, R.N., CCRC
Dawn McIntyre, R.N. BSN, CCRC
Certified Correctional Health
Professional (CCHP-RN)
Susan Laffan, R.N., CCHP-RN, CCHP-A
SOMC
Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
Eddi Nitting, R.N., BSN, CDE
SOMC
Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN)
Philip Pesce, R.N., CDN
Maria Scuttaro, R.N., CDN
Mary Ann Sullivan, R.N., BSN, CDN
OMC
RMC
RMC
Certified in Electronic
Fetal Monitoring (C-EFM)
Jean Shafto, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM
OMC
Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
Kathleen Brophy-Degrassie, BS, CEN, ENPC, TNCC
Ryn Fernandez, R.N., MSN, APRN-BC, CEN, CCRN
Chrisanne Starrett, R.N., CEN
Edward Vetrecin, R.N., BSN, CCRN, CEN
Paul Wyche, R.N., BSN, CEN, CPEN
Certified Hospice and
Palliative Care Nurse (CHPN)
Cynthia J. Eustice, R.N., BSN, CHPN
Kathleen Gelchion, MSN, R.N., AOCNS-BC, CHPN
Certified in Infection Control
and Prevention (CIC)
Amanda Hessels, R.N., MSN, MPH, CIC
JSUMC
JSUMC
recertification
recertification
OMC
JSUMC
OMC
SOMC
RMC
RMC
RMC
recertification
JSUMC
Certifications
Certified Medical-Surgical
Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
Certified Neuroscience Nurse (CNRN)
Glynda Daradar, RN-BC, BSN, CMSRN
Jamie Mazza, R.N., CMSRN
Maryjo Phillips-Ruggiero, RN-BC, CMSRN, MSN
Brenda Snow, R.N., BSN, CMSRN
Robin Baumann, R.N., CNRN
Roland Castillon, R.N., CNRN
Francine Dygulski, RNC, BSN, CNRN
Jackie Dwyer, R.N., MSN, CNRN
Pasquilina English, R.N., CNRN
Jeff Garland, R.N., CNRN
Robin Grant, R.N., CNRN
Lauren Hopwood, R.N., CNRN
Nawal Jansen-Vorbach, R.N., CNRN
Catherine Loughrey, R.N., CNS, CNRN
Richard Penalosa, R.N., CNRN
Denise Pischel, R.N., CNRN, CCRN
Melissa Rocco, R.N., CNRN
Jocell Sigua, R.N., CNRN
Alison Trembly, R.N., CNRN, APN
recertification
RMC
SOMC
MH
SOMC
recertification
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
Certified Nurse Executive (NE-BC)
Terri T. Pietsch, R.N., MSN, CTR, OCN, NE-BC
RMC
Certified Nurse Manager Leader (CNML)
Jennifer White, RN-BC, CNML
RMC
Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR)
Mary Clair Delbury, R.N., CNOR
Karalyn Fallat, R.N., BSN, CNOR
Maria Flynn, R.N., CNOR
Jamie Hargis, R.N., CNOR
Kathleen Loeffler, R.N., CNOR
Maria Mellaci-Lourenco, R.N., CNOR
Patricia R. Kremens, R.N., CNOR, ONC
Renee Nebus, R.N., CNOR
Danielle Smith, R.N., BSN, CNOR
Margaret A. Sullivan, R.N., CNOR
Gina Wickberg, R.N., CNOR
Certified Occupational Health
Nurse-Specialist (COHN-S)
Landa A. PoianiDarocki, MSN, APN-C, COHN-S
Certified Pediatric Emergency
Nurse (CPEN)
Karen Brodeur, R.N., CPEN, CPN, TNCC
Idisbeth Perez-Burke, R.N., CPEN
Paul Wyche, R.N., BSN, CEN, CPEN
Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)
Edna J. Evangelista, R.N., BSN, CPN
Mary E. Peled, R.N., BSN, CPN
Rebecca Reinhold, R.N., CPN
Jill Tralka, R.N., BSN, CPN
recertification
SOMC
SOMC
SOMC
OMC
OMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
OMC
OMC
RMC
OMC
recertification
MH
recertification
JSUMC
RMC
RMC
recertification
recertification
JSUMC
OMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN)
Carolyn Reichard, R.N., CPAN
RMC
Certified Professional Healthcare
Quality (CPHQ)
Virginia Carbone, R.N., BSN, CPHQ
Kirsten Zabilowicz, R.N., CPHQ
Certified Radiology Nurse (CRN)
Jacqueline Green, R.N., CRN
Eddy M. Sousa, R.N. CRN
JSUMC
JSUMC
Certified Rehabilitation
Registered Nurse (CRRN)
Shannon Davis, R.N., CRRN
MNRW
Certified Surgical Technologists (CST)
Madeliene Ritter, LPN, CST
Critical Care Certification (CCRN)
Nicole Adams, R.N., BSN, CCRN
Ashley Ascough, R.N., CCRN, CSC
recertification
recertification
OMC
OMC
SOMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
13
Certifications
Meagan Barnes, BS, R.N., CCRN, CSC
Monica Bergrud, R.N., BSN, CCRN
Kathy Burke, R.N., CCRN
Monica Bergrud, R.N., BSN, CCRN
Huifang Cheng, R.N., CCRN
Julie George, R.N., BSN, CCRN
Melanie Lendis, R.N., CCRN
Mary Ellen “Megan” Matthews, R.N., CCRN
Robin McBrearty, R.N., CCRN
Ellen McCue, R.N., CCRN
Sandra A. Mead, MSN, APN-BC, FCCSC, CCRN
Maya Meyers, R.N., CCRN
Patricia Murray, R.N., CCRN
Denise Pischel, R.N., CNRN, CCRN
Patricia Reiff, R.N., BSN, CCRN, CPAN
Amy Sapp, R.N., BSN, CCRN
Sheri L. Schuman, R.N., CCRN
MaryLou Stevens, R.N., CCRN
MaryEllen Strozak, M.S., R.N., CCRN, CNS
Georgette Tucholski, R.N., BSN, CCRN
Jenna Wallace, R.N., CCRN
Eric K. Wignall, R.N., CCRN
Fellow American College of
Healthcare Executives (FACHE)
Regina Foley, R.N., MBA, MSN, FACHE
Gastroenterology Nurse
Certification (CGRN)
Christina Barrett R.N., BSN, CGRN, BC
Paulette Boquel, R.N., CGRN
Coletta M. Coles, R.N., MSN, CPAN, CAPA, BC, CGRN
Robyn McNamara, R.N., CGRN
Cindy Stagg, R.N., CGRN
Leslie Stewart, BA, R.N., CGRN
recertification
recertification
recertification
JSUMC
JSUMC
SOMC
JSUMC
BCH
SOMC
JSUMC
SOMC
SOMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
SOMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
RMC
JSUMC
RMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
OMC
recertification
recertification
JSUMC
OMC
OMC
JSUMC
SOMC
JSUMC
Gerontology Certification (GC)
Genevieve Marino, LPN, GC
Katy Mierta, LPN, GC
Noreen Raney, LPN, GC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
Gerontology Certification (RN-BC)
Virginia Adair, RN-BC, BSN, MS, MBA
Sherry Arabia, RN-BC
Lisa Armstrong, RN-BC
Barbara Boyler, RN-BC, BSN
Pamela Bryant, RN-BC
Sandy Caine, RN-BC
BCH
RMC
MNRW
JSUMC
BCH
MNRW
Certifications
Patricia Chambers, RN-BC
Marilyn Crotty, RN-BC
Kathleen Curto, RN-BC
Marissa S. Guzman, RN-BC
June Haesler, RN-BC
Jean Hirst, RN-BC
Darlene Innocent, RN-BC
Catherine A. Isnardi, RN-BC, BSN, CAPA
Cara Kennedy, RN-BC
Jaime Kiernan, RN-BC
Michele Knapp, RN-BC
Susan L. Love, RN-BC
Rosario Mangulabnan, RN-BC
Cynthia B. McDevitt, RN-BC
Iwana Regula, RN-BC
Deborah Reynolds, RN-BC
Enid Russell, RN-BC
Erin Ryan, RN-BC
Conchita “Connie” Sim, RN-BC, BSN
Georgette Spiecker, RN-BC
Maria Torres, RN-BC
Alda Valenzuela, RN-BC
Katherine VanBuskirk, RN-BC
Nancy Vogler, RN-BC
Julie Webster, RN-BC
Gerontological Clinical Nurse
Specialist (GCNS-BC)
Linda Hassler, R.N., MS, GCNS-BC
Gerontological Nurse PractitionerBoard Certified (GNP-BC)
Helen Miley, Ph.D., R.N., ACNP-BC, CCRN, GNP-BC
High Risk Neonatal Intensive
Care (NIC)
Kim Aufiero, RNC-NIC
Lori Messer, R.N., MS, NNP-BC, RNC-NIC
Blesilda S. Mision, RNC-NIC
Informatics Nursing Certification (BC)
Christine Devine, RN-BC, BS
Inpatient Obstetrics (RNC-OB)
Susan Pear, RNC-OB, CCE
Jean Shafto, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM
Low Risk Neonatal Nursing
Certification (RNC)
Colleen P. Anthes, RNC
Janet Avon, BSN, RNC
Medical Surgical Certification (RN-BC)
Nimfa Baya, RN-BC, BS
Violet Bernknopf, RN-BC
Luz Bonoan, RN-BC, BSN
Lynne M. Bottge, RN-BC
Barbara Boyler, RN-BC, BSN
Vicma Marie Cac, RN-BC, BSN
Raffaella Cervone, RN-BC
Andrea Crate, RN-BC
Kimberly Crowning, BS, RN-BC
Deborah Edgerton, RN-BC, BA
Lindsay Fehring, RN-BC
Kandy Gilvary, RN-BC
Maryna Hall, RN-BC, ONC
Joan Hallman, RN-BC, BSN
Peggy Kennedy, RN-BC
Denise L. LaBarge, RN-BC
Amanda Lillis, RNC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
OMC
JSUMC
OMC
JSUMC
OMC
JSUMC
MBTS
JSUMC
OMC
OMC
MQC
BCH
OMC
OMC
JSUMC
BCH
JSUMC
MQC
BCH
OMC
OMC
recertification
MH
MH
recertification
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
recertification
OMC
OMC
RMC
OMC
recertification
recertification
recertification
recertification
recertification
RMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
MNRS
OMC
OMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
SOMC
JSUMC
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
15
Certifications
Carol Nickel, RN-BC
Nicole Ortiz, RN-BC, BSN
Jasmin Osol, RNC, BC, MSN
Barbara Paratore, RN-BC
Clair Ruffler, RN-BC, BSN
Nancy Shen, RN-BC
Kathleen Sullivan, R.N., MSN, BC
Jianru Sun, RN-BC
Susan Sutcliffe, RN-BC
Roseann Szpiech, RN-BC
Debra Umlauf, RN-BC
Priscilla Velasquez, RN-BC, CMSRN
Jennifer White, RN-BC, CNML
Sheryl L. Williams, RN-BC
Sonja M. Williams, RN-BC, BSN
Nurse Executive Advanced-Board
Certified (NEA-BC)
Lori Colineri, R.N., MSN, NEA-BC
Mary Ann T. Donohue, Ph.D., R.N., APN, NEA-BC
Nurse Practitioner, Certified (NP-C)
Loretta Pasquarella, R.N., MSN, NP-C, OCN
Oncology Nursing Certification (OCN)
Karen Brady, R.N. OCN
Mary Lynn Breslin, R.N., BSN, OCN
Cheryl Cappetta, R.N., BSN, OCN
Angela A. Gagliardi, R.N., BSN, OCN
Nancy Kaminski, R.N., OCN
Barbara Lawless, R.N., OCN
Jane Masick, R.N., OCN
Barbara O’Connor, R.N., OCN
Orthopedic Nurse Certified (ONC)
Barbara Cloney, R.N., ONC
Evelyn Ferguson, R.N., BS, OCN, ONC
Meredith Gongora, R.N., ONC
Karen Gould, R.N., ONC
Maryna Hall, RN-BC, ONC
Peggy Kennedy, RN-BC, ONC
Linda A. Lagos, R.N., ONC
Cheryl Millea, R.N., ONC
Danielle Moran, BSN, RNC, ONC
Maria Ottens, R.N., ONC
Lori Rice, R.N., ONC
Angelica Rojas, R.N., ONC
Alison Skahan, RN-BC, BSN, ONC
Pain Management Certification (RN-BC)
Annette Henry, RN-BC
Pediatric Critical Care Nursing
Certification (CCRN)
Ruthann Kosick, MSN, R.N., CCRN, CPAN
Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
Deborah Pascoe, R.N., PCCN
Vera Verwey, R.N., PCCN
Psychiatric Nurse Certification (RN-BC)
Kim Kritch, RN-BC, BSN
Paula Lombardo, RN-BC
Registered Nurse, Certified in Maternal
Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN)
Kathleen Campbell, RNC-MNN
Allison Hitchner, RNC-MNN, BSN
Cynthia Wilhelm, RNC-MNN
Shelter Operations
Pamela Rossano, RNC, AWHONN
Wound Care Certified (WCC)
Mary Cohen, LPN
Joann Watson, R.N., CRRN, WCC
Helen Quigley, LPN
recertification
JSUMC
OMC
OMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
SOMC
SOMC
OMC
JSUMC
RMC
RMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
recertification
RMC
JSUMC
recertification
recertification
recertification
recertification
JSUMC
recertification
recertification
recertification
recertification
recertification
recertification
SOMC
OMC
OMC
OMC
SOMC
SOMC
SOMC
SOMC
OMC
OMC
JSUMC
OMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
OMC
OMC
JSUMC
OMC
OMC
OMC
OMC
recertification
JSUMC
JSUMC
SOMC
SOMC
recertification
JSUMC
RMC
SOMC
SOMC
SOMC
recertification
RMC
MNRW
RMC
MNRS
Professional Organizations
Collaboration, interaction with peers, and leadership skill development are all fundamental to advancing the nursing profession.
Alejandro Allanigue, RN-C, BSN
RMC
Board of Directors, The Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey, Monmouth
County Sub Chapter; Scholarship Fund for High School and College in the Philippines
Donna Angelucci, MA, RN, BC
BCH
Board of Directors, New Jersey League of Nurses; Member, New Jersey State Nurses
Association, Committee on Continuing Education; Consortium of NJ Nurse Educators
(CNJNE); Co-Chair, CNJNE Marketing/Public Relations Committee; Co-Chair, Nursing
Research Committee
OMC
Secretary, National Gerontological Nursing Association, Jersey Coast Chapter
Rhodora C. Barretto, RN-BN, BSN
MaryAlyce (Molly) Berkowitz,
R.N., BSN
Jane Bliss-Holtz, DNSc, R.N.
Mary Lynn Breslin, R.N., BSN, OCN
Jinx Bediguian, R.N., BSN, CNOR
JSUMC
MH
OMC
JSUMC
Vice-Chair, Basic Life Support (BLS) Advisory Committee to the New Jersey State
EMS Committee, NJ Dept. of Health and Senior Services; NJ Trauma Center Council
representative to the NJ Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMS-C)
Committee, NJ Dept. of Health and Senior Services
Member, Manuscript Review Panel, Journal of Nursing Regulation;
Member, Manuscript Review Panel, Nursing Research
President-Elect Oncology Nursing Society, Central NJ Chapter
Vice President, Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses, Jersey Shore Chapter
Nicholas Cardinale, R.N., CRNI
RMC
Editorial Review Board Member, Journal of Infusion Nursing
Coletta M. Coles, R.N., MSN, CPAN,
CAPA, BC, CGRN
OMC
Member of Nominations and Awards Committee, Society of Gastroenterology
Nurses and Associates (SGNA); Member-At-Large, SGNA, Region 67
Christine Conner, MSN, R.N.,
CCRN, CCNS
OMC
President-Elect, American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN),
AACN Jersey Shoreline Chapter
Diane Doherty, R.N., OCN
OMC
Program Coordinator and Board Member, Oncology Nursing Society
Mary Ann T. Donohue, Ph.D., R.N.,
APN, NEA-BC
Veronica Ehlert, R.N., CGRN
JSUMC
OMC
President, New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA)
Member-At-Large, Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA),
Ocean Monmouth Chapter
Yuri Fayngersh, R.N., MSN, CNOR
JSUMC
Vice President, Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Chapter 3107
Ryn Fernandez, R.N., MSN,
APRN-BC, CEN, CCRN
JSUMC
Treasurer and Membership Chairperson, Jersey Shoreline American Association
of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
Maria Galgon, R.N., BSN, OCN
OMC
Treasurer, Oncology Nursing Society, Central NJ Chapter
Annette Gee Monahan, R.N.,
MSN, CCRN
BCH
Secretary, American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN),
Jersey Shoreline Chapter
Rebecca Graboso, DNP, R.N.,
CCRN, FNP-BC
RMC
Secretary, Philippine Nurses Association of America-Advanced Practice
Nurse (APN) Forum; President, Philippine Nurses Association of NJ,
Monmouth County Subchapter
Diane Grant, R.N., BSN, ACRN
Stefanie Green, R.N., EMT
JSUMC
BCH
President-Elect, Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (ANAC), NJ State Chapter
Captain, Oakhurst First Aid Squad
Linda Hassler, R.N., MS, GCNS-BC
MH
Chair, National Gerontological Nursing Association, Geriatric APN Group;
Chair Nominations Committee, NJSNA Region 6
Christine Hedges, Ph.D., R.N.,
ACNS-BC, CCNS
MH
Department Editor, Research AACN Advance Critical Care; Manuscript Reviewer,
Research in Nursing & Health; Manuscript Reviewer, American Nurse Today;
Research Grant Reviewer, AACN
Amanda Hessels, R.N., MSN,
MPH, CIC
JSUMC
Chair, Nominating Committee, Northern New Jersey Association for Professionals
in Infection Control; Manuscript Reviewer, American Journal of Infection Control;
Planning Committee and Grant Coordinator, Annual APIC and IDSA Meeting
“Infectious Diseases and Prevention Trends for 2010”
Ruthann Kosick, MSN, R.N.,
CCRN, CPAN
JSUMC
Vice President, Health Professionals and Allied Employees, Local 5058
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
17
Professional Organizations
Patricia R. Kremens, R.N.,
CNOR, ONC
JSUMC
Board of Directors, Monmouth-Ocean Association of Operating Room Nurses
Margaret A. Janasie, R.N., BSN, CIC JSUMC
Legislative Representative, Association for Professionals in Infection
Prevention Control
Marcie Jannetti, R.N., BSN, CNOR
Regional Coordinator, National Membership Committee; Association of Perioperative
Registered Nurses (AORN); Chair-Elect, Minimally Invasive Surgery/Lasers
/Robotics Specialty Assembly; Board Member, Local Chapter 3104
Sharon S. Jones, MS, RN-BC, CCRN
Susan Laffan, R.N.,
CCHP-RN, CCHP-A
JSUMC
OMC
SOMC
Past President and Committee Chair for Education Planning, Jersey Shoreline
Chapter of American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
Chairperson-Membership, Academy of Correctional Health Professionals
Susan L. Love, RN-BC
JSUMC
Lay Chaplin, National Gerontological Nurses Association, Jersey Coast Chapter
Patricia A. Lucarelli, R.N., MSN,
CPNP, APN-C
JSUMC
Chair, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners Child Care Interest Group;
Chair, ARC of New Jersey Coalition for the Prevention of Developmental Disabilities
Elisabeth A. Margl, RN-BC,
BSN, CGRN
OMC
President, Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) Region #67,
Ocean-Monmouth NJ
Elizabeth Martinez, R.N., ONC
OMC
President, Central New Jersey Oncology Nursing Society
Kimberly McCourt, R.N., BSN,
MSN, CCRN, ANP, APCN
JSUMC
Member, American Association of Heart Failure; New Jersey State Nurses
Association (NJSNA); NJ Forum for Advanced Practice Nurses; Sigma Theta
Tau International; American Association of Critical Care Nurses
Terri McIntosh-Mount,
RNC-OB, BSN
JSUMC
Chair, NJSNA-Interested Nurses Political Action Committee
Marlene B. Navarro, MSN,
AOCNP, ANP-BC
OMC
Co-Chair, Fundraising Committee, Oncology Nursing Society,
Central New Jersey Chapter
Karen Nugent, R.N., CDN
OMC
Vice President, Monmouth University Professional Nurses Association;
Health Policy Liaison, American Nephrology Nurses Association, Chapter 125
Maureen O’Brien, R.N., MSN,
CCRN, ACNS-BC
Barbara Paratore, RN-BC
SOMC
Treasurer, American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), Jersey
Shoreline Chapter
JSUMC
Member, American Association of Neuroscience Nursing (AANN)
Kristen Perri, R.N., OCN
OMC
Nominating Chair, Central New Jersey Oncology Nursing Society
Terri T. Pietsch, R.N., MSN, CTR,
OCN, NE-BC
RMC
Member, Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), Member, Sigma Theta Tau National
Nursing Society
MH
Board Member, New Jersey State Association of Occupational Health Nurses
(NJSAOHN); Nominations Committee Chair, New Jersey Hospital Employee
Health Nurse Association (NJHEHNA); President, Hospital Employee Health
Nurse Association
Landa A. PoianiDarocki, MSN,
APN-C, COHN-S
Professional Organizations
Grace Reilly, R.N., MSN, APN
RMC
Diane Resnick, RN-BC, MPA
JSUMC
Richard A. Ridge, R.N., Ph.D., CENP
SOMC
Board of Directors, New Jersey State Nurses Association; Legislative Chair,
NJSNA for Forum of Nurse for Advanced Practice; Steering Committee, NJSNA
for Improving Access to Care
Advisory Board, Leadership Special Interest Group, American Academy of
Ambulatory Care Nurses (AAACN)
Board of Directors, Organization of Nurse Executives/New Jersey; Magnet Appraiser,
American Nurses Credentialing Center
Elizabeth M. Rotchford, RN-BC,
MA, Nurse Paralegal
JSUMC
Vice President, Board of Directors, Childcare Resources, Neptune, NJ; Expert
Consultant Panel Member, American Psychiatric Nurses Association Task Force
for Workplace Violence
Marilyn R. Roy, R.N., MSN
JSUMC
Vice President and Representative, United Nations for Sigma Theta Tau
International (STTI) Special Interest Group on Global Healthcare; Lambda Delta
Chapter Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN,
R.N., NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
JSUMC
Member, Legislative Committee, Organization of Nurse Executives New Jersey
(ONE/NJ)
Marvin Sauerhoff, R.N. BSN, CALA
JSUMC
Treasurer, NJ State Nursing Association, Region 3
Denise Schwartz, R.N., BSN, BC
OMC
President, National Gerontological Nursing Association (NGNA), Local Chapter
Shirley Shook, MSN, RN-BC, CCRN
BCH
Facilitator for Staff Education, NJ Stroke Coordinator’s Consortium
Judith Slover-Zipf, DNP, ANP-BC,
BC-ADM, CDE
JSUMC
Danielle Smith, R.N., BSN, CNOR
OMC
Ellen Ruth Sorensen, R.N., MSN,
CNS, CCRN
JSUMC
Journal Reviewer, Nursing 2010 Critical Care
Leslie Stewart, BA, R.N., CGRN
JSUMC
President-Elect, National Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA)
MaryEllen Strozak, M.S., R.N.,
CCRN, CNS
RMC
Trish Vigna, R.N., MSN, APN, CWCN
JSUMC
Nancy Wagner, R.N., MSN, CIC, CSN
OMC
Peer Reviewer, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and
American Journal of Nursing (AJN)
Board Member, Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
Local Chapter, Southern NJ
President, American Association of Critical Care Nurse, Jersey Shoreline Chapter
President-Elect, Forum of Nurses in Advanced Practice
President-Elect, Northern New Jersey Association for Professionals in Infection
Control & Epidemiology
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
19
New Knowledge, Innovation, and Improvements
A Magnet Moment
“When nurse midwives first became affiliated with our department, they
requested that they be allowed to offer the opportunity to have a water birth
to their patients. We had never done this before, but the midwives were quite
insistent that this was a safe and ethical practice to be offering to our patients.
I had to do some research to prove to myself and assure my nursing staff that
we could provide a safe environment and optimal nursing care while providing
this experience for our patients. After visiting some sites that performed water
births, and researching articles and other institution’s protocols, my team and
I were able to put together a program for our patients. We collaborated with
other departments, especially plant operations, to assure that we could
accommodate the birth tub and water connections required. We wrote
policies based on current, nationally accepted guidelines.
Joyce McKeever, R.N., MS, IBCLC, LCCE
Jersey Shore University Medical Center,
Clinical Program Manager,
Baby Friendly Program
Our first water birth was a huge success and provided us with a “Magnet
Moment.” It was a wonderful moment for our patient and for our nurses. We
have since had many successful water births and are looking now to enhance
our services. I was honored to present our implementation process at the
Nursing Management Congress as a poster presentation.”
Creating a Climate of Scholarship
“At its best, the scholarship of discovery contributes not
only to the stock of human knowledge but also to the
intellectual climate…” (Boyer, 1990, p. 17)
A passion for inquiry ignites a climate of scholarship, and
nursing at Meridian Health has ignited that flame of inquiry,
keeping it burning brightly. The four components of Meridian’s
nursing model of care—clinical expertise, education, shared
governance, and research—serve as a foundation for a climate
of scholarship, inquiry, and discovery, allowing innovation in
care structures, processes, and outcomes.
Setting the tone for scholarship as the senior vice president
and Chief Nursing Officer at Meridian, Richard Hader, Ph.D.,
R.N., FAAN, NE-BC, CHE, CPHQ, has produced more than 100
peer-reviewed publications and six research studies. He also
has served as Editor-in-Chief of Nursing Management for more
than six years. Dr. Hader has filled the role of clinical professor
for Seton Hall University and Monmouth University in their
master’s degree programs for nursing administration and was
the prime originator of The Georgian Court-Meridian Health
School of Nursing.
The presence of scholarship can be seen by funded grants, in
articles published in referenced journals, and in the abstracts
of presentations. Since the inception of the system in 1997,
the amount of peer-reviewed publications has quadrupled, with
more than 100 nurses currently taking active part in research
activities, ranging from data collectors to primary investigators.
Mentoring for inquiry is also strongly visible at Meridian, with
six doctorally-prepared nurses housed within the Ann May
Center for Nursing and Allied Health. In aggregate, they have
published more than eighty manuscripts and secured grants
totaling more than $6 million dollars. They have served as
investigators for more than twenty research projects of their
own, and have mentored many more, including the C.A.R.E.
Clinical Research Scholar projects. In addition, they are editors
of peer-reviewed journals, department editors for journals,
manuscript reviewers, and are also prolific presenters at local,
regional, and national conferences.
Promoting education also is a pivotal factor in promoting a
climate of scholarship. Scholarship support for advanced
educational preparation has been outstanding, as more than
150 scholarships totaling more than $200,000 were awarded
to Meridian bachelors, masters, and doctoral students. In
addition, more than one million dollars in tuition
reimbursement was provided to Meridian nurses. Since
Meridian’s inception, seven Meridian nurses have achieved
their doctoral degree, and eight more are nearing completion,
adding to the support for a climate of scholarship.
A climate of scholarship also seeks meaningful integration of
new knowledge into practice. Demonstration of integration can
be seen in Meridian’s work in evidence-based practice and
translation science. To promote these activities, the Meridian
Health Institute for Evidence-Based Care (IEBC) was formed,
through which inter-professional teams perform systematic
reviews of guidelines, meta-analyses, single studies, and
expert opinion to derive best practices for the organization.
Since its creation in 2008, twenty evidence reviews have been
produced, resulting in twelve protocol changes as well as
production of new order sets, revision of electronic health
record computer screens, and development of staff education.
New Knowledge, Innovation, and Improvements
Meridian has a solid infrastructure for the integration of
scholarship. Meridian’s leadership considers the IEBC to be an
integral part of their strategic plan for success in this newest
era of health care reform. Evidence-based work is a core
element of the 2011 strategic objectives of the organization.
Significant gains have been made in advancing scholarship at
Meridian and a strong commitment is in place to continue to
support and disseminate new knowledge throughout the
system and for the greater health care community.
Research
The key to providing exceptional patient care is the continuous effort to define and implement best practices.
Through research and evidence-based practice, Meridian nurses strive for the knowledge and evidence that
improves outcomes and the quality of care.
“Improving Patient Satisfaction with and Reducing
Anxiety of Endoscopic Procedure Through Education”
Christina Barrett, R.N., BSN, CGRN, B-C
Principal Investigator and Data Collector
Janice Irvine, R.N., BSN, CGRN
Sub Investigator
JSUMC
Video Project with Cook Medical, “The Reduction of Patient
Anxiety through Pre-Procedure Education” by Christina Barrett
Leslie Stewart, BA, R.N., CGRN
JSUMC
“The Unlicensed Assistive Personnel’s Attitudes, Beliefs, and
Behavior Related to Fall Prevention in an Acute Care Setting”
Nimfa Baya, RN-BC, BS
Principal Investigator
“The Coping Experience of an Individual who Survived a Stroke:
A Qualitative Study”
Co-Investigator
“Perceptions of Change in Environmental Work Factors in a
Newly Engineered Work Environment”
Jane Bliss-Holtz, DNSc, R.N.
Principal Investigator
“Pre and Post Educational Assessment of Computer
Literacy in Nurses”
Principal Investigator
“The Effect of Nursing Unit Spatial Layout on Nursing Team
Communication Patterns, Quality of Care, and Patient Safety”
Principal Investigator
“Pre-Discharge Transcutaneous Bilirubin (TCB) in the
Prediction of Neonatal Readmissions Due to Neonatal
Hyperbilirubinemia”
Jennifer Bradle, MSN, R.N., APN
Co-Investigator and Data Collector
RMC
“Assessing Dyspnea in Patients with Non-Small Lung
Cancer in the Acute Care Center”
Mary Brandsema, R.N., BSN, OCN
Data Collector
Lani Gernalin, R.N., BSN, OCN
Data Collector
Elizabeth Martinez, R.N., ONC
Co-Investigator
OMC
JSUMC
RMC
MH
“A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Visitation Models within Donna Ciufo, DNP, R.N., FNP-BC
the Context of Patient-Family Centered Care” Capstone Project
Primary Author
OMC
OMC
JSUMC
“Oncology Nurses and Allied Health Clinicians Assessment
and Management Practices for Patients with Oral Mucositis
in a Community Based Hospital”
Michele Gaguski, MSN, R.N., AOCN, CHPN, APN-C
Principal Investigator
Elizabeth Martinez, R.N., ONC
Data Collector
OMC
“Perioperative Stroke Incidence Among Long Term
Anti-coagulated Patients”
Rebecca Graboso, DNP, R.N., MSN, APN, CCRN, FNP-BC
Co-Investigator
RMC
“Adherence Evaluation after Ischemic Stroke Longitudinal
(AVAIL) Registry”
Co-Investigator
“Neighborhood Open Spaces and Health”
Co-Investigator
OMC
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
21
Research
“Pain Assessment of Non-Verbal Patient in ICU and PACU”
“Depression and Anxiety in the Post Operative Coronary
Bypass Patient”
Leah Guardino, R.N., MSN, CCRN
Co-Investigator
Jeanieve Caputo, R.N., BSN
Co-Investigator
Michelle Hansen, RN-BC
Co-Investigator
Sheila Hanvey, R.N., PCCN
Co-Investigator
OMC
OMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
“Enhancing Geriatric Competencies in OMC ED”
Linda Hassler, R.N., MS, GCNS-BC
Principal Investigator
“A Case Study of the Implementation of Bedside Reporting”
Joan Harvey, DNP, MSN, R.N., CCRN
Principal Investigator
“The Use of Guided Imagery in the Pre-Procedure Phase
of Cardiac Catheterization”
Jennifer Heck-Kanellidis, R.N., MSN, APN-C
Principal Investigator
“Geriatric Institutional Assessment Profile of Meridian
Nursing Staff: a Benchmarking Survey”
Christine Hedges, Ph.D., R.N., ACNS-BC
Principal Investigator
“The Effect of Nursing Unit Spatial Layout on Nursing Team
Communication Patterns, Quality of Care, and Patient Safety”
Co-Investigator
“The Impact of the Transformation Project on Isolated
Patient Placement”
Amanda Hessels, R.N., MSN, MPH, CIC
Design, Data Collector, and Author
JSUMC
“The Lived Experience of Relocating to Newly Designed
Patient Care Units and Emergency Department:
Phenomenological Study”
Sandra Leddy, R.N., BSN
Co-Investigator
Karen Garafano, R.N.
Co-Investigator
Fotini Gordon, R.N.
Co-Investigator
JSUMC
Grace Survey Study, Merck 055 Study, BI study,
HIV Drug Study
Kathy McGovern, R.N., CCRC
Clinical Research Coordinator
JSUMC
“High Dose vs. Low Dose Methadone: Correlation with Urine
Drug Screens During Antepartum Course and In Labor”
Terri McIntosh-Mount, RNC-OB, BSN
Co-Investigator
JSUMC
“A Study of Racial and Socioeconomic Disparity in
Breastfeeding Rates”
Joyce McKeever, R.N., MS, IBCLC
Site Investigator
JSUMC
“The Effect of Three Types of Hospital Gift Bags on
Duration of Breastfeeding”
Site Investigator
“The Effect of Nursing on NICU Patient Outcomes”
Lori Messer, R.N., MS, NNP-BC, RNC-NIC
Principal Investigator
“Predictors of Delirium in Geriatric Post-Op Patients”
Helen Miley, Ph.D., R.N., ACNP-BC, CCRN, GNP-BC
Principal Investigator
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
Sub-Investigator
Sharon Lubeck, R.N.
Sub-Investigator
Amy Wozniak, Biostatistician
Sub-Investigator
“Reducing Foley Catheter Use in the Hospitalized Elderly”
Nicole Ortiz, RN-BC, BSN
Principal Investigator
MH
OMC
JSUMC
MH
JSUMC
RMC
JSUMC
MH
MH
OMC
MH
OMC
Research
“Health Literacy and Childhood Obesity”
Rebecca Reinhold, R.N., CPN
Principal Investigator
JSUMC
“Pharmacist Model of Care/Medication Reconciliation Study”
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
Principal Investigator
“Femoral Artery Access Outcomes in Out-Patients
Post Endovascular and Cardiac Catheterization Procedures”
Alanna Schauer, RN-BC
Co-Investigator
“Nurses’ Perceptions of Obstacles to Providing Optimal
End-of-Life Care in the Critical Care Setting”
Cathy Schlick, R.N.
Co-Investigator
Donna Ruggiero, R.N.
Co-Investigator
JSUMC
Axelrod “A Study of Carboxypeptidase-A (CPA)
Assessment in the Blood iraglutide Effects and Actions
in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results”
Judith Slover-Zipf, DNP, ANP-BC, BC-ADM, CDE
Sub Investigator
JSUMC
Leader Trial
Sub Investigator
“Implementing Shared Appointments in an Endocrine Practice
Loretta Ninivaggi, DNP, APN-BC, CDE
Co-Investigator
“Indoor Environmental Quality Post Occupancy Survey”
Teri Wurmser, Ph.D., MPH, R.N., NEA-BC
Principal Investigator
“The Effect of Nursing Unit Spatial Layout on Nursing Team
Communication Patterns, Quality of Care, and Patient Safety”
Principal Investigator
MH
BCH
JSUMC
JSUMC
MH
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
23
Evidence-Based Practice
“Out of Bed Initiative”
Nursing Team Members
Ellen Barrington, R.N.
Jaclyn Bernick, R.N.
Lindsay Baumann, R.N.
Marcy Engel, RPT
Judy Finkel, R.N.
Noreen Giovannone, RPT
Linda Hassler, R.N., MS, GCNS-BC
Joyce Henn, R.N.
Kris Rovell, R.N., MSN
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
Denise Schwartz, R.N.
Kathleen Sullivan, R.N., MSN
OMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
RMC
SRI
MH
JSUMC
RMC
MH
OMC
JSUMC
“Inpatient CHF Pathway” and
“Order Set Update” Reviews
Nursing Team Members
Jeffrey Booth, R.N.
Elizabeth Maiorana, R.N.
Kimberly McCourt, APN
Eileen Oates, APN
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
Alison Trembly, APN
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
MH
JSUMC
“Probiotics and the ICU Sepsis Patient” and
“Probiotics and the C. Diff Patient”
Nursing Team Members
Jennifer Casey, R.N.
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
JSUMC
MH
“NGT Placement Confirmation-Pediatrics”
Nursing Team Members
Anne Marie Conte, R.N.
Kathy Daly, R.N.
Kathleen Kochel, R.N.
Ruth Ann Kosick, R.N., MSN
Kathleen Luthe, R.N.
Lori Messer, MSN, R.N., APN
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
Barbara Taggart Hyatt, R.N.
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
MH
JSUMC
Nursing Team Members
Jennifer Bradle, R.N.
Jennifer Rocheskey, R.N.
Kris Rovell, R.N.
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
Jean Shafto, R.N.
Heather Starnes, R.N.
Roselyn Young, R.N.
RMC
SOMC
RMC
MH
OMC
JSUMC
JSUMC
Nursing Team Members
Sharon Lubeck, R.N.
Helen Miley, Ph.D., R.N., ACNP-BC, CCRN, GNP-BC
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
OMC
MH
MH
“Sterile vs. Tap Water in Enteric Tubes”
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
MH
“Obesity Prevention”
Nursing Team Members
Margaret Corcoran, APN
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
MH
MH
Nursing Reviewer
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
MH
“Hypertensive OB Patient BP Monitoring”
“Delirium Prediction in Hip Surgery Patients”
“Extended VTE Prophylaxis in Colon Cancer
Surgery Patients”
Evidence-Based Practice
Nursing Implementation Team
Joanne Farina, R.N.
Maria Ceil McEIvaney, R.N.
Parma Quinn, R.N.
Joy Schwartz, R.N.
Grace Schneider, R.N.
“Crew Resource Management in Perioperative Areas”
MHC
OMC
MH
MH
MHR
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN, R.N., NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
MH
Publications
The nursing profession only benefits from the sharing of medical knowledge. Meridian nurses help advance the
profession by contributing extensively to many publications.
Rhodora C. Barretto, RN-BN, BSN
Jane Bliss-Holtz, DNSc, R.N.
Juana M. Buergo, R.N.
OMC Co-Author, “Meridian Aligns Magnet and NICHE.” The Nursing
Spectrum, (October).
MH “Nightingale, Hand Washing and Restroom Observations.” Issues in
Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing, 33(3), 127-128; “Evidence-based
and the Golden Quadrant.” Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric
Nursing, 33(1), 1-4.
OMC “Orientation Book for New Employees: OR Staff.”
Mary Ann T. Donohue, Ph.D., R.N.,
APN, NEA-BC
JSUMC “Leading Change.” Leading and Managing in Nursing, (5th ed.). Patricia
Yoder-Wise, editor. St. Louis: Mosby. “Health Care Reform and Implications for
Nursing.” New Jersey Nurse. (October); “When Work Doesn’t Work Anymore.”
Institute for Nursing Newsletter. (July); “Shared Decision Making and Analysis
Paralysis.” Institute for Nursing Newsletter. (April); “Knowledge Maintenance
and the Change Process.” Institute for Nursing Newsletter. (January).
Yuri Fayngersh, R.N., MSN, CNOR
JSUMC “Is Your Court Correct?” OR Nurse. (March 2011).
Ryn Fernandez, R.N., MSN, APRN-BC,
CEN, CCRN
JSUMC “Septicemia Secondary to Ileus in Trauma Patients: A Human Model For
Bacterial Translocation.” Medical Journal,103(5), 461-3. (May).
Rebecca Graboso, DNP, R.N.,
CCRN, FNP-BC
Juancho Gutierrez, R.N., BSN, CPAN
Richard Hader, R.N., MSN, CHE,
CAN, CPHQ, Ph.D., FAAN
RMC “Preventive Care Paradigm-Advanced Practice as Partners.” Journal of the
Philippine Nurses Association of America. (Spring Issue).
JSUMC Co-Author, “Laser Treatment of BPH.” OR Nurse.
MH “Allow APN’s to Practice Without Regulatory Restriction.’’ Nursing Management,
(41), 12; “Clipping Coupons for Care.” Nursing Management, (41), 12; “Lofty
Goals…Yes We Can.” Nursing Management, (41), 11; “Rethinking Service
Lines.” Nursing Management, (41), 10; “Will the Market Dictate The Educational
Level Of Nurses?” Nursing Management, (41), 9; “The Evidence That Isn’t…
Interpreting Research.” Nursing Management, (41), 9; “The Compensation
Tumble.” Nursing Management, (41), 8; “Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story.”
Nursing Management, (41), 8; “Stand Tall Against Shortcomings.” Nursing
Management, (41), 7; “Magnet Recognition—Excellence is the Standard.”
Nursing Management, (41), 6; “Who’s the Doctor, Anyway?” Nursing
Management, (41), 5; “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.” Nursing
Management, (41), 4; “Success in the C-Suite.” Nursing Management,
(41), 3, 51-53; “Are You Ready for the Future of Health Care Delivery?”
Nursing Management, (41), 2; “Engaging the New Wave of Second Career
Nurses.” Nursing Management, (41), 2; “The Blueprint to Excellence.”
Nursing Management, (41), 1; “Nurse Leaders: A Closer Look.” Nursing
Management, (41), 1, 25-29.
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
25
Publications
Christine Hedges, Ph.D., R.N.,
ACNS-BC, CCNS
MH “Poster Presentations: A Primer for Critical Care Nurses.” AACN Advanced
Critical Care, 21 (3), 318-321.
Amanda Hessels, R.N., MSN, MPH, CIC
JSUMC Abstract: Impact of H1N1 on NJ Infection Preventionist Activities, or Swine,
Surveys and Survival of the New Jersey Infection Preventionist 2009:
Presentation Number 5-042. [Abstract] [ENGLISH] Hessels, Amanda R.N., MSN,
MPH, CIC. Morchel, Gail H. R.N., BSN, COHN-s, CIC. Farrell, Bridget R.N., CIC.
AJOC: American Journal of Infection Control, 38(5), E42-E43 (June).
Susan Laffan, R.N., CCHP-RN, CCHP-A
SOMC “Correctional Nursing Practice: Safe and Secure Practice.” Correct Care.
(Spring); “Work Ethics: Where Do They Come From and Do You Possess Them?”
Correct Care. (Summer); “Nursing Leadership within Correctional Facilities.”
American Jails. (May/June).
Patricia A. Lucarelli, R.N., MSN,
CPNP, APN-C
Elizabeth Martinez, R.N., ONC
Kimberly McCourt, R.N., BSN, MSN,
CCRN, ANP, APCN
Terri T. Pietsch, R.N., MSN, CTR,
OCN, NE-BC
Patricia Reiff, R.N., BSN, CCRN, CPAN
Richard A. Ridge, R.N., Ph.D., CENP
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN, R.N.,
NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
JSUMC “Healthy Skin is In.” Ready, Set, Grow Parent Magazine. (June); “Nurses Right
at Home in Medical Homes.” Nursing Spectrum. (August); “Position Statement
on Supporting Children and Families in Early Care and Education.” National
Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. (November); “What is That?”
(Childhood Skin Rash). Ready, Set, Grow Parent Magazine. (December)
OMC “When I Have Wings.” Poem within article by Michele Gaguski titled,
“Assessing Dyspnea in Patients with Non-Small Lung Cancer in the
Acute Care Center.” The Clinical Journal of Oncology. (August)
JSUMC “Mended Hearts. CHF Corner.” The Jersey Heartbeat, Chapter 179.
RMC “Caring: Looking Beyond Simulation.” International Journal for Human Caring.
2010 (14), 2.
JSUMC “A Tunnel at the End of the Light.” OR Nurse, (4)5, 42-46.
SOMC “Becoming the CNE: The First 100 Days.” Nursing Management. (August)
MH “Interdisciplinary Evidence-Based Care: Music to our Ears.” AACN Advance
Critical Care, 21(1), 109-111; “Supporting the Environment for a Spirit of Inquiry:
The Structures, Processes and Outcomes of a Center for Evidence-Based Care.”
The Institute for Nursing Newsletter, 6(3), 11; “Calling all Opinion Leaders! Keys
to the Diffusionof Evidence.” Nursing Management, 41(9), 8-11.
Kimberly Simon, R.N., BSN, CIC
RMC “A Risk Based Approach to Infection Prevention: Creating an Infection
Prevention and Control Plan.” The APIC/JCR Infection and Control Workbook,
(2nd ed.), Chapter 4.
Alison Trembly, R.N., CNRN, APN
JSUMC “Stroke Care in the 21st Century.” Nursing Management, 41(6), 30-36. (June).
Janet Urbanowicz, R.N., Ph.D.,
CPHQ, NEA-BC
JSUMC “The Hybrid OR.” OR Nurse. (September); “Hybrid OR-Is It In Your Future?”
Nursing Management. (May).
Barbara J. Williams, Ph.D., APN
MH “The Way to Patient-Centered Care.” Nursing Management. (October).
Teri Wurmser, Ph.D., MPH, R.N., NEA-BC
MH “Obtaining Financial Support Through Grants and Gifts.” M.Boltz, J. Taylor, E.
Capezuti, & T. Fulmer (Eds.), NICHE Planning and Implementation Guide.
New York: Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing.
Presentations
Meridian nurses share research findings and other medical information with audiences
throughout the state, the nation, and the world.
A Magnet Moment
“My special Magnet moment would relate to my National Poster Presentation at
the SGNA Conference in St. Louis. It was exciting enough to have my abstract that I
worked on with another SGNA member from Riverview accepted, but the process of
developing and completing a large poster to be presented at a national conference,
well that was exciting. One of the other two nurses that worked on the actual poster
with me was also able to attend the conference. We were so excited when we found
our reserved poster site, and then intimidated when we put it up next to all the others
from throughout the United States. How proud we were to make it there!”
Sharon Marciniak, R.N.
Riverview Medical Center, MDSU
Nicole Adams, R.N., BSN, CCRN
JSUMC “Device Induced Pressure Ulcers,” Nurses at Jersey Shore University Medical Center,
Neptune, NJ
Gilda M. Alvarez, RN-BC, BSN
JSUMC “Atrial Electrograms for Interpretation of Atrial Dysrhythmia in Post-Op Cardiac Surgery
Patients,” Evidence-Based Practice Poster Presentation to Nurses and Nursing Students
Donna Angelucci, MA, RN, BC
BCH “The Educators Role in Organizational and Bioethics,” Poster Presentation, The
National Nurse in Staff Development Organization Affiliate Conference, Morristown
Memorial Hospital, Morristown, NJ
Christina Barrett, R.N., BSN,
CGRN, B-C
JSUMC “Improving Patient Satisfaction with and Reducing Anxiety of Endoscopic Procedures
though Education,” Clinical Nurse Research Scholar Speaker, Harvesting the Results
6th Annual Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice Day Conference, West Long
Branch, NJ; Cook Medical Video Award for PI, “Improving Patient Satisfaction with and
Reducing Anxiety of Endoscopic Procedures through Education”
Rhodora C. Barretto,
RN-BN, BSN
OMC “The Journey of the PAINAD Scale Toward Meridian Implementation,” PowerPoint
Presentation, 6th Annual Meridian Health Geriatric EBP Conference, Jumping Brook
Country Club, Neptune, NJ; “The Journey of the PAINAD Scale,” Poster Presentation,
Harvesting the Results 6th Annual Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice Day
Conference, West Long Branch, NJ
Nimfa Baya, RN-BC, BS
RMC “The Unlicensed Assistive Personnel’s Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behavior Related to
Fall Prevention in an Acute Care Setting,” Harvesting the Results 6th Annual Nursing
Research & Evidence-Based Practice Day Conference, West Long Branch, NJ
MaryAlyce (Molly) Berkowitz,
R.N., BSN
JSUMC “Emergencies in the School Setting,” presented at five locations in NJ; “Trauma
Overview for Nursing,” presented to ED staff, Monmouth Medical Center; “EMS Role
in Injury Prevention,” NJ Conference on EMS, Atlantic City, NJ; “Drinking and Distracted
Driving,” Monmouth County IDRC (Intoxicated Driver Resource Center), 35 Monmouth
and Ocean County High School Programs; “Don’t Fall for Us,” presented to 15 Senior
Citizen Community Groups; “Heads Up for Bicycle Safety,” presented to eight school
and community groups; “Staying Safe While Having Fun,” presented to four community
groups; “Geriatric Emergencies,” “Trauma Triage and Transport,” “Traumatic Brain
Injury,” “Kinematics of Trauma,” and “Pediatric Trauma,” presented to EMS community
Jane Bliss-Holtz, DNSc, R.N.
MH “Nursing Research in a Clinical Setting: Infrastructure and Implementation” (Panel
Presentation) 22nd Annual Eastern Nursing Research Society (ENRS) Scientific
Sessions: Celebrating Diversity in Nursing Research, Providence, RI
Paris Bottazzi, R.N., BSN
JSUMC “Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers,” Quality Scholar Presentation,
Meridian Health
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
27
Presentations
Jeanieve Caputo, R.N., BSN
OMC “Harvesting the Results,” 6th Annual Nursing Research and Evidence-Based
Practice Day, Branches, West Long Branch, NJ
Nicholas Cardinale, R.N., CRNI
RMC “2010 Update on Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice,” Riverview Medical Center,
Red Bank, NJ
Anne Carter, MS, R.N., CEN,
ACNS-BC
RMC “Dyeing to Identify IV Medication Errors: a Clinical Nurse Specialist Group Identifies
Factors Contributing to IV Push Medication Errors and the Resulting Housewide
Education Initiative,” Co-Abstract and Poster Presenter, National Association of CNS
Abstract and Poster, Baltimore, MD; “Suicide Assessment Screening in the ED,”
Meridian Health Nursing Research Conference, Long Branch, NJ
Vimla Christian, R.N., CNN
RMC “Caring of Vascular Access,” Poster Presenter, Annual TARC Conference; “Transplant
Update,” Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, NJ; “Hypertension and Diabetes,”
LaborDay & Women’s Ministry, Salvation Army Camp Tecumseh
Patricia M. Cicerone, R.N.,
BSN, HNBC
SOMC “Heartbeats-Reiki with Drumming,” AHNA 6 CE for Nurses Web site: Heartbeats.org
Doreen Clark, R.N., BSN, CCRN
OMC “Dyeing to Identify IV Medication Errors: a Clinical Nurse Specialist Group Identifies
Factors Contributing to IV Push Medication Errors and the Resulting Housewide
Education Initiative,” Co-Abstract and Poster Presenter, National Association of CNS
Abstract and Poster, Baltimore, MD
Coletta M. Coles, R.N., MSN,
CPAN, CAPA, BC, CGRN
OMC “The 800 Lb Gorilla in the Room,” Poster Presenter, SGNA National Conference
Kathryn Burns Collins, R.N.,
BS, MPA, FACHE
JSUMC “300 Million Dollar Healthcare Project Seeks Leed Gold,” Clean Med Conference,
Global Conference on Environmentally Sustainable Healthcare, Baltimore, MD,
May 2010, “New Technology” Med Surgery Symposium
Maria Cristina P. Corpuz,
RN-BC, BSN
JSUMC “Atrial Electrograms for Interpretation of Atrial Dysrhythmia in Post-Op Cardiac
Surgery Patients,” Evidence-Based Practice Poster Presentation to Nurses and
Nursing Students
Christine Devine, RN-BC, BS
JSUMC “Soarian Plan of Care,” R.N. education program; “Nursing Informat-a-what,” Nursing
Management Congress
Mary Ann T. Donohue, Ph.D.,
R.N., APN, NEA-BC
JSUMC “Creating Policy, The Nurse Role in Trenton,” Meridian Health; “Projecting
Professionalism,” NJ-PNA, Monmouth County Subchapter NJ; “When Work Doesn’t
Work Anymore,” NJ-PNA, Morris County Subchapter NJ
Jane Drucker, RN-BC
Jackie Dwyer, R.N., MSN
Mary E. Eib, R.N., CCRN
OMC “The Red Dress Event,” Speaker, American Heart Association, Buona Sera, Red Bank, NJ
JSUMC “Stroke Triage,” EMS; “Endovascular Stroke Rescue,” AORN; “Endovascular
Neuroscience,” Critical Care Nurses
OMC “Revised Surgical Count Policy,” Shared Governance
Lindsay Fehring, RN-BC
JSUMC Creator, Stroke Discharge Education Form
Beverly J. Fey, RN-BC
JSUMC
Anselma S. Gabudao, RN-BC,
BSN, CCRN
Susan E. Gallagher, R.N.,
CNOR, CRNFA
Instructor, “ICU Competency Day,” ICU Equipment Fair
OMC “Improving Nursing Practice of Sedating Patients,” Nursing Quality Scholar Presentation
SOMC “Fire and Safety in the Perioperative Setting,” presented to Perioperative, Maternity staff,
and Stafford Fire Department
Kathleen Gelchion, MSN, R.N.,
AOCNS-BC, CHPN
RMC “Dyeing to Identify IV Medication Errors: a Clinical Nurse Specialist Group Identifies
Factors Contributing to IV Push Medication Errors and the Resulting Housewide
Education Initiative,” Co-Abstract and Poster Presenter, National Association of CNS
Abstract and Poster, Baltimore, MD
Rebecca Graboso, DNP, R.N.,
CCRN, FNP-BC
RMC “Stroke Update,” Renal Symposium, Ocean Medical Center
Richard Hader, R.N., MSN, CHE,
CAN, CPHQ, Ph.D., FAAN
MH “Lofty Goals….Yes We Can,” Bon Secours Health System, Keynote, Journey to
Excellence Conference, Norfolk, VA, and Philippine Nurses Association; “Designed With
Evidence: Humanistic Environment,” Knowledge in Motion: Interdisciplinary Evidence-
Presentations
Based Care Conference, New Brunswick, NJ; “Advancing Nursing Leadership; Many
Roads to Success – Dialogue with CNO Health Research & Educational Trust of New
Jersey,” Princeton, NJ; “People Behind the Position: What it Means for the Future,” Nursing
Management Congress, Dallas, TX; “Afraid to Publish?” New Jersey Hospital Association,
Princeton, NJ and Holy Name Hospital Nursing Excellence, Teaneck, NJ; Keynote
Commencement Speaker, New Jersey City State University Nursing Convocation; “The
Role of the CNO,” Monmouth University; “The Evidence that Isn’t,” Institute for Nursing
of New Jersey State Nurses’ Association, Keynote Speaker, Atlantic City, NJ; Nursing
Management Congress, Dallas, TX; and New Jersey Philippine Nurses Association,
Ocean, NJ; “Get Published!” New Jersey Hospital Association
Michelle Hansen, RN-BC
JSUMC “Depression and Anxiety in the Post Operative Coronary Bypass Patient,” Harvesting the
Results 6th Annual Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice Day Conference, West
Long Branch, NJ and Knowledge in Motion: Interdisciplinary Evidence-Based Care
Conference, New Brunswick, NJ
Jennifer Harper, R.N., CNN
OMC “Buttonhole Cannulation for AV Fistulas,” Ocean Medical Center Dialysis Nurse
and Technicians
Joan Harvey, DNP, MSN,
R.N., CCRN
OMC “A Case Study of the Implementation of Bedside Reporting,” Research Day
Poster Presentation
Linda Hassler, R.N., MS,
GCNS-BC
MH “Aging Sensitivity,” Medical Residents; “The Geriatric Interdisciplinary Fellowship Training
(GIFT) Program: Encouraging Nursing, Pharmacy and Medical Students to Choose a
Career in Geriatrics,” Co-poster (T. Wurmser) presentation, AACN Baccalaureate
Conference; “Delirium Assessment: The CAM,” Podium Presentation, NGNA Convention;
“The GREAT Kit: Enhancing Geriatric Resources, Education and Tools in the Emergency
Department of Meridian Health, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ,” National NICHE
Conference, Baltimore, MD and Meridian Health Emergency Services Symposium and
Nursing Research Conference, Poster and Podium Presentations; “Implementation of
the Pediatric Fall Risk Tool: I’M SAFE,” Poster Presentation, Harvesting the Results
6th Annual Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice Day Conference, West Long
Branch, NJ
Christine Hedges, Ph.D., R.N.,
ACNS-BC, CCNS
MH “Research for the Novice,” Knowledge in Motion: Interdisciplinary Evidence-Based Care
Conference, New Brunswick, NJ
Amanda Hessels, R.N., MSN,
MPH, CIC
JSUMC “Impact of H1N1 on NJ Infection Preventionist Activities, or Swine, Surveys and Survival
of the New Jersey Infection Preventionist 2009: Presentation Number 5-042”
Pamela Holmgren, LPN, CGN
JSUMC Cook Medical Video Presentation
Eduardo Iway Jr., RN-BC, BSN
JSUMC “Compliance with Accurate Documentation of Pain Assessment and Reassessment with
Emphasis on Patient Education,” Nurse Quality Scholars
Margaret A. Janasie, R.N.,
BSN, CIC
JSUMC “Central Line Associated Bacteria,” Northeastern Basic Course in Infection Prevention, NJ
Hospital Association and NJ State Department of Health
Melaney Kinn-Gurzo, R.N.
JSUMC “Proper Use of Pain Meds in Pediatric Population,” PACU Nurses
Susan Laffan, R.N.,
CCHP-RN, CCHP-A
Patricia A. Lucarelli, R.N.,
MSN, CPNP, APN-C
SOMC “The Respiratory System: Assessment, Treatment, and Emergency Care” and “Stroke
Symptoms and Care: Time is Brain,” National Commission on Correctional Health Care
Convention, Nashville, TN; “Power and Personality in the Physician-Nurse Relationship”
with Dr. Michael Puerini, “Putting Pain in Perspective” with Margaret Collatt and Dr.
Michael Puerini, National Commission on Correctional Health Care Convention, Las
Vegas, NV; “OB Emergencies: Two Lives at Risk” and “Re-assessment and Follow-up:
Key Factors in Providing Comprehensive Nursing Care,” American Correctional Health
Service Association National Convention, Portland, OR
JSUMC “Strategies to Communicate Vaccine Safety to Parents,” NJ Vaccine for Children &
American Academy of Pediatrics NJ Annual Conference; “25 Years of Prevention,” NJ Arc
Board of Directors Annual Meeting; “Immunization Update,” Family Health Center staff;
“Pediatric Assessment for School Nurses,” American Academy of Pediatrics NJ Annual
School Health Conference; “Pediatric Physical Assessment,” Ocean County School Nurse
Association Conference; “Helping Children Manage Anger & Aggression,” NJ Health in
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
29
Presentations
Child Care Conference; “Medications in Child Care,” National Association of Pediatric
Nurse Practioners Conference (NAPNAP), Chicago, IL; “PNPs as Leader in Health
Care/Medical Home,” NAPNAP Conference, Chicago, IL; “Pediatric Physical Assessment,”
Union County School Nurse Association Conference
Elisabeth A. Margl, RN-BC,
BSN, CGRN
OMC “Transbronchial Needle Aspiration and Endobronchial Ultrasound,” SGNA
Elizabeth Martinez, R.N., ONC
OMC “Oncology Panel,” nursing students, New Jersey Nursing Student Convention, Atlantic
City, NJ; “Juvenile Diabetes,” Girl Scout troops
Rosemary McCabe, R.N.,
MSN, FNP, APN
JSUMC Case Study and Diabetes Discussion, “Controlling Hyperglycemia in Cardiac Surgery
and Skip Protocol,” Nursing Grand Rounds
Terri McIntosh-Mount,
RNC-OB, BSN
JSUMC “Methadone and Pregnancy,” Ocean County Vocational Technical School, LPN Student
Nurse Program
Joyce McKeever, R.N.,
MS, IBCLC
JSUMC “Bringing Baby-Friendly to New Jersey: A Challenge to Change,” Presenter, Panel
Discussion “Steps for Successful Implementation” Program
Robyn McNamara, R.N., CGRN
JSUMC Participant, Video for Cook Medical Patient Education
Sandra A. Mead, MSN,
APN-BC, FCCSC, CCRN
JSUMC Presenter, Spring Equipment Fair, CUUHD
Agnes Aurea Mendoza,
RN-BC, BSN
JSUMC “Atrial Electrograms for Interpretation of Atrial Dysrhythmia in Post-Op Cardiac Surgery
Patients,” Evidence Based Practice Poster Presentation to Nurses and Nursing Students
Helen Miley, Ph.D., R.N.,
ACNP-BC, CCRN, GNP-BC
MH “Probiotics,” Presenter, Knowledge in Motion: Interdisciplinary Evidence-Based Care
Conference, New Brunswick, NJ; “Qualitative Research,” Felician College School of
Nursing, Lodi NJ; “Intro to EBP,” “PICOT,” “Literature Review,” “Evidence Tables,” and
“Translation to Knowledge” Presenter, Meridian Health R.N. staff
Jill Mosteller, R.N., MSN
OMC OMC Schwartz Center Rounds; Monthly Guest Relations; Advance Directives Clergy
Luncheon; Overview of Palliative Care Role of the Chaplain Patient Rights & Bio-Ethics
Committee Palliative Care; Ethical Considerations
Marlene B. Navarro, MSN,
AOCNP, ANP-BC
OMC “Highlights of 35th ONS Congress,” ONS Central NJ Chapter Educational Dinner
Loretta Ninivaggi, DNP,
APN, BC, CDE
JSUMC “Use of Shared Medical Appointments to Endocrine Practice,” Meridian Health Advanced
Practice Nurse Group; “Diabetes,” Georgian Court Nursing Students; “Diabetes
Inservice,” Instructor, Neptune Rehab
Karen Nugent, R.N., CDN
OMC “Dating Violence,” Nursing Students, Monmouth University, Long Branch, NJ; “Elder
Sensitivity,” Point Pleasant Borough Police Camp, Point Pleasant, NJ; “Dialysis Rotation,”
Nursing Students, Ocean County College, Toms River, NJ
Nicole Ortiz, RN-BC, BSN
OMC “Reduction of Foley Catheter Use in the Elderly,” Poster Presentation, Harvesting the
Results 6th Annual Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice Day Conference, West
Long Branch, NJ and NICHE Conference, Jumping Brook Country Club, Neptune, NJ;
“Sustaining the Path to Excellence,” Speaker, NICHE Conference, Jumping Brook Country
Club, Neptune, NJ; “Acute Care of the Elderly,” Speaker, Ocean Medical Center
Andrea Palisi, R.N., BSN, MSN
JSUMC “Improving Beta Blocker Compliance,” Surgical Care Improvement Project,
Nursing Management Congress; “Care of the Surgical Patient,” Meridian Health
Medical/Surgical Symposium
Barbara Paratore, RN-BC
JSUMC “Communication and Daily Goals,” Presenter, Quality Scholars, Hospital Administration
at Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Landa A. PoianiDarocki, MSN,
APN-C, COHN-S
MH “Influenza Educational Program,” Healthstream, Meridian Health Team Members
Pamela Rossano, RNC, AWHONN
RMC “Perinatal Loss,” Presenter, Regional Perinatal Consortium Conference
Enid Russell, RN-BC
OMC “Depression in the Elderly Dialysis Patient Role,” Presenter, Best Practice Conference
Kathleen Russell-Babin, MSN,
R.N., NEA-BC, ACNS-BC
MH “Anatomy of Evidence-Based Practice,” New Jersey Nursing Convention, Atlantic City, NJ;
“BSN in Ten,” APN Forum for Nurses, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune,
NJ; “Follow The X’s,” Co-Presenter Poster, ONE NJ and Evidence-Based Practice
Presentations
Conference, Princeton, NJ; “Bringing Evidence-Based Nursing Practice to the Bedside,”
Co-Presenter, Nursing Management Congress, Grapevine, Texas; “Evidence-Based
Practice Nursing Scholar Core Curriculum,” Lecturer, Meridian Health Clinical Ladder;
“Anatomy of Evidence-Based Practice”, Knowledge in Motion: Interdisciplinary
Evidence-Based Care Conference, New Brunswick, NJ; “Team Training,” Knowledge in
Motion: Interdisciplinary Evidence-Based Care Conference, New Brunswick, NJ
Mary E. Peled, R.N., BSN, CPN
OMC “Pediatric Pain,” Quality Scholar, Meridian Community
Terri T. Pietsch, R.N., MSN,
CTR, OCN, NE-BC
RMC “Nurses Leading the Charge: Making Cancer Education and Early Detection a Reality,”
ONS Annual Congress, San Diego, CA
Elizabeth M. Rotchford,
RN-BC, MA, Nurse Paralegal
JSUMC “Orphan Diseases and Syndromes,” Monmouth University Graduate Program
Marvin Sauerhoff, R.N.
BSN, CALA
JSUMC “From Corona to Corolla to Colace,” Speaker, NJ State Nursing Association,
Transitioning from Nursing Student to Staff R.N.
Patricia Saitta, BSN, RN-C
RMC “Dyeing to Identify IV Medication Errors: a Clinical Nurse Specialist Group Identifies
Factors Contributing to IV Push Medication Errors and the Resulting Housewide
Education Initiative,” Co-Abstract and Poster Presenter, National Association of CNS
Abstract and Poster, Baltimore, MD
Denise Schwartz, R.N.,
BSN, BC
OMC Speaker, NICHE National Conference, Baltimore, MD; Poster Presenter, NICHE
Conference, Jumping Brook, Neptune, NJ
Jean Shafto, MSN,
RNC-OB, C-EFM
OMC “Advanced Fetal Monitoring,” AWHONN
Judith Slover-Zipf, DNP,
ANP-BC, BC-ADM, CDE
JSUMC “Diabetes Course,” Nursing students, Georgian Court University, Lakewood, NJ;
“Diabetes Update,” Annual Renal Symposium, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ;
“Diabetes Basics for Renal Nurses,” Annual ANNA Conference, Atlantic City, NJ;
“Implementing Shared Appointments in an Endocrine Practice,” Advanced Practice
Group, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ
Leslie Stewart, BA,
R.N., CGRN
JSUMC “Endoscope Technician Competency,” SGNA National Conference, Orlando, FL and
NYSGE Conference in New York, NY; “Leadership,” SGNA National Conference, Orlando,
FL and Leadership Conference, Chicago, IL
Kathleen Sullivan, R.N.,
MSN, BC
JSUMC “Follow the X’s,” Poster Presentation, 8th Annual ONE/NJ Research Day
Evidence-Based Decision Making in Education, Practice, and Quality
Maria G.D. Torres, RN-BC
JSUMC “Medical Mission—Wound Care Experiences through Photography,” Wound Care Committee
Alison Trembly, R.N.,
CNRN, APN
JSUMC “Hypertension in the Emergency Department: To Treat or Not to Treat?”
Meridian Emergency Nursing Symposium
Michael Valendo, R.N.,
BSN, CEN
RMC “Emergency Department Admission Throughout,” Poster Presentation, New Jersey
ENA Conference
Nancy Wagner, R.N.,
MSN, CIC, CSN
OMC “Healthcare Associated Respiratory Infection,” Northeastern Infection Control Education
course, NJ Hospital Association
Linda Walsh, R.N., MSN, CEN
BCH “Organ Donation after Cardiac Death,” Critical Care Committee,
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Barbara J. Williams,
Ph.D., APN
MH “Rebirth: the Experience of Self-transcendence in Stem Cell Transplant Recipients,”
Meridian Health APN Network and United Health Services 18th Annual Oncology
Teaching Day, Binghamton, NY
Teri Wurmser, Ph.D., MPH,
R.N., NEA-BC
MH “The Effect of Nursing Neighborhood Design on Communication Patterns, Care Quality,
and Patient Safety,” Health Care Design 2010 Conference, Las Vegas, NV Poster and
Podium Presentation, Co-presenters: Dr. Franklin Becker (Cornell University) and Tushar
Gupta (architect); “The Geriatric Interdisciplinary Fellowship Program (GIFT) at Meridian
Health,” Poster Presentation, American Association of Colleges of Nursing 2010
Baccalaureate Education Conference, Orlando FL; “Research in a Clinical Setting:
Infrastructure and Implementation,” Podium Presentation, Eastern Nursing Research
Society, Providence, RI; “Getting Funded,” Podium Presentation, New Jersey Nurses
Convention, Atlantic City, NJ
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
31
Structural Empowerment
A Magnet Moment
“I have been a team member at Ocean Medical Center since 1990 and there
are countless special moments that I could look back on. The community and
the health care organization have changed for the better as the image of nursing
has effectively influenced the system in providing excellent services to the
patients and community.
Being an Oncology nurse in an outpatient unit, I have witnessed how nursing
practice has progressed and advanced in both technology and in the delivery of
quality care. There is professionalism, advocacy, and responsibility shown in the
care of patients by competent nurses and in return, countless thanks, letters of
appreciation, and excellent surveys are received from patients and families.
Messalina M. Dy, R.N., BSN, OCN
Ocean Medical Center, Outpatient Oncology
Working in a Magnet hospital gives oneself confidence, respect, and trust and as
always, I am giving my best as an Oncology nurse. When I touch the hearts of my
patients and families through my care, love, and unending support on a daily basis,
these are some special moments for me. No words can express when you do your
very best every day and always work to the fullest. It is priceless. It is Magnet.”
Meridian Has a Lot to OFFER to
Our Nursing Students
Meridian Health has been on the forefront of supporting staff in
individual goal achievement over the years. One program that
has been particularly effective has been the Meridian Health
OFFER Program. Developed in 2001, the OFFER Program has
been successful in encouraging non-nursing staff to enter
nursing, and several federal grants were acquired to help
support this endeavor. The acronym, OFFER, identifies the
components of this innovative program: O: Ongoing support
(Retaining employment with full-time benefits); F: Financial
Assistance (Tuition reimbursement at full-time rate and
scholarships); F: Flexible Scheduling (Work 24 hours on
weekends and receive full-time pay); E: Educational counseling
and tutoring through Meridian Health resources; and R: R.N.
Mentoring. In 2003, within two years of launching the OFFER
program, Meridian received a $740,257 Health Resources
Services Administration (HRSA) Career Ladder grant to further
support the program. This grant was renewed for an
additional $800,000 in 2007.
Since the program’s inception, 138 employees have graduated
from nursing programs. A particular achievement is that of
having more than 90 percent of OFFER participants pass the
NCLEX-RN, as almost 40 percent of these participants were
from minority or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
Ninety percent have remained to complete the two-year work
commitment that is part of the OFFER contract, with 80 percent
of these nurses staying beyond their contractual commitment.
Many of the original OFFER Program graduates continue to
work at Meridian Health today and have gone on to achieve
advanced education, national certification, and clinical scholar
status in the Meridian Health C.A.R.E. Program. Although
vacancy rates have dramatically decreased at Meridian, the
program continues to be offered and was recently expanded to
include students enrolled in allied health programs.
Community Service and Outreach
Meridian nurses often serve as health care ambassadors and advocates in the communities in which they live and work.
Amy Addeo, R.N., CAPA
Alejandro Allanigue, RN-C, BSN
Bruce Alston, R.N.
Donna Angelucci, MA, RN, BC
JSUMC Volunteer, Children’s Fair, Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, NJ;
Volunteer, Children’s Fair, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ
RMC Head Servant of The Lord Prayer Group, St. Dorothea’s Church, Eatontown, NJ
SOMC Finance Committee, Home Owners Association
BCH Community Day/Health Fair, Pet Therapy Dog Parade, Ocean Medical Center,
Brick, NJ; Pet Therapist, Manor by the Sea, Ocean Grove, NJ; Pet Therapist,
Burnt Tavern Rehabilitation, Brick, NJ; Embracing Hospice with Katy (Pet
Therapy Dog)
Sarah Bao-Angan, R.N., BSN
JSUMC Volunteer, North Jersey Autism Walk, North Jersey Autistic Organization
Meagan Barnes, BS, R.N., CCRN, CSC
JSUMC Volunteer, Annual Skin Screening, Monmouth County Cancer Coalition
Christina Barrett, R.N., BSN, CGRN, BC
JSUMC Community Day, Jersey Shore University Medical Center 5K Run/Walk
Rhodora C. Barretto, RN-BN, BSN
OMC Volunteer, Free Blood Pressure Screening, St. Dominic Church, Brick, NJ
Mary Lynn Barrow, R.N., BSN, CAPA
OMC Meridian Life Table SDS, Seafood Festival
Susan Bataille, R.N., ACRN
JSUMC Volunteer, Association of Nurse in AIDS Care (ANAC)
Jinx Bediguian, R.N., BSN, CNOR
JSUMC Volunteer, Breast Cancer Walk, American Cancer Society/Meridian Health
System; Community Day, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital Pediatric Fair,
Jersey Shore Medical University Center
MaryAlyce (Molly) Berkowitz, R.N., BSN
JSUMC Member, Neptune Township Local Emergency Planning Committee; Training
Officer, Shark River Hills First Aid Squad; Training Officer, Neptune Township
Operations Emergency Response Team; ANSWER (Area Network Shore Water
Emergency Response) Team; Neptune Township Municipal Drug Alliance;
Co-Chair, Neptune Middle School Parent Action Committee; Webelos Leader,
Pack 81, Neptune Cub Scouts; Committee Member, Merit Badge Counselor,
Troop 72, Neptune City Boy Scouts
Jane Bliss-Holtz, DNSc, R.N.
MH Associate Chair, Georgian Court-Meridian Health School of Nursing
Mary Lynn Breslin, R.N., BSN, OCN
OMC Volunteer, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society;
Save Your Breath, Brick Municipal Alliance Club
Kathleen Brophy-Degrassie,
BS, CEN, ENPC, TNCC
OMC Volunteer, Community Day, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ; Point Pleasant
Summer Police Camp; Employee Fun Day, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ
Eileen Brow, R.N.
OMC Volunteer, Breast Cancer Walk and Swim-a-thon, American Cancer Society;
Rachel’s Walk for the Poor, Church of the Visitation; Pulaski Day Parade,
Polish and Slavic Federal Credit Unions; Beach Sweep, Clean Ocean Action
Paulette Boquel, R.N., CGRN
OMC Volunteer, Wine Festival, Allaire Village, Allaire State Park
Lynne M. Bottge, RN-BC
Maureen Buckley, R.N., CCM
Juana M. Buergo, R.N.
Mae Burrell, RN-BC
Tamara Cafaro, R.N., BSN-C, PMHN
Kathleen Campbell, RNC-MNN
Jeanieve Caputo, R.N., BSN
JSUMC Making Strides Against Breast Cancer-Bosom Buddies, Relay for Life,
American Cancer Society
SOMC Volunteer and Member, Social Concerns Committee, Sunday Suppers for
the Needy, St. Joseph’s Church, Toms River, NJ
OMC Community Day, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ; Fundraiser, Lymphomathon,
Mercer Park, Cancer Fight for Life Event, Freehold, NJ
JSUMC Meridian Health-Health Fairs for Behavioral Health Services, Neptune Day;
Rolling Meadows Assisted Living, Seabrook Village
RMC Volunteer, Parker Family Health Center; Volunteer, Camp Trek (Adults with
Severe Disabilities)
SOMC Volunteer, The Healthstart Prenatal Clinic Toy Drive, Southern Ocean
Medical Center, Manahawkin, NJ
OMC Volunteer, Cholesterol Screening-Heart Month, Point Pleasant Borough
Middle School, Point Pleasant Borough, NJ
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
33
Community Service and Outreach
Stephanie Carrion, BA, R.N, CAPA
Gina Carter, RNC-OB, BSN
Vimla Christian, R.N., CNN
Patricia M. Cicerone, R.N., BSN, HNBC
JSUMC Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, Bennington, VT
SOMC Lecturer, “Pregnancy Prevention,” Pinelands Regional and Southern Regional
High School students; Volunteer, Relay for Life, American Cancer Society;
Volunteer, Global Friendship Program for Exchange Students
RMC Volunteer, Salvation Army Labor Day Camp Ministry; Volunteer, Salvation
Army Women’s Ministry
SOMC Volunteer, Animal Reiki for Homeless Paws, Barnegat, NJ
Coletta M. Coles, R.N., MSN, CPAN,
CAPA, BC, CGRN
OMC Volunteer, First Aid Table, Seafood Festival
Lori Colineri, R.N., MSN, NEA-BC
RMC Mistress of Ceremonies, “The Red Dress Event,” American Cancer Society;
Board Member, Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, Educational
Foundation Board; Preceptor, for a University of Pennsylvania Nursing Student
Kathryn Burns Collins, R.N.,
BS, MPA, FACHE
JSUMC Volunteer, Medical Explorers-BSA, Jump Start, and Big Brothers Big Sisters
Kathy Colopoulos, R.N., MSN,
APN-C, AOCNS
JSUMC Coordinator, Skin Cancer Screening, American Academy of Dermatology;
Coordinator, Prostate Cancer Screening, Prostate Concerns Education Council;
Relay for Life, American Cancer Society; Choose Your Cover, Monmouth
County Cancer Coalition
Catherine Connelly, R.N., CGRN
RMC Volunteer, Colonoscopy Display Handouts, Riverview Medical Center,
Red Bank, NJ
Christine Conner, MSN, R.N., CCRN, CCNS
OMC Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Point Pleasant, NJ
Patricia (Trish) Crosby, BSN, RN-C, CGRN
RMC Organizer, “Pink Bank” Regatta for “Paint the Town Pink,” American
Cancer Society
Patricia Curtin, R.N., CNOR
OMC Volunteer, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society
Lucille Delas Alas, R.N., BSN
BCH Volunteer, Health Awareness Day-Blood Pressure Screening, Church of Christ
Buklod Organization
Karen Daly, R.N., BSN
BCH Volunteer, Shoreline Heart Walk, American Heart Association
Glynda Daradar, RN-BC, BSN, CMSRN
RMC “Community Stroke Education,” Meridian Health, Riverview Medical Center
Red Bank, NJ
Suzanne Davitt, R.N., BSN, CAPA
SOMC Speaker, Colo-Rectal Cancer Screening, Family Resource Center
Mariebelle del Mundo, RNC, BSN
JSUMC Volunteer, Shoreline Heart Walk, American Heart Association; Making Strides
Against Breast Cancer (Bosom Buddies), American Cancer Society
Wendy Dibenedetto, R.N.
JSUMC Volunteer, Juvenile Diabetes Walkathon, Juvenile Diabetes Research
Foundation (JDRF)
Diane Doherty, R.N., OCN
Mary Ann T. Donohue, Ph.D., R.N.,
APN, NEA-BC
Carolyn Dougan, R.N.
Elizabeth Dowe, R.N., CPAN, CAPA
Jane Drucker, RN-BC
OMC Coordinator, Annual OMC Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Program,
American Academy of Dermatology; Community Day, Ocean Medical Center,
Brick, NJ
JSUMC Religious Education Instructor and Eucharistic Minister, St. John the Baptist,
Hillsdale, NJ; Coordinator, Ski Club Holdrum Middle School, River Vale, NJ
SOMC Volunteer, Christmas Gift Giving, New Lisbon Development Center
JSUMC Survivor and Lecturer, “Oncology Sweetheart Ball”
OMC Team Captain, Making Waves, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ; Memory
Walk, Alzheimer’s Association
Kate Durkin, RNC
JSUMC Volunteer, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society
Jackie Dwyer, R.N., MSN
JSUMC Volunteer, Healthy Heart, Senior Citizen Health Fair, Neptune Health Screening
Francine Dygulski, RNC, CNRN, BSN
JSUMC Volunteer, Lead Paint Fair, Monmouth County Department of Health;
Volunteer, Flu Shot Clinics, Monmouth County Department of Health
Deborah Edgerton, RN-BC, BA
JSUMC Volunteer, Shoreline Heart Walk, American Heart Association
Community Service and Outreach
Veronica Ehlert, R.N., CGRN
OMC Career Day Speaker, Memorial Middle School, Point Pleasant Boro, NJ;
Career Day Speaker, Brick High School, Brick, NJ; Community Day, Ocean
Medical Center, Brick, NJ
Mary E. Eib, R.N., CCRN
OMC Visitation Visitors, Visitation Church Health Ministry, Visitation Church, Brick, NJ
Christine Eisenberg, R.N., BSN, BC
Cary Evangelista, R.N., BSN
Edna J. Evangelista, R.N., BSN, CPN
JSUMC Captain, Shoreline Heart Walk, American Heart Association
OMC “Radiology Safety in Operating Room,” OR Staff, Ocean Medical Center,
Brick, NJ
JSUMC Volunteer, Helmet Safety Program, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Jersey
Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ
Vivian L. Felix, R.N., BSN, CEN
OMC Career Day Speaker, Memorial Middle School, Point Pleasant Boro., NJ
Regina Foley, R.N., MBA, MSN, FACHE
OMC Board Member, American Cancer Society; Member, Point Pleasant
Board of Education
Maria Galgon, R.N., BSN, OCN
Susan E. Gallagher, R.N., CNOR, CRNFA
OMC Community Day, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ
SOMC Lecturer, “Fire and Safety in the Perioperative Setting,” The Stafford
Fire Department
Nancy Galos, R.N., CAPA
OMC Meridian Life Table SDS, Seafood Festival
Annette Gee Monahan, R.N., MSN, CCRN
BCH Volunteer, Family Promise of Monmouth County
Kathleen Gelchion, MSN, R.N.,
AOCNS-BC, CHPN
RMC Team Captain, Relay for Life, American Cancer Society; Wellness Community
“Ask the Oncology Nurse”
Julie George, R.N., BSN, CCRN
SOMC Volunteer, Ocean County Library, Home-Bound Readers
Karen Gould, R.N., ONC
OMC Volunteer, Community Day, Meridian Health Fair
Rebecca Graboso, DNP, R.N.,
CCRN, FNP-BC
RMC Volunteer, Shoreline Heart Walk, American Heart Association;
Lecturer, “Community Stroke Education,” Meridian Health
Stefanie Green, R.N., EMT
BCH Volunteer, EMT Oakhurst First Aid Squad
Lisa Guinta, MSN, RN-BC
JSUMC Volunteer, Shoreline Heart Walk, American Heart Association
Joan Hallman, RN-BC, BSN
JSUMC Volunteer Nurse, Parker Family Health Center, Red Bank, NJ
Jamie Hargis, R.N., CNOR
OMC Volunteer, Community Day, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ
Jennifer Harper, R.N., CNN
OMC Parish Nurse, Blood Pressure Screening, Education, Monthly Health Notice,
St. Pius X RC Church, Forked River, NJ
Joan Harvey, DNP, MSN, R.N., CCRN
OMC Career Day Speaker, Brick High School and Brick PAL, “Getting to Know the
People in Your Neighborhood”
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
35
Community Service and Outreach
Linda Hassler, R.N., MS, GCNS-BC
MH Chair, Twinlights District Member; Executive Board, Monmouth Council, BSA;
MS Walk, Premium Pacer
Christine Hedges, Ph.D., R.N.,
ACNS-BC, CCNS
MH Faculty, The Georgian Court – Meridian Health School of Nursing,
Lakewood, NJ
Annette Henry, RN-BC
JSUMC Volunteer, K. Hovnanian Pediatric Fair, Jersey Shore Medical University Center
Amanda Hessels, R.N., MSN, MPH, CIC
JSUMC Volunteer, Clean Ocean Action and American Cancer Society
Bernice Hettesheimer, R.N., CGRN
JSUMC Founder Support Group, “Celiac Free,” The Celiac Sprue Association
Pamela Holmgren, LPN, CGN
JSUMC Volunteer, Community Day 5K Run/Walk, Jersey Shore University Medical
Center, Neptune, NJ
Alice Howarth, BSN, MSN, RNC-OB, CBC
Jule Hueth, R.N., CGRN, BSPA
Marybeth Hultz, LPN
Margaret A. Janasie, R.N., BSN, CIC
Sharon S. Jones, MS, RN-BC, CCRN
Nancy Kaminski, R.N., OCN
Melaney Kinn-Gurzo, R.N.
Margaret Kluin, R.N., BSN, BC
SOMC Responder, Long Beach Island Community Emergency Response Team
OMC Volunteer, Breast Cancer Walk, Health Ministry Brick Presbyterian Church,
Brick, NJ; Community Day, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ; Education at
Allaire, Allaire State Park
SOMC Level I Catechist, Diocese of Trenton
JSUMC Community H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Program, Holy Spirit Church, Asbury Park,
NJ; Monmouth County Homeless Shelter Linkages Program, Wall Township, NJ
OMC Career Day Speaker, Brick Memorial High School, Brick, NJ
SOMC Volunteer, Relay for Life, American Cancer Society
JSUMC Volunteer, NJ Marathon; Fundraiser, Macy’s Shop for a Cause Clothing Drive
OMC Volunteer, Community Day, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ
Patricia R. Kremens, R.N., CNOR, ONC
JSUMC Volunteer, Children’s Day, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, NJ;
Mentor, Student Nurses, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune NJ;
Board of Director, Kiwanis
Amanda Lillis, RNC
JSUMC Team Captain, Talkin’ Tummies—Take Steps Walk, Crohn’s and Colitis
Foundation of America; Walker, MS Walk
Kathleen Loeffler, R.N., CNOR
OMC Volunteer, Family Readiness Group, Fort Carson, CO
Susan L. Love, RN-BC
JSUMC Teacher, Sunday School; Leader, Celebrate Recovery; Fundraiser, Spaghetti
Meatball Dinner for Children’s Ministry, First Baptist Church, Manasquan, NJ;
Celebrate Recovery Outreach, Ocean Grove, NJ; Class Mom, Manasquan
Elementary, Manasquan, NJ; Volunteer, Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk,
Point Pleasant, NJ; “The Older Women’s Prevention & Health Promotion
Seminar,” True Vine Church, Asbury, NJ; Fundraiser and Member, Making
Waves, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ
Patricia A. Lucarelli, R.N., MSN,
CPNP, APN-C
JSUMC Volunteer Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Parker Family Health Center; Volunteer
“Teddy Bear Tea Luncheon,” Monmouth County Seniors/Salvation Army;
Adjunct Nursing Professor, The Georgian Court–Meridian Health School of
Nursing, Lakewood, NJ
Sharon Marciniak, R.N., CGRN
RMC Volunteer, Colonoscopy Display Handouts, Riverview Medical Center,
Red Bank, NJ
Elisabeth A. Margl, RN-BC, BSN, CGRN
OMC Volunteer, GI Nurse’s Day Exhibit, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ
Elizabeth Martinez, R.N., ONC
OMC Global Youth Day, Brick Municipal Alliance; Volunteer, “Choose Your Cover,”
Ocean County Cancer Coalition; Community Day, Ocean Medical Center, Brick,
NJ; Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, American Cancer Society; CoPartner with ONS President, “Relax, Rejuvenate, Revitalize: A Nursing Retreat
to Wellness,” Southern Jersey Chapter; “Save Your Breath,” Brick Municipal
Alliance; Team Captain, Walk for a Cure for Diabetes
Sandra A. Mead, MSN, APN-BC,
FCCSC, CCRN
Rosemary McCabe, R.N., MSN, FNP, APN
JSUMC Preceptor, 3 Nurse Practitioner students at Primary Care Practice
SUMC Lecturer, “Health Promotion Day” and “Diabetes Awareness Day” Neptune
School District, Neptune, NJ
Community Service and Outreach
Kimberly McCourt, R.N., BSN, MSN,
CCRN, ANP, APCN
JSUMC Expert Panel, “Women’s Heart Advantage Go Red for Women”; Rider, MS
Awareness Point Pleasant Triathlon; Meridian Health Volleyball Tournament,
American Heart Association
Kathy McGovern, R.N., CCRC
JSUMC Volunteer, ATEAM World Aids Day Fair
Joyce McKeever, R.N., MS, IBCLC
JSUMC Volunteer, March of Dimes Walk; Shoreline Heart Walk, American
Heart Association
Robyn McNamara, R.N., CGRN
JSUMC Community Day, Jersey Shore University Medical Center 5K Run/Walk;
Colon Cancer Alliance Undy 500 Run
Maya Meyers, R.N., CCRN
Helen Miley, Ph.D., R.N., ACNP-BC,
CCRN, GNP-BC
SOMC “Living with Illness” Support Group for Caregivers; Dinner Fundraiser,
“Huntington Disease,” Manhattan, NY
MH Specialty Director for Acute Care NP Program, Rutgers University
Dawn Mirabal, R.N.
OMC Volunteer, Melanoma International Foundation 5K
Jill Mosteller, R.N., MSN
OMC Volunteer, Community Day; 12th Annual Interfaith Memorial Service; Annual
Clergy Luncheon; OMC Association, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ; Trustee,
Ocean County Cancer Coalition
Patricia Murray, R.N., CCRN
Marlene B. Navarro, MSN, AOCNP,
ANP-BC
Loretta Ninivaggi, DNP, APN, BC, CDE
Eddi Nitting, R.N., BSN, CDE
Karen Nugent, R.N., CDN
SUMC Volunteer, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
OMC Volunteer, Making Stride Against Breast Cancer and Relay for Life, American
Cancer Society; Global Youth Day, ONS CNJ; Brick Municipal Alliance: Save
Your Breath, ONS CNJ; Skin Cancer Screening, Ocean Medical Center, Brick,
NJ; “Choose Your Cover,” Ocean County Cancer Coalition
JSUMC Lecturer, “Diabetes Lecture,” Seabrook Village, Tinton Falls, NJ
SOMC Volunteer, Relay for Life, American Cancer Association
OMC Victim Advocate, Sexual Assault Response Team, St. Francis, Long Beach
Island, NJ; Volunteer, Domestic Violence Response Team, Providence House
Catholic Charities; Volunteer, Violence Prevention Coalition Task Force Ocean
County, St. Francis, Long Beach Island, NJ
Maureen O’Brien, R.N., MSN,
CCRN, ACNS-BC
SOMC Team Captain, Shoreline Heart Walk, American Heart Association
Barbara O’Connor, R.N., OCN
SOMC Event Chair, Relay for Life-Manahawkin, America Cancer Society
Granet Padalla, BSN, RN-BC
Pam Palmer, R.N., BSN
James Pang, R.N., BS, CNOR
Barbara Paratore, RN-BC
JSUMC Volunteer, North Jersey Autism Walk, North Jersey Autistic Organization
OMC Church Blood Pressure Screening, Manasquan United Methodist Church,
Manasquan, NJ
OMC Community Day, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ
JSUMC Community Stroke Education, Meridian Health Fair
Cathy Patsco, R.N.
BCH Fundraiser, Leukemia Cup Regatta, New Jersey Hospice Cup Regatta, and
180 Women’s Charity Regatta
Susan Pear, RNC-OB, CCE
OMC Elixir Fund Supporter and Fundraiser, Bike MS, New Bern, NC; Fundraiser,
NYC Marathon; Fundraiser, Run for MS; Volunteer, Caregivers Association
Mary E. Peled, R.N., BSN, CPN
OMC Volunteer, Puberty PowerPoint Seminar for adolescent girls, St. Dominic’s
School, Brick, NJ
Meaghan Peters, R.N.
JSUMC
Instructor Kindercare Teachers, Hand Hygiene, Aseptic Technique
Kim Pheifer, R.N., BSN
BCH Team Captain, Shoreline Heart Walk, American Heart Association
Terri T. Pietsch, R.N., MSN,
CTR, OCN, NE-BC
RMC Member, Palliative Care Work Group for the NJ State Cancer Control Plan
Landa A. PoianiDarocki, MSN,
APN-C, COHN-S
Tamara M. Proto, R.N.
MH Volunteer, Rutgers Community Health Advisory Council
BCH Volunteer, Ladies Auxiliary, Aberdeen Fire & Hose Company Number One,
Aberdeen, NJ
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
37
Community Service and Outreach
Thomas J. Reinhold, R.N.
Diane Resnick, RN-BC, MPA
OMC Career Day Speaker, Memorial Middle School; Health Booth, Jazz and Wine
Festival, Historic Allaire Village at Allaire State Park
JSUMC Volunteer, Shoreline Heart Walk, American Heart Association
Richard A. Ridge, R.N., Ph.D., CENP
SOMC Adjunct Faculty, Kean University, School of Nursing; Advisory Board
Member, Monmouth University, Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and
Health Studies
Jennifer Rocheskey, RNC-OB, BSN
SOMC Lecturer, “Pregnancy Prevention,” Pinelands Regional, Southern Regional,
and Barnegat High School Students
Pamela Rossano, RNC, AWHONN
RMC Volunteer, Medical Reserve Corps, Monmouth County, “Vaccinations” and
“Homeland Security”
Nancy Salerno, RN-BC, BA, NE, OCN
BCH Volunteer, “Choose Your Cover,” Cancer Coalition; Registrar, Breast Walk,
American Cancer Society
Irene Salvatore, R.N.
OMC Volunteer, Community Day, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ
Vera Sansolo, R.N., CPN
OMC Volunteer, Community Day, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ; Parish Nurse,
Annual Blood Pressure Screening, Youth Group, Thanksgiving for the
Homeless, Epiphany Church, Brick, NJ; Instructor, Jersey Shore Mother’s
Group-Pediatric Teaching
Marvin Sauerhoff, R.N., BSN, CALA
JSUMC Volunteer, Civil Air Patrol Holiday Party
Alanna Schauer, RN-BC
BCH Board of Trustee Member, CPC Behavioral Health; Co-Chair, CPC Annual Gala;
Team Captain, Shoreline Heart Walk, American Heart Association
Barbara Sedillo, R.N., CNOR
OMC Volunteer, Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweep, Clean Ocean Action; Shoreline
Heart Walk, American Heart Association; “Share the Magic” WJRZ Radio Magic
100.1 Sponsored Donation and Fundraiser for Ocean County Hunger Relief, Big
Brothers, Big Sisters, and Jersey Shore Animal Center
Jean Shafto, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM
OMC Volunteer, Ocean Medical Center Foundation Golf Outing; March of Dimes,
March for Babies
Nancy Shen, RN-BC
JSUMC Volunteer, Parker Family Health Center, Red Bank, NJ; Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer Walk, American Cancer Society
Conchita (Connie) Sim, RN-BC, BSN
JSUMC Volunteer, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, American
Cancer Society
Judith Slover-Zipf, DNP, ANP-BC,
BC-ADM, CDE
JSUMC Endocrine Nurse Practitioner, Parker Family Health Center, Red Bank, NJ
Community Service and Outreach
Danielle Smith, R.N., BSN, CNOR
Brenda Snow, R.N., BSN, CMSRN
Leslie Stewart, BA, R.N., CGRN
OMC Volunteer, Community Day, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ
SOMC Volunteer, Monthly Soup and Socks Project, Stockton Christian Fellowship,
Martin Luther King Park; Volunteer, Feeding and Clothing the Homeless,
Atlantic City, NJ
JSUMC Volunteer, “Colon Cancer Screening” Fort Monmouth Health Fair, Four Season’s
Health Fair, Seabrook Health Fair, and Neptune Community Day and Health Fair
MaryEllen Strozak, M.S., R.N., CCRN, CNS
RMC Parish Nurse, St. Benedicts Catholic Church, Holmdel, NJ
Marsha Swartz, R.N., CNOR
OMC Volunteer, Community Day, Ocean Medical Center, Brick, NJ
Maria G.D. Torres, RN-BC
JSUMC Volunteer, Shoreline Heart Walk, American Heart Association; Making Strides
Against Breast Cancer (Bosom Buddies), American Cancer Society; Homeless
Ministry-Missionary of the Poor, St. Veronica Church, Howell, NJ; Haiti and
Uganda Food Drive, Missionary of the Poor, multiple churches
Jill Tralka, R.N., BSN, CPN
JSUMC Volunteer, Make-A-Wish, Kids Day America, Doctor Bernard’s Birthday
Celebration, Kids Rock Health Fair/Meridian Health; CCD Educator, Holy
Innocents Society (special needs children)
Karin Verrier, R.N.
OMC Vice President, Lavallette PTA; Volunteer, Livestrong Challenge Bike/Walk;
Purple Stride, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; Assistant Coach, Point
Pleasant Elks Cheerleading Midgets
Edward Vetrecin, R.N., BSN, CCRN, CEN
SOMC Member, Stafford Township VFC#1, BPOE Elks
Beverly Wade, RNC-OB
SOMC Volunteer and Foster Family, Shore Hearts Golden Retriever Rescue
Nancy Wagner, R.N., MSN, CIC, CSN
OMC Coordinator, H1N1 Vaccination Clinic, Ocean Medical Center; Coordinator,
Volunteers for Annual OMC Golf Classic; Lecturer, Brick MOMs Association,
“Immunizations, H1N1, and Basic Infection Control Measures”; Coordinator,
Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Screening for Go Red for Women Day;
Volunteer, Administered PPD’s to Junior Volunteers and Pneumococcal and
Flu Vaccinations to OMC Foundation Members
Linda Walsh, R.N., MSN, CEN
BCH Clinical Faculty, Brookdale Community College
and The Georgian Court – Meridian Health School of Nursing
Jennifer White, RN-BC, CNML
RMC Team Captain, Shoreline Heart Walk, American Heart Association
Eric K. Wignall, R.N., CCRN
Cynthia Wilhelm, RNC-MNN
JSUMC Career Day Speaker, Asbury Park High School; Mended Hearts Group;
“Cholesterol and a Healthy Diet” Instructor, OMC BLS
SOMC Volunteer, The Healthstart Prenatal Clinic Toy Drive, Southern Ocean Medical
Center, Manahawkin, NJ
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
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Military/International Service
While many Meridian nurses volunteer their time and skills outside the walls of our hospitals, some
also give of their time beyond the boundaries of the United States. They act as goodwill ambassadors
by bringing their knowledge and expertise to those in need.
Meridian Health Sends Medical Team and Supplies to Haiti
At Meridian Health, our commitment to improving the health and well-being of patients goes far beyond the borders
of our own community.
Following the tragic events in Haiti last January, Meridian worked directly with the CRUDEM Foundation, an American nonprofit
organization which supports the Hospital Sacre Coeur in Milot, Haiti. Meridian physicians, nurses, and team members have
regularly traveled on medical missions, and Meridian has provided supplies to the Hospital since 1997.
On February 26, 2010, Meridian sent equipment, supplies, and a full medical team to Haiti for a week-long mission as part of our
support for earthquake relief efforts. Our nurse representatives were Regina Foley, R.N.; Florence Germaine, R.N.; Darline Innocent,
R.N.; Kris Rovell, R.N.; and Trish Wesch, R.N. The mission was supported by the Medical and Dental Staffs of each Meridian
hospital, who generously committed the financial support to fund the travel expenses for our team and shipment of their supplies.
Marie Arbour, R.N., BSN, MSN
BCH Surgical Coordinator, Aloha Medical Missions Hawaii, Philippines; PACU
Nurse, Hospital De La Familia Medical Mission, Guatemala
Regina Foley, R.N., MBA, MSN, FACHE
OMC Volunteer, Mission Earthquake Relief, Haiti
Christine Hedges, Ph.D., R.N.,
ACNS-BC, CCNS
Kathleen Loeffler, R.N., CNOR
MH Volunteer, Right to Sight and Health Mission, Kedegou, Senegal, West Africa;
Volunteer, Aloha Surgical Mission, Silay City, Negros, Philippines
OMC Volunteer, Family Readiness Group, Food and Supplies to Soldiers in Iraq,
Fort Carson, CO
Maria G.D. Torres, RN-BC
JSUMC Volunteer, Medical Mission-Missionary of the Poor, Kingston, Jamaica
Jill Tralka, R.N., BSN, CPN
JSUMC Volunteer, Henry B. King Medical Brigade, Honduras
Teri Wurmser, Ph.D., MPH, R.N., NEA-BC
Paul Wyche, R.N., BSN, CEN, CPEN
MH Volunteer, Medical Mission, Philippines
RMC Navy Reserve Nurse Corps Officer, Operation Enduring Freedom to
Multinational Medical Unit, Kandahar Airfield, Kandahar Afghanistan
Educational Achievements
Maintaining a work/life balance is a challenge for nurses working in today’s health care environment. Yet many Meridian
nurses continue to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in order to advance their clinical skills.
Associates in Applied Sciences (AAS)
Lavonne Colasuonno, R.N.
JSUMC
Jennifer Drew, R.N.
JSUMC
Brookdale Community College
Ocean County College
Maria Ferguson, R.N.
RMC
Brookdale Community College
Alicia Fernandez, R.N.
OMC
Ocean County College
Jamie Hargis, R.N., CNOR
OMC
Ocean County College
John Menafra, R.N.
OMC
Ocean County College
Charles Morro, R.N.
RMC
Brookdale Community College
Meaghan Peters, R.N.
JSUMC
Ocean County College
Barbara Boyler, RN-BC, BSN
JSUMC
Seton Hall University
Francine Dygulski, RNC, CNRN, BSN
JSUMC
Rutgers, The State
University of New Jersey
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Maria Galgon, R.N., BSN, OCN
OMC
Kean University
Laura J. Gomes, RNC, BSN
JSUMC
Kean University
Kathleen Haggerty, R.N., BSN
JSUMC
Drexel University
Kim Kritch, RN-BC, BSN
JSUMC
Felician College
SOMC
Kean University
Michelle McLean, R.N., BSN, CMSRN
Betty Moore, R.N., BSN, CBCN
JSUMC
University of Phoenix
Sirena Opaleski, R.N., BSN, CEN
JSUMC
Kean University
SOMC
Drexel University
JSUMC
Felician College
Brenda Snow, R.N., BSN, CMSRN
SOMC
Kean University
Lisa Snyder-Stackhouse, R.N., BSN
SOMC
Kean University
Edward Vetrecin, R.N., BSN, CCRN, CEN
SOMC
Drexel University
JSUMC
Felician College
SOMC
Kean University
Jennifer Rocheskey, RNC-OB, BSN
Amy Sapp, R.N., BSN, CCRN
Eric K. Wignall, R.N., BSN, CCRN
Sandria Wilmot, R.N., BSN
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Consuelo Royal, LPN
JSUMC
Lincoln Technical
Institute
Masters in Counseling
Rosemarie De Almeida-Gajda, R.N.
OMC
Kean University
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
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Educational Achievements
Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Jackie Dwyer, R.N., MSN
Judith Egan, RNC, MSN, CAPA
JSUMC
OMC
Walden University
Monmouth University
Ruthann Kosick, MSN, R.N., CCRN, CPAN
JSUMC
Walden University
Tracy E. McIntyre, R.N., MSN, CCRN
JSUMC
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Andrea Palisi, R.N., BSN, MSN
JSUMC
Seton Hall University
Loretta Pasquarella, R.N., MSN, NP-C, OCN
JSUMC
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Maryjo Phillips-Ruggiero, RN-BC, CMSRN, MSN
Jean Shafto, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM
Daniel Unachukwu, R.N., MSN
Nancy Wagner, R.N., MSN, CIC, CSN
MH
Walden University
OMC
Walden University
JSUMC
Monmouth University
OMC
Monmouth University
Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Donna Ciufo, DNP, R.N., FNP-BC
JSUMC
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Rebecca Graboso, DNP, R.N., CCRN, FNP-BC
RMC
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Christine Hader, DNP, RN-BC, MSN, CCRN, CPAN
OMC
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Joan Harvey, DNP, MSN, R.N., CCRN
OMC
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Kristine Monia, DNP, R.N., CEN
OMC
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Loretta Ninivaggi, DNP, APN, BC, CDE
JSUMC
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Judith Slover-Zipf, DNP, ANP-BC, BC-ADM, CDE
JSUMC
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Foundation
Meridian Health believes that education is a life-long process. To support this process, a large number of generously
donated scholarships are available for team member students who are preparing to enter the nursing profession,
as well as nurses who are seeking advanced degrees.
A Magnet Moment
“My Magnet Moment encompasses providing quality care to patients and family members. I believe it is essential to also serve as
a mentor to new nurses, exemplifying nurses as teachers. This will help us continue the strong legacy of the profession. My special
Magnet moment occurred in 2007, when I was awarded the prestigious Mildred Rosa Trust Presidential Award. This prestigious
award meant a lot to me not only because it provided financial support to continue with my education, but it also was a special
moment of recognition by John Lloyd, Dr. Hader, and other Meridian team members. It also meant a lot to me to have
my nurse manager, Kathy Armstrong, there to support me.
It is truly rewarding to be employed in an environment that supports and enhances professional development. This environment
supports the force of quality improvement. As a result, I will achieve one of my career goals of attaining a Master’s of Science
Degree in Nursing. I plan to utilize my degree to continue the legacy in nursing and teach nursing students.”
Sonja Williams, RNC, BSN
Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Northwest Pavilion 2
Sally Hetzler Nursing Education Scholarship
To memorialize her exceptional life and love of learning, the family of Sally Hetzler, an outstanding community member and former
patient of Riverview Medical Center, has established a fund in her memory to be used for the education of nurses and nursing
students throughout Meridian Health.
Peter T. Hetzler, M.D., presented the Sally Hetzler Nursing
Education Scholarship to Elizabeth Paulus-Moore, R.N., BSN,
OCN, CBPN-C (right) and Tiffany Troncone, R.N., OCN. The fund
was created in memory of Dr. Hetzler’s mother, Sally.
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
43
Foundation
The Rudolf and Ellen Rumeld Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in recognition of, and in appreciation for, the care
and compassionate treatment which the nursing staff on Northwest Pavilion 6 at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
provided to Mr. Rumeld in his final
days. The Rumeld’s have established
an endowment for the professional
development of the nurses on
Northwest Pavilion 6.
Harvey and Myron Rumeld presented the
award to Tracey Walters, R.N., a staff nurse
on Northwest Pavillion 6, who provided care
for Mr. Rumeld when he was a patient at
Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Elizabeth I. Kellogg Award
This award was established in 1990 through the generosity of the Kellogg family to acknowledge the contribution nursing
makes in providing quality care. To honor the memory of Mrs. Kellogg, this award is granted annually to nurses who work
at each of the Meridian hospitals.
In 2010, Ocean Medical
Center team members
Kathy Frank, RNC;
Susan Dice, R.N., CPAN;
Ellen Asaro, RNC, BSN; and
Chrisanne Starrett, R.N.,
CEN, were awarded the
Elizabeth I. Kellogg Award.
Meridian Health Nursing Achievements 2010
45
Jersey Shore University Medical Center
K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital
Ocean Medical Center
Riverview Medical Center
Southern Ocean Medical Center
Bayshore Community Hospital
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