NJCCN Annual Report

Momentum: Driving the Mission Forward

NJCCN's 2025 annual report Momentum: Driving the Mission Forward, reflects our continued dedication to strengthening the nursing workforce through meaningful collaboration with partners across the state. We invite you to explore this report to learn how these collective efforts are advancing innovative solutions and making a lasting impact on the future of nursing in New Jersey.

2026 NJ Certified Home Health Aide Data Report

Available Now!

The demand for home care is rising. From 2023 to 2025, New Jersey experienced a 35% increase in Certified Home Health Aides (CHAAs), highlighting the critical role CHHAs play in supporting patients and families statewide.

Visit our website to learn more about trends shaping CHHAs across New Jersey.

Tri-Council Meeting

On April 15, 2026, nursing education leaders from across the state gathered for the Tri‑Council’s ongoing work to support New Jersey’s nursing programs.

Nursing leaders gathered for policy and legislative updates, meaningful dialogue, and a timely discussion presented by Kenneth Jones, MBA of Seton Hall University on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nursing Education: Strategy, Ethics, and Emerging Technologies;

Thank you to all Tri‑Council members for your ongoing partnership and commitment to nursing education.

Acute Care Nurse Residency Mentoring Collaborative

NJCCN launched its Mentoring Collaborative with a full-day kickoff workshop on April 16, 2025, led by Josh Berger and Alexis Harrell of Spark Reach Leadership, alongside Rutgers School of Nursing MSN student Samantha Tunney. This program is designed to support New Jersey hospitals in the Acute Care Nurse Residency Collaborative in implementing structured, evidence-based mentorship for early-career nurses.

The workshop engaged participants in interactive simulations, mentor skill development, and best‑practice discussions focused on program design, mentor preparation, and sustainable mentorship infrastructure.

Through hands‑on learning and peer exchange, participating hospitals were equipped with practical tools to strengthen mentorship during the critical transition from nurse residency to early‑career practice.

38th Annual ENRS Scientific Sessions

Boston, MA

During the ENRS Annual Session, NJCCN's Nurse Scientist Dr. Susan Weaver presented on the Re-Integration of LPNs into Acute Care Teams: A Qualitative Exploration of Leadership Views.

Dr. Pamela B. de Cordova, NJCCN Nurse Scientist, also led a panel on managing the complexities of academic publishing for successful dissemination of scholarly products.

We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Susan Weaver and Dr. Pamela B. de Cordova, for their outstanding contributions at the ENRS Annual Session and for advancing nursing research and scholarship on behalf of NJCCN.

2026 Alternate Care Environments (ACE) Immersion Program Summer Externship

This summer, NJCCN is offering the Summer Externship component of the ACE Immersion Program from July 6 - Aug. 14, 2026.

This program is designed to expand Rutgers School of Nursing students’ exposure to nursing roles beyond the acute care setting through shadowing experiences in long-term care (LTC), assisted living, and other out-of-hospital environments. It offers valuable insight into a wide range of high-demand nursing specialties.

If you are a facility in these settings and are interested in hosting Rutgers Students at you site, please contact Dr. Daria Waszak at dlw210@sn.rutgers.edu or complete the Facility Interest Form below by April 30, 2026.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the NJ Industry Partnerships – New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development

Institute for Nursing/NJSNA

16th Annual Diva & Don Gala

Congratulations to all the awardees of the Institute for Nursing Diva and Don Gala, including but not limited to NJCCN nurse scientist, Susan H. Weaver, PhD, RN, CRNI, NEA-BC, NJCCN Advisory Council member, Mary Koch, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CNOR, ANEF, University Hospital Nurse Residency Coordinator (which is part of the NJCCN Acute Care Nurse Residency Collaborative), Cindy Lowenstein, MA, MSN, APN-BC, NPD-BC, CCRN-K, and Rutgers School of Nursing Dean, Angela Starkweather, PhD, ACNP-BC, FAANP, FAAN.

Congratulations NJCCN!

NJCCN received its 7th Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) to continue the statewide Acute Care RN Residency Collaborative. 

NJ Access to Care Bill (S2996/A4052)

The New Jersey Access to Care legislation (S2996/A4052) has officially passed in the Senate and Assembly. This significant milestone reflects a continued commitment to improving access to healthcare services across the state. The legislation is intended to expand access to primary and mental health care. It represents an important step forward in addressing healthcare needs and strengthening the delivery of care for New Jersey residents by Advanced Practice Nurses.

The New Jersey Board of Nursing will readopt the law into regulation over the next 6 months.