How do you like the look of the New Jersey State Nurses Association/Institute for Nursing NJ Nurse Publication? We have had to change our NJ Nurse publisher along with many other American Nurses Association (ANA) state nursing associations. We thank, and credit the Arthur L. Davis Publishing Agency, Inc., our previous publisher, for their many years of service to the NJ Nurse. Over the years, they have been a reliable and dependable publisher for many ANA state nursing associations.
Our new publisher, HealthCom Media, also publishes the ANA Journal, so our look will be similar. We welcome you to publish in the upcoming NJ Nurse with your evidence-based practice articles, professional development, nurse accolades and more. The due date for the next NJ Nurse publication is October 21st, 2024. Additionally, our NJ Nurse Editorial Committee has been carefully chosen to ensure the publication’s editorial criteria are met. For further questions regarding your upcoming article submission, you may contact NJSNA Executive Assistant Jennifer Chanti at Jennifer@njsna.org.
Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) in New Jersey and nationwide are a critical component of the state’s healthcare system. However, their ability to practice to the full extent of their education and training is often hindered by restrictive regulations. The NJ APN bill S1983 and identical bill Number A944 address these barriers by granting APNs full practice authority. This legislation would allow you to practice without needing a collaborative agreement with a physician. Passing this bill is essential for improving access to healthcare, particularly in underserved and rural areas where physicians are scarce, and it would align New Jersey with the 27 other states and Washington, D.C., that have already enacted similar laws.
There is one other piece of NJ Legislation for you to bring with you during your upcoming legislative visit. The Patient Protection and Safe Staffing Act Senate Bill: S2700 with the identical Assembly Bill: A3683. Follow this link for the complete understanding of the bill https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S2700.
Whether you are currently an APN or a RN, the residents of NJ need you to advocate for your professional rights. You are the glue holding the healthcare system together ensuring that the NJ residents receive the care they deserve.
The first steps of becoming an advocate are to keep your advocacy local by reaching out to your legislators. Use this link to find district and ultimately your legislator https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/district-map. During the meeting with your legislator, remember they need your vote!! Keep your dialogue relatable and personal-everyone loves nurses, knows a nurse or has had an experience where they needed a nurse.
As I write this final article for the NJ Nurse as President of the New Jersey State Nurses Association, I am filled with mixed emotions of gratitude and touch of nostalgia. Serving as your President over the past two year has been an incredible journey, and I am thankful for your support and trust you have should me.
From the moment I received the NJSNA President’s pin from then- President Mary Ellen Levine during the Installation of Officers in January 2023 I felt a sense of honor and responsibility. The president’s pin represents NJSNAs past, present, and future leaders’ dedication and commitment to the profession of nursing. Within the design of the pin sits a single pearl which signifies wisdom, new beginnings and overcoming adversity. I knew I was about to embark on an incredible journey, and it has been.
The strength, impact, and achievements of the New Jersey State Nurses Association/IFN would not be possible without the commitment and dedication of our members. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the 2023-2024 NJSNA board members for their dedication to advancing our association.
Special appreciation goes to the executive committee members who have served over the past two years: Peggy Daingerfield, President-Elect/IFN Chair; Virginia Carreira, Vice President; Linda Gural, Past Secretary; Akia Blandon, current Secretary; and Dan Misa, Treasurer. Their tireless dedication and commitment to NJSNA have been invaluable.
The NJSNA/IFN staff has made an impression on the organization. I would like to thank: Jennifer Chanti, Executive Assistant: Lynn Stauffer, Bookkeeper and Natalia Kasatkin, Accountant, Deb Harwell, Deputy Director and Tyea Santiago, Education Coordinator. We wished Kortnie Jackson, Education Administrative Assistant good luck on her future endeavors as she embarked on her new journey.
In addition, I would like to take a moment to express my deep sense of gratitude to Dr. Judy Schmidt, CEO OF NJSNA/IFN. Her ongoing support and hands on efforts have been a great source of strength for me and the organization.
As I transition out of this role, I look forward to witnessing the continued progress and success of NJSNA under Peggy Daingerfield’s leadership. I am excited about the new chapter ahead for the association, one that will undoubtedly build on the foundations we have laid together. Thank you for the honor of serving as your President. It has been a privilege and a blessing. I remain committed to supporting NJSNA in new ways and watching our association thrive.
With deepest gratitude and best wishes,
