New Jersey Nursing Insights

Neuroscience nursing is often associated with critical care, brain injuries, strokes, and complex medical procedures. But as Patty Anthony explains in this episode, the specialty is about much more. Patty has spent more than 30 years at JFK University Medical Center's Neuroscience Institute, caring for patients with brain tumors, strokes, neurological disorders, and spinal cord injuries. Duri...

Is joining a professional nursing organization really worth the dues – or is it just another expense? In this episode of the Nursing Insights Podcast, we explore what nurses gain when they step beyond their day-to-day roles and become part of something bigger. Guests Dan Misa and Sara Humeny share their personal journeys into professional organizations – and how those decisions shaped their career...

Public health nurses are often the invisible backbone of community care – meeting patients where they are, breaking down barriers, and preventing serious health issues before they escalate. In this episode, we speak with Jan Stralkus and Loletha Johnson about what public health nursing really looks like on the ground. From home visits in rural South Jersey to statewide cancer programs, they share...

Medical-surgical nursing is often called the backbone of the hospital – but it’s also one of the most misunderstood specialties in healthcare. In this episode of Nursing Insights , Susan and Daria speak with experienced Med-Surg nurses Brooke Roth and Luz Parris about what it really takes to thrive in one of the most demanding areas of nursing. From managing multiple high-acuity patients at once t...

Trigger Warning : This episode contains discussions of trauma, disaster, displacement, survivor’s guilt, and medical distress, including descriptions related to wildfire evacuation, loss, and a medical emergency involving a child. Some listeners may find these topics emotionally difficult. Please listen with care and take a pause if needed. _________________________________  What happens when the...

Digital communication is no longer optional for nurse leaders – it is a core leadership skill. In this episode of Nursing Insights, we sit down with Alysia Adams, Director of Education Partnerships at the American Organization of Nursing Leadership, to explore the digital communication competencies now shaping nursing leadership across the country. Alysia shares what led her to research digital co...

Nurse fatigue isn’t just uncomfortable – it’s dangerous. In this episode, Dr. Pamela Hinds and crisis nurse Brett Bagshaw from Children’s National Hospital explain how their organization became a national leader in implementing sanctioned night-shift napping. From alarming survey data to cultural barriers, space challenges, HR policy changes, and real nurse stories, this conversation offers a prac...

For today’s episode, hosted by Susan Weaver, Nurse Scientist, New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing, we have something special for you. We’re coming to you from a committee room at the New Jersey Statehouse in Trenton, where we’ll be speaking with three distinguished panelists about political advocacy and state-level testimony. Our guests today are: Dr. Marcel Kaganovskaya, APN and President...

In this episode of Nursing Insights , host Stephanie Olaso, MHCI, BSN, RN  sits down with Dr. Deeba Siddiqui, Doctor of Nursing Practice with a focus on safety systems. Deeba’s nursing journey began with a chest tube at age 19 – an experience that inspired her to pivot into nursing. From outpost nursing in rural Newfoundland, to working across the United States, to becoming Patient Safety and Qual...

In this episode of Nursing Insights , host Stephanie Olaso sits down with Frank Crispin (Nursing Director) and Veronica Perez (Nurse Manager) from Inspira Medical Center Vineland to explore how virtual nursing is reshaping patient care and supporting frontline nurses. They share the story behind Inspira’s pilot program, how virtual nurses handle admissions and discharges, and the surprising impact...

What if a small change in your electronic health record could save lives? In this episode of Nursing Insights , we dive into a quiet revolution in geriatric care: the Geriatric Prescribing Context (GPC). Host Stephanie Olaso, MHCI, BSN, RN  is joined by: Dr. Katie Drago , geriatrician and lead researcher behind the GPC Jean Stoerger , PharmD and clinical geriatric pharmacist Mary Jo Phillips , DNP...

In this powerful installment of New Jersey Nursing Insights , we delve into the often-overlooked emotional toll on healthcare providers known as the Second Victim Phenomenon . Through a candid conversation with Dr. Marthe Leveille, MSN, RN, CPHQ, we explore the internal struggles nurses experience after adverse patient events – ranging from guilt and anxiety to moral injury and burnout. In this ep...

In this enlightening episode of Nursing Insights , host Stephanie Olaso sits down with Dr. Maryann Alexander, visiting professor at Vanderbilt University and former Chief Officer of Nursing Regulation at the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Together, they explore the current state, challenges, and future of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) workforce in the United States. With...

The transition from student to advanced practice provider (APP) can be exciting, but also overwhelming. In this episode, host Stephanie speaks with two trailblazers who are shaping the future of nurse practitioner and physician assistant onboarding: Dr. Dodi Iannaco of Virtua Health and Cedar Wang of Holy Name Medical Center. Together, they explore: The New Jersey APP Transition to Practice Progra...

The nursing profession is facing a critical shortage, and today’s episode of Nursing Insights dives deep into the latest New Jersey Nursing Data and Analysis Report for 2025. Dr. Edna Cadmus, Executive Director of the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN), and Dr. Daria Waszak, Assistant Director, join us to discuss the state of the nursing workforce, the shortages we’re facing natio...

In this episode of the Nursing Insights Podcast , host Stephanie Olaso speaks with Kathleen McCarthy, a seasoned psychiatric mental health nurse and educator, about the pressing issue of workplace violence in healthcare. With over 50 years of experience in nursing, Kathleen sheds light on the growing concerns of aggression and violence that nurses face from patients, visitors, and even colleagues,...

In this episode of the Nursing Insights Podcast, host Stephanie Olaso continues her discussion with Dr. Carol Ash about the critical issue of sleep deprivation among nurses, particularly those working night shifts. Dr. Ash sheds light on the historical and cultural factors that contribute to a healthcare environment where fatigue and drowsy driving are common risks. They discuss the importance of...

In this eye-opening episode of the Nursing Insights Podcast, host Stephanie Olaso talks to Dr. Carol Ash, a sleep medicine specialist, about the dangerous effects of sleep deprivation on nurses, particularly those working night shifts. From micro-sleeps that can occur on the drive home to long-term health risks, Dr. Ash highlights why sleep health is essential in nursing.  Special guest Ashley Mar...

In this episode of Nursing Insights, we dive into the world of nurse advocacy and explore how it plays a crucial role in protecting and advancing the nursing profession. Judy Schmidt, CEO of the New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA), returns to share her insights on how nurses can influence legislation, advocate for their profession, and the vital laws that have been passed to protect both n...

Learn about the NJCCN/Vizient acute care residency program with Michele Roberts, EdD, RN, CNE, CHSE, Lorraine Kane, MSN, RN, CEN, and Doretha Joy Bray, MSN-Edu, RN, CMSRN.

In our latest episode, we speak about recruitment and mentorship in the nursing sector with MaryJo Loughlin, Administrative Director, Clinical Program Development at Hunterdon Medical Center.

Continuing our, 3-part episode, an all-star cast of nurse leaders – Dr. Edna Cadmus, Nancy Fitterer, Charles Larobis, Mary Jo Loughlin, and Judy Schmidt – reflect on insights from the 2024 NJ Nursing Summit, and in this episode, they focus on the importance of nurse recruitment.

 In this special, 3-part episode, an all-star cast of nurse leaders – Dr. Edna Cadmus PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Nancy Fitterer MA, Charles Larobis RN, BSN, CDP, CADDCT, IPCO, Mary Jo Loughlin RN, MAS, NE-BC , and Judy Schmidt DHA, MSN, RN– reflect on insights from the 2024 NJ Nursing Summit, held this past January.

Danielle Kuhlwein, a registered LPN with Preferred Home Health Care and Nursing Services, a Caring for Kids Company, provides an overview of her professional journey. Preferred Home Health Care is part of the Care Options for Kids community, a leader in pediatric healthcare for over 20 years. They offer comprehensive therapy, nursing, and school-based services to enrich the lives of children and f...