April 16, 2021

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The nurses of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, 1 Hamilton Health Place, Hamilton, have received nursing’s most prestigious honor – Magnet® recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Only 8 percent of hospitals nationwide have achieved this distinction; previously, only 32 hospitals in New Jersey received this recognition. RWJUH Hamilton makes number 33.

              “We can officially say what we have always known: RWJUH Hamilton nurses are among the nation’s best,” said Richard Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer at RWJUH Hamilton. “Our community can be assured that they are getting the highest quality care from skilled, compassionate nurses.”

              The American Nurses Credentialing Center, a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association, is the world’s largest nursing credentialing organization. Its internationally renowned Magnet Recognition Program® was developed to recognize healthcare organizations that provide the very best in nursing care and uphold innovative professional nursing practice.

“Magnet® recognition is the gold standard for nursing excellence,” said Lisa Breza, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at RWJUH Hamilton. “We are extremely proud of our nurses for achieving this honor. They truly represent the best in their profession.”

              RWJUH Hamilton applied for Magnet® recognition last year, submitting an application demonstrating how it meets the many nursing standards. Representatives from the American Nurses Credentialing Center conducted a three-day virtual survey in early March 2021, interviewing staff, physicians and community members and observing patient care.

“We congratulate all of our nurses on successfully completing the Magnet® journey,” said Jacqueline Ciccarelli, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, MPD, Manager, Magnet Program and Nursing Performance Improvement, at RWJUH Hamilton. “Their pride in their profession and their commitment to our patients are extraordinary. We are honored that they choose to work at RWJUH Hamilton and are committed to supporting their professional growth.”

Magnet looks for collaboration amongst all hospital staff as part of its evaluation. “We thank everyone who worked so hard over the past year to coordinate our Magnet® application and survey. But really, it is a reflection of the exceptional teamwork here at RWJUH Hamilton every day,” Freeman added.

RWJUH Hamilton’s nurses are involved in virtually every area of the hospital, from providing bedside care to serving as educators, researchers, advanced practice specialists and administrators and spearheading information technology and quality improvement initiatives. Many have achieved advanced certifications in nursing specialties such as cardiology, critical care, bariatrics, oncology, orthopedics, surgery and others.

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