New Jersey Nursing Insights

NJCCN
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The New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN)—the nursing workforce center for NJ—presents the New Jersey Nursing Insights Podcast. Now hosted by Drs. Susan Weaver  and Daria Waszak, the program features conversations with nurses from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds, each discussing the nature of their profession. Nursing Insights was originally hosted by Stephanie Olaso, MHCI, BSN, RN, who led the program through its first 30 episodes.

  1. 1d ago

    42 | Long Tenure: Why Nurses Choose to Stay

    Why do some nurses leave bedside nursing while others stay for decades? Medical-surgical nursing is often seen as a stepping stone to other specialties. But for some nurses, it's a career worth dedicating decades to. In this episode of Nursing Insights, hosts Dr. Susan Weaver and Dr. Pamela de Cordova welcome Christine Schulz and Rose Wren, two experienced medical-surgical nurses from Community Medical Center in Toms River, New Jersey. With 16 and 20 years on their respective units, Christine and Rose share what has kept them at the bedside through demanding shifts, career challenges, and the changing expectations of a new generation of nurses. They take listeners inside a typical day on a med-surg unit, where rapid responses, complex patient needs, and constant admissions and discharges require quick thinking and exceptional teamwork. They also reflect on the deeply personal moments that remind them why they chose nursing, from helping frightened patients regain their independence to supporting individuals facing serious illness. The conversation explores the importance of supportive nurse managers, fair assignments, recognition, and a workplace culture where colleagues never leave one another struggling alone. And when Rose shares why her daughter, an aspiring nurse practitioner, wants a different work-life balance, the discussion raises an important question: What will it take to keep the next generation of nurses at the bedside? Whether you're a new nurse, an experienced bedside professional, or a nurse leader looking to improve retention, this episode offers valuable perspectives on what makes nurses stay. Key Takeaways Med-surg is a specialty, not just a stepping stone. While some nurses use medical-surgical nursing as a foundation for other career paths, it also offers opportunities for lifelong learning and professional fulfillment.Teamwork makes difficult shifts manageable. Having colleagues who step in during emergencies, share responsibilities, and support one another is a major reason experienced nurses remain on their units.Supportive leadership improves nurse retention. Accessible managers who listen, recognize contributions, and provide hands-on assistance help create workplaces nurses want to return to.Patient relationships provide lasting purpose. Supporting recovery, comforting frightened patients, and being present for people without family support create meaningful connections that keep nurses engaged.Work-life balance matters to the next generation. Long hours, missed holidays, and demanding schedules influence how younger nurses think about their careers and future opportunities.Small acts of support can make a big difference. From a dedicated Zen room to a manager answering a call bell, practical gestures demonstrate that nurses are valued.Experienced nurses play a crucial mentoring role. Preceptorship and sharing knowledge help newer nurses build confidence, develop clinical judgment, and find their own paths in nursing.Relevant Links New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://njccn.org/Community Medical Center, Toms River (RWJBarnabas Health): https://www.rwjbh.org/community-medical-center/Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN): https://www.amsn.org/American Nurses Association (ANA): https://www.nursingworld.org/Listen to Nursing Insights for conversations about the people, challenges, and ideas shaping the nursing profession in New Jersey.

  2. Oct 14

    41 | AI in Nursing: Sepsis Prediction, Clinical Judgment and the Future of Care

    Artificial intelligence is already becoming part of healthcare, but where can it genuinely make a difference for nurses and patients? In this episode of New Jersey Nursing Insights, Sue Weaver and Daria Waszak speak with Mary Aitken, Executive Director of Healthcare Innovation Solutions, about the intersection of AI, quality improvement and nursing. Mary explains how AI can recognize patterns in clinical data, support the early identification of sepsis, and help nurses spend less time searching through charts and more time using their clinical judgment. They also discuss the importance of accurate and timely data, AI governance in hospitals, how nurses can help shape the way new technology is introduced, and the question many healthcare professionals are asking: Will AI ever replace nurses? Mary explains why she believes it will instead allow nurses to work more at the top of their license and focus more on patient care and complex clinical decision-making. Key Takeaways AI can identify patterns across multiple pieces of clinical data that may be difficult to spot individually.Sepsis prediction models may help clinicians recognize warning signs several hours before sepsis develops.Transparency matters. Clinicians are more likely to trust AI when they can see why an alert was generated.Good AI depends on good data, making timely and accurate nursing documentation especially important.Nurses bring clinical judgment and frontline experience that technology teams may not have.Mary believes AI will not replace nurses, but can reduce routine tasks and allow them to focus more on bedside care and clinical decision-making.Nurses interested in quality and technology can get involved through committees, improvement projects and technology trials within their organizations.Relevant Links Healthcare Innovation Solutions (HCIS): https://healthcareinnovationsolutions.comNew Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT): https://www.njit.eduNew Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII): https://www.njii.comNew Jersey Health Information Network (NJHIN): https://www.nj.gov/health/njhin/Quality Improvement Program (QIP): https://healthcareinnovationsolutions.com/qipnj/New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://njccn.org

  3. Sep 2

    40 | Safe Haven: A Lifeline for Babies and Parents in Crisis

    What happens when a parent feels they have nowhere to turn after the birth of a child? In this episode of New Jersey Nursing Insights, Susan Weaver and Daria Waszak are joined by Dr. Kari Mastro, Director for Professional Practice Innovation and Research at Penn Medicine Princeton Health and faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, for an important conversation about New Jersey’s Safe Haven Infant Protection Act. The law allows a parent, or someone acting on their behalf, to safely, legally and anonymously surrender an unharmed infant less than 30 days old at designated locations, including hospitals, police stations, fire stations, ambulances and rescue squads that are staffed around the clock. No name is required, and as long as the baby shows no signs of intentional abuse, the person surrendering the child does not face prosecution. New Jersey became the fifth state to enact a Safe Haven law in August 2000. As of May 2026, 102 newborns have been surrendered under the law. For Kari, the issue is also deeply personal. Her adopted daughter Kate was abandoned at birth before New Jersey’s Safe Haven law existed. Years later, Kate discovered that she had a full biological brother who had also been abandoned at birth and had grown up only ten miles away. That experience has helped fuel Kari’s work to increase awareness and explore how Safe Haven can reach more parents before a crisis ends in tragedy. The conversation also explores what actually happens when an infant is surrendered, what nurses need to know, the subtle signs that a pregnant patient may be in crisis, and why approaching those patients with curiosity rather than judgment can make a difference. Kari also discusses possible next steps, including greater public awareness, dedicated funding and the use of Safe Haven baby boxes, which allow an infant to be surrendered without a face-to-face interaction. Key Takeaways New Jersey’s Safe Haven law allows an unharmed infant less than 30 days old to be surrendered safely, legally and anonymously.A parent does not have to surrender the baby personally. A father, friend or another trusted person may do so on the parent’s behalf.No name or explanation is required. The person can simply hand the baby to staff at an approved Safe Haven location.As of May 2026, 102 newborns have been surrendered under New Jersey’s Safe Haven law.Nurses should understand their organization’s Safe Haven procedures and be prepared if an infant is unexpectedly surrendered.Nurses can also play an important preventive role by recognizing quiet signs that a pregnant patient may be frightened, isolated or in crisis.Judgment-free conversations can create opportunities to tell vulnerable patients that Safe Haven exists.Despite the lives already saved, infants are still being unsafely abandoned, making continued education and awareness essential.  Relevant Links New Jersey Safe Haven: https://www.nj.gov/njsafehaven/New Jersey Safe Haven Statistics: https://www.nj.gov/njsafehaven/docs/SafeHavenStats.pdfNew Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.org

  4. Aug 1

    39 | Beyond the Dues: How Professional Nursing Organizations Shape Careers

    What can joining a professional nursing organization really do for your career, your confidence, and your nursing practice? In this episode of New Jersey Nursing Insights, hosts Susan Weaver and Daria Waszak speak with Deb Prinzo and Tracy Vitale about how professional organizations helped shape their careers and develop them as nurse leaders. Deb explains how a devastating clinical experience early in her career led her to seek evidence-based guidance from the Infusion Nurses Society. What began as a search for better standards eventually became a long-term commitment to advancing infusion nursing practice and representing the voice of bedside nurses. Tracy shares how an invitation to attend a nursing leadership meeting helped her recognize that she belonged in professional spaces, even before she saw herself as a nurse leader. Through mentorship, committee involvement, networking, and encouragement from colleagues, she developed the confidence to pursue increasingly influential leadership roles. Together, Deb and Tracy discuss the value of moving beyond simply paying membership dues. They explore how active participation can provide continuing education, mentorship, professional connections, leadership experience, and opportunities to influence nursing policy and practice. They also offer practical advice for nurses wondering which organization to join, how to become involved, and how to move forward when self-doubt makes the next step feel intimidating. Key Takeaways Professional organization membership is an investment in your education, professional growth, and future career.Evidence-based standards and practice guidelines can help nurses improve policies, clinical decisions, and patient safety.Attending meetings and conferences can connect nurses with colleagues facing similar challenges.Active participation provides greater value than membership alone.Committee involvement can help nurses develop new skills, broaden their perspectives, and grow as leaders.Nurses do not need to hold the highest leadership title to contribute a valuable perspective.Mentors and colleagues can provide the encouragement needed to overcome self-doubt and pursue new opportunities.The right organization depends on each nurse’s specialty, interests, goals, available time, and resources.Professional nursing organizations can help nurses influence legislation, policy, workforce issues, and standards of care.Supporting nurses ultimately strengthens the care provided to patients and communities. Relevant Links New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing: https://njccn.org/Infusion Nurses Society: https://www.ins1.org/Organization of Nurse Leaders of New Jersey: https://onlnj.org/  New Jersey State Nurses Association: https://njsna.org/Oncology Nurses Society: https://www.ons.org/Rutgers Health, School of Nursing: https://nursing.rutgers.edu/Hackensack Meridian Health: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org

  5. Jun 10

    38 | Neuroscience Nursing – More Than Medicine with Patty Anthony

    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. During that time, she has witnessed remarkable advances in neuroscience care while never losing sight of what matters most – the human connection between nurses, patients, and families. In this conversation, Patty shares how a student nurse inspired her to pursue nursing, how a neurosurgeon sparked her passion for neuroscience, and why some patient stories have stayed with her for decades. She also reflects on building neuroscience programs in a community hospital, founding a brain tumor support group, mentoring future nurses, and the importance of listening, compassion, and advocacy. Whether you're a nursing student exploring specialties, an experienced nurse, or simply interested in the impact nurses have on people's lives, this episode offers a powerful reminder that great nursing is about far more than clinical skills. Key Takeaways What neuroscience nursing actually involves and why it spans the entire continuum of careHow neurological illnesses affect both patients and their familiesThe role of neuroscience nurses in acute care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settingsWhy compassion and listening are just as important as clinical expertiseThe importance of mentorship in building a nursing careerHow neuroscience care has evolved over the past three decadesThe impact of support groups for patients living with brain tumorsWhy lifelong learning is essential in neuroscience nursingPatty's advice for nurses considering a career in neuroscienceThe patient stories that shaped Patty's approach to nursingRelevant Links New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.orgHackensack Meridian Health: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.orgJFK University Medical Center Neuroscience Institute: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/locations/jfk-university-medical-centerAmerican Association of Neuroscience Nursing: https://aann.org/

  6. May 29

    37 | Why Every Nurse Should Join a Professional Organization

    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 careers in ways they never expected. From leadership development and networking to advocacy and career-changing opportunities, this conversation reveals how involvement can open doors, expand perspectives, and even reignite passion for nursing. If you’ve ever wondered whether joining an organization is “worth it,” this episode might just change your mind.   Key Takeaways Professional nursing organizations advocate for nurses at local, state, and national levelsYou often get out of membership what you put into it – involvement is keyLeadership skills and career opportunities often grow from active participationNetworking can connect you with mentors, collaborators, and lifelong colleaguesConferences and events can reignite passion and provide fresh perspectivesMembership can directly influence patient care through education and evidence-based practiceEven one organization can make a meaningful difference in your career  Relevant Links New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.orgThe State of New Jersey, Civil Service Commission: https://www.nj.gov/csc/New Jersey Association of Public Health Nurse Administrators: https://www.njaphna.orgVisiting Nurse Association Health Group: https://vnahg.orgVisiting Physician Services: https://vnahg.org/visiting-physicians-servicesVisiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey: https://www.vnannj.org

  7. Apr 28

    36 | Public Health Nursing – Care Beyond the Hospital Walls

    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 powerful stories about access to care, patient trust, and the life-changing impact of education and connection. We also explore the challenges public health nurses face, the importance of partnerships, and why this field is more critical than ever as healthcare increasingly moves into the home.   Key Takeaways Public health nursing happens outside traditional clinical settings – in homes, communities, and local environmentsAccess to care remains one of the biggest challenges, especially in rural areasBuilding trust and relationships with patients can lead to life-saving outcomesEducation and navigation support are just as important as clinical skillsStrong partnerships across sectors are essential to improving population healthPublic health nursing offers diverse and growing career opportunities  Relevant Links New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.orgThe State of New Jersey, Civil Service Commission: https://www.nj.gov/csc/New Jersey Association of Public Health Nurse Administrators: https://www.njaphna.orgVisiting Nurse Association Health Group: https://vnahg.orgVisiting Physician Services: https://vnahg.org/visiting-physicians-servicesVisiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey: https://www.vnannj.org

  8. Mar 27

    35 | The Backbone of the Hospital – Why Med-Surg Nurses Are the Ultimate Generalists

    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 to making split-second decisions about who needs help first, Med-Surg nurses operate in an environment where prioritization, teamwork, and adaptability are essential. Luz shares a powerful story from the COVID era when she was responsible for ten patients in a single shift – including several critically ill patients and multiple emergencies happening at the same time. Brooke explains why strong clinical judgment and constant awareness are critical when caring for patients whose conditions can change quickly. They also discuss the realities of night shifts, including the so-called “bewitching hour” when unexpected events often happen between 3 and 4 AM – and why the idea that hospitals sleep at night couldn’t be further from the truth. If you’ve ever wondered what makes Med-Surg nurses such versatile and resilient professionals, this conversation offers an honest look at the skill, pressure, and dedication behind the specialty.   Key Takeaways Medical-surgical nurses care for a wide variety of patients and conditions, making them some of the most versatile clinicians in healthcare.Strong prioritization skills are essential because patient conditions can change rapidly, and multiple needs often compete for attention.Teamwork between nurses, physicians, and support staff is critical to managing complex and unpredictable situations. Hospitals are rarely quiet at night – many nurses say the most intense moments often happen in the early morning hours.Experience in Med-Surg nursing builds a strong clinical foundation that supports many other nursing specialties.  Relevant Links New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.orgAcademy of Medical-Surgical Nurses: https://www.amsn.org

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The New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN)—the nursing workforce center for NJ—presents the New Jersey Nursing Insights Podcast. Now hosted by Drs. Susan Weaver  and Daria Waszak, the program features conversations with nurses from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds, each discussing the nature of their profession. Nursing Insights was originally hosted by Stephanie Olaso, MHCI, BSN, RN, who led the program through its first 30 episodes.

Information

  • Creator
    NJCCN
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 New Jersey Nursing Insights
  • Show Website
    New Jersey Nursing Insights