New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing, The

New Jersey Nurse, Jul/Aug 2003

WEB: NJCCN.org

DESCRIPTION

The New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing was established by State legislation when Governor McGreevey signed the legislation into law on December 12, 2002. (A copy can be found at: www.njleg.state.nj.us, click on Chapter Law, then 2002, c116). The Center is governed by a Board of 17 members that are politically appointed based on recommendations from the members of the Collaborative formed during the Colleagues in Caring project. As the Board is just in the process of being formally appointed, the first meeting of the "interim" Board was held on April 30, 2003 at the Center. All of the members appointed/recommended are nurses. An Advisory Board will be appointed at a later date.

Although the original legislation carried an appropriation of $1.2 million for start up and first year operating budget, the bill signed into law had no appropriation. Between introduction and signing, a mammoth State budget deficit intervened.

However, a grant was received from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on January 1, 2003 that provides for staff and supplies for the Center. In addition, a $100,000 grant was awarded the Center through one of the New Jersey Human Service Department. The Rutgers College of Nursing has agreed to house the Center so its future is assured for two years, until 12/31/04, when the RWJF is ended. We are working on possibilities to ensure its future.

Executive Director

Geri L. Dickson, Ph.D., RN

Phone: 973-353-1307

Email: dickson@nightingale.rutgers.edu

Associate Director

Dorothy Carolina, MS, RN

Phone: 973-353-1307

carolina@nightingale.rutgers.edu

Research Associate

Linda Flynn, Ph.D., RN, BC

Phone: 973-353-1307

Email: flynn@nightingale.rutgers.edu

Administrative Assistant

Tracy Clarke

Phone: 973-353-1307

Email : clarke@n ightingale. rutgers.edu

Research Assistant

Linda Beal, RN

FUNDING SOURCES

RJWF two-year grant, $712,213

Human Services grant: $100,000

(4/10/03 to 6/30/03)

MISSION STATEMENT

In order to provide the best possible nursing care for the citizens of our state, we will strive through the collaboration of nursing education, research, and practice to ensure: (1) that the supply of nurses meets the demand for nurses; and (2) that the nurse, with the right competencies delivers quality care in a cost effective way.

GOALS/FUNCTIONS

The Center will function as a future-oriented research and development organization that will develop and disseminate objective information and provide an ongoing strategy for the allocation of State resources directed toward the nursing workforce to assure the best possible nursing care for the residents of the State.

OBJECTIVES TO:

* Develop a strategic plan for the continuing development of an adequate nursing workforce, in number and in education and training, to meet the needs of New Jersey residents by: Collecting and analyzing information about and maintaining a database of the current and projected supply and demand of the nursing workforce, including home health aides, nursing assistants, unlicensed assistive personnel, registered nurses, practical nurses, advanced practice nurses and doctorally prepared faculty; and Determining priorities to be addressed from the plan;

* Continue the collaborative approach originating from the New Jersey Colleagues in Caring by covening representative groups of health care stakeholders to; Review and comment on the data analysis conducted by the center; Recommend systemic changes in the State's health care system, including strategies for the implementation of the changes; and Disseminate the results of review and recommendations to the Legislature, health care stakeholders and consumers.

* Acknowledge the valued contribtion of the nursing workforce to the health of the State by: Promoting positive image-building efforts in nursing; Supporting existing mechanisms for rewarding outstanding nurses; and Reporting with evident-based data the relationship of nursing care to the positive outcomes of the health of consumers;

* Provide technical assistance and information related to nursing resources within and outside of the State and serve as a clearing house for data related to nursing resources;

* Foster collaboration among members of the health care community to achieve policy consensus, promote diversity and enhance the knowledge of nurses and others in health policy and health services research;

* Seek competitive funding to support specific research endeavors or model programs to enhance the resources available in supporting innovative projects.