New Jersey Nursing Insights

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.pdf
• New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.org

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

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 care
• How neurological illnesses affect both patients and their families
• The role of neuroscience nurses in acute care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings
• Why compassion and listening are just as important as clinical expertise
• The importance of mentorship in building a nursing career
• How neuroscience care has evolved over the past three decades
• The impact of support groups for patients living with brain tumors
• Why lifelong learning is essential in neuroscience nursing
• Patty's advice for nurses considering a career in neuroscience
• The patient stories that shaped Patty's approach to nursing

Relevant Links

• New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.org
• Hackensack Meridian Health: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org
• JFK University Medical Center Neuroscience Institute: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/locations/jfk-university-medical-center
• American Association of Neuroscience Nursing: https://aann.org/

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 levels
• You often get out of membership what you put into it – involvement is key
• Leadership skills and career opportunities often grow from active participation
• Networking can connect you with mentors, collaborators, and lifelong colleagues
• Conferences and events can reignite passion and provide fresh perspectives
• Membership can directly influence patient care through education and evidence-based practice
• Even one organization can make a meaningful difference in your career

Relevant Links

• New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.org
• The State of New Jersey, Civil Service Commission: https://www.nj.gov/csc/
• New Jersey Association of Public Health Nurse Administrators: https://www.njaphna.org
• Visiting Nurse Association Health Group: https://vnahg.org
• Visiting Physician Services: https://vnahg.org/visiting-physicians-services
• Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey: https://www.vnannj.org

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 environments
• Access to care remains one of the biggest challenges, especially in rural areas
• Building trust and relationships with patients can lead to life-saving outcomes
• Education and navigation support are just as important as clinical skills
• Strong partnerships across sectors are essential to improving population health
• Public health nursing offers diverse and growing career opportunities

Relevant Links

• New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.org
• The State of New Jersey, Civil Service Commission: https://www.nj.gov/csc/
• New Jersey Association of Public Health Nurse Administrators: https://www.njaphna.org
• Visiting Nurse Association Health Group: https://vnahg.org
• Visiting Physician Services: https://vnahg.org/visiting-physicians-services
• Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey: https://www.vnannj.org

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.org
• Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses: https://www.amsn.org

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 trauma expert becomes the trauma survivor?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Nursing Insights, psychotherapist and psychiatric mental health clinical nurse specialist Donna Gaffney shares her experience living through the January 7, 2025 California wildfires in Pacific Palisades.

For decades, Donna has supported children, families, nurses, and communities through some of the most devastating crises in recent history – from 9/11 to Hurricane Katrina to COVID-19. But this time was different.

This time, she was in the middle of it.

Donna takes us through the moment she realized she had to evacuate, the shock of displacement, the heavy weight of survivor’s guilt, and the emotional toll of returning to a neighborhood reduced to ash. She introduces the concept of “shared traumatic reality” – when healthcare providers are living through the very same disaster as the people they serve.

Key Takeaways

• Trauma feels different when you are inside it, not observing it.
• “Shared traumatic reality” occurs when healthcare providers and patients experience the same crisis.
• Survivor’s guilt can surface even when you did not lose everything.
• Healthcare professionals are not immune to destabilization during disasters.
• Being called “strong” is not always helpful – vulnerability matters.
• Community, storytelling, and meaning-making are essential for healing.
• Self-compassion is not optional – it is necessary.
• Recovery is not a return to what was, but a movement forward.

Relevant Links

• New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.org
• Kristin Neff – Self-Compassion Research: https://self-compassion.org
• Vivek Murthy – “My Parting Prescription for America”: https://fcsinterventions.com/resources/my-parting-prescription-for-america/
• Suleika Jaouad: https://suleikajaouad.com
• Murthy, V. H. (2022). Confronting health worker burnout and well-being. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/health-worker-wellbeing-advisory.pdfand https://www.vivekmurthy.com/partingprescription
• NJ-NEW https://njnew.org/programs/virtual-schwartz-rounds/
• Meaningful Work Matters Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/7FCvG2GBgVA66PhCks0g4r
• Don’t Clock Out https://www.dontclockout.org/
• Introspective Spaces  https://www.introspectivespaces.com/
• The Relentless School Nurse https://relentlessschoolnurse.com/
• Courageous Well-Being for Nurses: Strategies for Renewal https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12847/courageous-well-being-nurses

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 communication, the barriers nurse leaders face online, and how storytelling, ethics, boundaries, and inclusivity play a critical role in effective leadership. She also explains how these competencies were developed through a Delphi study and why they are now being incorporated into national leadership standards.

This conversation offers practical insight for nurse leaders at every level who want to communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose in the digital era.

Key Takeaways

• Why communication is a foundational skill for effective nurse leadership
• The most common barriers preventing nurse leaders from engaging digitally
• How storytelling strengthens trust, visibility, and influence
• Why ethics and credibility rank highest among digital competencies
• The importance of boundaries and well-being in digital leadership
• How nurse leaders can communicate across generations effectively
• Simple first steps for leaders who want to improve their digital presence

Relevant Links

• American Organization of Nursing Leadership: https://www.aonl.org
• Nurse Leader Journal: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/nurse-leader
• New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing: https://www.njccn.org

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 practical roadmap for any hospital looking to prioritize safety and wellness for its night-shift staff.

Key Takeaways

• Night-shift fatigue has real safety consequences, including drowsy driving and impaired clinical performance.
• A small, well-designed pilot project helped Children’s National gain leadership buy-in before expanding napping hospital-wide.
• Clear guidelines, protected spaces, and strong collaboration with security and HR were essential to implementation.
• Not all units adopt napping the same way – autonomy and unit-level decision-making improved success and acceptance.
• Survey data revealed high rates of near-miss incidents related to fatigue, strengthening the case for change.
• Napping is one part of a broader wellness approach that includes sleep hygiene, nutrition, and night-shift–specific support systems.
• A strong safety message helped shift culture: nurses must come to work rested, and naps are not guaranteed.
• Implementing napping can support recruitment, retention, and a perception of organizational care for night-shift workers.

Additional Reading

• Geiger-Brown, Harlow, Bagshaw, Sagherian & Hinds: “One Hospital’s Successful Initiative to Implement Napping for Night Shift Nurses.”https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34528852/  
• Napping on the Night Shift: A Two-Hospital Implementation Project (Am J Nurs, 2016) https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/39786

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 of the Society of Psychiatric APNs, and Assistant Professor at Felician University School of Nursing
• Tyla Minniear, Chief Operating Officer of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute
• Rose M. Catton, Executive Director of the New Jersey State School Nurses Association

If you prefer to watch this, you can find the video recordings on our YouTube channel.