TRENTON - Twelve of the state's outstanding nurses were honored at the annual Governor's Nursing Merit Awards Dinner last night at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton.

Through this awards program the governor honors individuals who demonstrate excellence in nursing and recognizes the vital contribution of the nursing profession to New Jersey’s healthcare system. The awards provide an opportunity to recognize the unique blend of technical excellence, human compassion and care required of nursing professionals.

Health and Senior Services Commissioner Fred M. Jacobs, M.D., J.D. presented the awards to this year’s recipients for their accomplishments and service in the areas of patient care, nurse education, nursing research and administration. Nurses working in hospitals, teaching facilities, nursing homes and community health agencies were among those recognized.

"Nurses today face continual challenges with advances in technology, longer life spans, and the need for ongoing education,” said Dr. Jacobs.  “This year’s award recipients have risen to these challenges and are outstanding representatives of the many excellent, dedicated nursing professionals in our state."

The Nursing Advisory Committee has recognized the state's distinguished nurses each year since 1989.  The advisory committee is comprised of 16 nurses and LPN’s from throughout the state.  The following 12 recipients were chosen from over 80 nominees for the 2005 Governor's Nursing Merit Awards:

Advanced Practice Nurse – Pansy Harris-Lane, RN, MSN, CNRN, ACNP, University Hospital, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey

Licensed Practical Nurse -- Acute Care – James West, LPN, Underwood Memorial Hospital

Licensed Practical Nurse – Post Acute Care – Felicia Edwards, LPN, Renaissance Gardens at Seabrook Village

Nurse Administrator – Regina Foley, MBA, RN, CNAA, Ocean Medical Center

Nurse Educator – Mary Ann Scoloveno, EdD, RN, College of Nursing, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Nurse Manager - Acute Care – Joyce Henn, MSN, APN-C, CNA, Ann May Center for Nursing, Jersey Shore University Medical Center

Nurse Manager – Post Acute Care – Kathleen J. O’Donnell, RN, MSN, CRRN, NP-C, The Rehabilitation Institute of Morristown Memorial

Nurse Researcher – Proficient – Michele E. Gaguski, MSN, RN, AOCN, APN-C, Meridian Health, Ocean Medical Center

Nurse Researcher – Expert – Kathleen A. Sternas, PhD, RN, College of Nursing, Seton Hall University

Registered Nurse – Acute Care – Kenneth McHale, RN, CCRN, Ann May Center for Nursing, Meridian Health

Registered Nurse – Post Acute Care – Gaila Call, RN, BSN, CWCN, COCN, Matheny Medical and Educational Center

Registered Nurse – Community Health – Loralee Dougherty, DN, BSN, RN, Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey

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