Board Greets New Vice President, Secretary Ahead of Busy Advocacy Campaign

TRENTON, N.J.—Jan. 8, 2017—The New Jersey State Nurses Association welcomed a new vice president and secretary to its Board of Directors at a swearing in ceremony this weekend.

“We are looking forward to having our new officers with their fresh ideas and passion for nursing and the practice of nursing join the NJSNA Board,” said Benjamin Evans, DD, DNP, APN, president of New Jersey State Nurses Association.  “It is going to be an interesting year for nursing. We will have a new governor and all of the bills related to nursing will sunset as the current legislation session ends and before the new administration comes into office, so we will reintroduce all our legislation, such as the removal of joint protocol, nurse title protection and safe staffing with an appropriate mix of patient acuity and nurse experience. We will also continue to monitor the Board of Nursing situation, as they are in the process of filling the position of Executive Secretary.”

Mary Ellen Levine, vice president

Mary Ellen Levine, a Hopatcong resident, was elected to the role of vice president. She serves as a hospice nurse Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice in Sparta and an adjunct professor at Caldwell University.

“It is my goal to promote organization membership and professional involvement with regards to the direction of nursing practice and health care policy,” said Levine. “I look forward to serving during this exciting time and having an impact on all New Jersey nurses, the practice of nursing and patient care.”

Linda Gural, secretary

Linda M. Gural, of Toms River, was elected to the position of secretary. She serves as director of clinical services at Bartley Healthcare Nursing and Rehabilitation in Jackson.

“There are many complex issues facing the nursing profession and healthcare today.  NJSNA’s greatest strength to approach these issues is our diversity,” said Gural. “Not only our diversity of cultures but also our diversity of opinion. We need to take that diversity and continue to build upon it making a strong and effective voice for nursing.”

To learn more about the New Jersey State Nurses Association, please visit njsna.org.

###

About NJSNA
NJSNA, which was established in 1901, is a constituent member of the American Nurses Association.  The New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) represents the interests of 125,000 registered nurses and advanced practice nurses as an advocate for the nursing profession. NJSNA’s lobbying arm continues to protect the nursing profession through legislative victories. Its nonprofit foundation, Institute for Nursing, helps nurses further their careers by providing continuing education, scholarships and research grants in addition to invaluable networking opportunities. For more information, nurses can visit njsna.org or contact NJSNA at njsna@njsna.org or (609) 883-5335.