Nonprofit Institute for Nursing Recognizes ‘Exceptional People’ With EPIC Awards

TRENTON, N.J.—April 15, 2016—New Jersey nurses, known for their unrelenting compassion and service, returned the favor this week as they honored those individuals who have cared for them.

At its annual event, the Institute for Nursing (IFN) recognized New Jersey business and community leaders who continue to support the state’s nursing profession with the “Exceptional People Impacting our Communities” (EPIC) awards.

“Our honorees are acknowledged for their efforts to advance wellness and promote health care initiatives, and for exhibiting extraordinary leadership and support of the profession of nursing,” said Benjamin Evans, DD, DNP, RN, APN, chairman of the Institute for Nursing and president-elect of the New Jersey State Nurses Association. “As we honor our 2016 EPIC honorees, we must applaud their courage in assuming a leadership role within their communities and among their constituencies. Such an extension of self requires vision, faith in one’s abilities, and confidence in those who believe in the vision and seek to follow it.  With their vision focused on achievement through service, our honorees have a deep appreciation of and capacity for excellence.”

The 2016 honorees, which were honored last night at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township include:

• Stephen Adubato, Ph.D., Broadcaster, Stand and Deliver, NJ Public Television
• Kathleen Boozang, JD, Dean and Professor, Seton Hall University, School of Law
• Stephanie Fitzsimmons, RN, APN, Adult Community Manager, Saint Peter’s University Hospital
• National Association of Hispanic Nurses – Garden State Chapter
• Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D., President, Rowan University
• Carol Kivler, MS, CSP, Founder and President, Courageous Recovery
• Claudia Marchese, JD, Executive Director, Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission
• Anne M. Prisco, Ph.D., President, Felician University
• Kevin Rendino, Chairman, Partners for Health Foundation Board of Trustees
• Scott Serbin, Director of Marketing, Recruiting and Clinical Education, EmCare
• Shri Krishna Nidhi (SKN) Foundation
• Basirah TaHa, DNP, RN, APN, PMHNP-BC, University Behavioral Healthcare Services & Nurse Practitioner at Rutgers University

“From a human perspective, from a patient perspective, thank God for great nurses who are there for us when no one else is in the middle of the night when we are confused, concerned and we want to know who’s in charge and who’s the quarterback,” said Steve Adubato, an EPIC honoree for his advocacy and support of nurses and nursing on his public television shows. “The nurses are the quarterback.”

Adubato was recognized for being a strong advocate and supporter of the nursing profession. He has aired programs on the nursing shortage, nursing faculty shortage and the critical nature of nursing within the healthcare delivery system.

“Thank God for nurses,” said Adubato, noting that he was recently hospitalized. “The doctors were great and the surgeons were terrific, but there was some confusion at times as to who was in charge…who would be my advocate in the middle of the night when I was confused and concerned and not in the best condition to advocate for myself? It was the nurse. Every single nurse was assigned to me and several other patients advocated for me, took up my cause and was the quarterback of my case and got me the help I needed. I cannot imagine what that experience would have been like if it were not for the nurses in that ICU caring for me not just clinically, but when they knew I was afraid, confused and holding my hand.”

Fellow honoree Carol Kivler, founder of Lawrence-based Courageous Recovery, said nurses were sent from above.

“When I am sick in the hospital, the nurses are my voice when I have no voice, they are my hope when I have no hope and they are my comfort when I am so scared that I don’t know what I’m going to do,” said Kivler said. “Nurses are angels on earth.”

As the fundraising arm of NJSNA, the Institute funds scholarships for nursing students and nurses advancing their education, provides quality continuing education programs and grants for nurses involved in research.

For more information about NJSNA or the Institute for Nursing, visit NJSNA.org.

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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 www.njsna.org or contact NJSNA at njsna@njsna.org or (609) 883-5335.