Jersey City Medical Center Hosts 21st Annual Nurse Excellence Awards

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Jersey City Medical Center, an affiliate of RWJBarnabas Health, recently held a dual celebration for its fourth Magnet re-designation and to recognize staff as part of the 21st Annual Nurse Excellence Awards.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program distinguishes health care organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence. This credential is the highest honor for professional nursing practice.

Receiving Magnet recognition for the fourth consecutive time, especially with a number of areas, “of distinction,” is a great achievement for the Medical Center, as it continues to belong to the global Magnet community – a small but select group of domestic and international health care organizations and hospitals.

“Earning Magnet designation is far more than an award; it is the gold standard for superior patient care and service. It is also proof that we are a team and that we approach every aspect of our patient’s care with an attitude of excellence,” said Michael Prilutsky, President and CEO of Jersey City Medical Center. “Magnet designation means higher patient satisfaction, better patient outcomes, and high nurse satisfaction scores which is a major part of our commitment to the residents of Hudson County.”

During the ceremony, the Medical Center also recognized several nurses and one doctor for the exceptional and compassionate care they provide all patients.

The Nurse Excellence Awards winners were Rodolfo Sangalang for empirical outcomes. Sangalang is the director of the catheter lab. Sally Kufcynski, for exemplary professional practice; Aaiza Aamer, M.D. for interprofessional collaboration, new knowledge, innovations, and improvements; Bijal Patel in the category of “Partners in Excellence and Care;” Wanda Hilliard and Alelei Costales-Konev for structural empowerment; and Jemimah Bravo for transformational leadership.

“To the honorees of the Nursing Excellence Awards, I am so proud to express my appreciation to each member of our team for your commitment to the practice of nursing and I congratulate you all,” said Carlos Lejnieks, board chair of the Jersey City Medical Center.

This press release was produced by JCMC. The views expressed here are the author's own.