RWJBarnabas Health’s Mary Beth Russell, PhD, MA, RN-BC, Appointed to New Jersey Board of Nursing

Governor Chris Christie has appointed RWJBarnabas Health’s Mary Beth Russell, PhD, MA, RN-BC, to one of the two nurse educator seats on the New Jersey Board of Nursing, There are 10 new members to the board and three reappointment's, taking the board membership from 13 to 15, it was announced on September 29, 2017.

In fulfilling its mission to “protect the health, safety and welfare of New Jersey residents by ensuring those who practice nursing are qualified and competent to do so”, the Board licenses registered nurses and practical nurses and regulates the nursing profession in New Jersey.

“Mary Beth is a visionary and is integral to the development and implementation of new programs, such as clinical simulation and clinical residencies, both pre-and post-licensure,” said Nancy E. Holecek, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Northern Region of RWJBarnabas Health. “She leads current clinical education initiatives, training and learning programs, and continues to facilitate the standardization of nursing orientation, competency programs and the development and execution of clinical continuing education programs. Her diverse skill set, integrity, advocacy and mentorship make her the extremely well-qualified to serve on New Jersey’s Board of Nursing.”

Dr. Mary Beth Russell came to Saint Barnabas Medical Center as Director of Nursing Education and Research 20 years ago. In 2014, she was promoted to Vice President, Clinical Education & Nursing Research for Barnabas Health, maintaining a dual role at Saint Barnabas Medical Center and the former Barnabas Health.. Last year, Dr. Russell was promoted to Associate Vice President at Saint Barnabas Medical Center and continues as the Vice President, The Center for Professional Development, Innovation & Research for the Northern Region of RWJBarnabas Health.

Dr. Russell holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Rutgers, The State University, a Master’s of Science in Nursing Education from NYU, and a Doctorate in Education from Seton Hall University with a focus in Cultural Sensitivity. She is Board Certified in Nursing Professional Development.

About RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health is the largest, most comprehensive health care system in New Jersey, with a service area covering nine counties with more than five million residents. The system includes eleven acute care hospitals – Clara Maass Medical Center in Belleville, Community Medical Center in Toms River, Jersey City Medical Center in Jersey City, Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus in Lakewood, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark, RWJUH New Brunswick, RWJUH Somerset, RWJUH Hamilton, RWJUH Rahway and Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston; three acute care children’s hospitals and a leading pediatric rehabilitation hospital (Children’s Specialized Hospital), a freestanding 100-bed behavioral health center, ambulatory care centers, geriatric centers, the state’s largest behavioral health network, comprehensive home care and hospice programs, fitness and wellness centers, retail pharmacy services, a medical group, multi-site imaging centers and two accountable care organizations.

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest private employer – with more than 33,000 employees, 9,000 physicians and 1,000 residents and interns – and routinely captures national awards for its outstanding quality and safety.