Volunteer power drives our association forward. Our numerous committees are comprised of dedicated members who meet consistently to establish goals, chart our course, and manage critical tasks, all of which ultimately enhance the NJSNA.

Here’s a summary of the activities by various committees and groups:

• Congress on Policy and Practice (COPP) Subcommittee: Revising the medicinal cannabis position statement and fact sheet to reflect current best practices.
• Joint Finance Committee: Successfully managed assets, developed, and secured approval for the 2025-2026 NJSNA and IFN/RAMP budgets.
• NJSNA Executive Committee: Reviewed the joint evaluation of the CEO by the NJSNA and IFN Boards and provided recommendations.
• Interested Nurses Political Action Committee (INPAC): Approved its comprehensive handbook with bylaw revisions and is planning a fundraiser for June 22, 2025.
• Addressing Racism in Nursing in NJ Task Force: Finalized and distributed a board-approved survey to the membership and will now analyze the results.
• Policy and Procedure Committee: Revised the NJSNA Election Policy and submitted it to the Nominations Committee.
• Membership Committee: Focused on recruiting new members and enhancing member retention.
• New Jersey Nurse Editorial Committee: Updated article submission requirements to include APA formatting, comprehensive references, and AI usage identification.
• LPN Forum: Developing its organizational structure and intensifying member recruitment efforts.
• Legislation Committee: Continues to review legislative bills and policy recommendations.
• Legislative Awareness Committee: Developing “Facts-at-a-Glance” flyers, having completed one for S1983/A944 Eliminates Certain
• Restrictions for Advanced Practice Nurses and S2700/A3683 the Patient Protection and Safe Staffing Act.
• Membership Assembly Representatives: Actively participating in ANA meetings to discuss proposed bylaws changes, and NJSNA meetings to review these bylaws, dialogue forum documents, and the candidate slate in preparation for Membership Assembly.
• Professional Conference Committee: Working diligently on our annual conference and business meeting planned for October 17, 2025, at Princeton Hyatt, Princeton, NJ. Under the theme Empowering Your Nursing Journey, members will earn contact hours and hear directly from these iconic nursing leaders as they share their experiences and wisdom.

Susan C. Reinhard, RN, PhD, FAAN, Visiting Professor, Betty Irene Moore Fellowship for Nurse Leaders & Innovators, UC Davis Sacramento, Emeritus Chief Strategist, Center to Champion Nursing in America at AARP and Vice Chair, Board of Directors, RWJBarnabas Health

Colleen Leners, DNP, FNP-BC, FAAN, FAANP, Chief Health Officer at 1st Call HEALTH

Judith Schmidt, DHA, MSN, RN Chief Executive Officer, NJSNA/IFN

Kathleen M. Gialanella, R.N., Esq., Health Law Attorney practicing in NJ and NY

Topics include: A Tapestry of Shared Experience: The Power of Nurses at Every Stage, A Nurse’s Journey to Advocacy, Leadership, and Impact, The Power of Informed Action: Legislative Updates and Know Your Legal Risks: Protect Your License to Practice.
Mark your calendars and get ready to be inspired!!

I applaud the work of the members and thank the Committee Chairs for their dedication and leadership. I look forward to participating in Hill Day and representing NJSNA at ANA Membership Assembly.