Hospital News

Press Releases - 2006

NEWARK BETH ISRAEL NURSING ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
LESLIE-WRIGHT BROWN TO BE HONORED

NEWARK, NJ -- Administrators and staff at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an affiliate of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System, join the New Jersey League for Nursing in congratulating Piscataway resident, Leslie Wright-Brown, Administrative Director, Nursing Education, Quality and Performance Improvement, on being named the League's 2006 Nursing Recognition Award Winner. Ms. Wright-Brown, a 20-year nursing professional at NBIMC, was singled out among a select group of outstanding nurse professionals. She will be honored by the NJ League for Nursing at their 2006 Autumn Gala and Recognition Awards dinner at The Pines Manor in Edison on November 3rd.

Ms. Wright-Brown, holds a BSN from Seton Hall University and Masters in Critical Care Nursing from Rutgers University. She has served on numerous health care committees including the JCAHO National Patient Safety Goal Implementation Steering Committee and is a member of several professional and/or community organizations, including the American Association of Critical Care Nurses; the American Association of Diabetes Educators; the American Nurses Association; the New Jersey State Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau, Lamda Iota Chapter
At The Beth, Ms. Wright Brown is responsible for administrative oversight of education, staff development and nursing quality in the Patient Care Services Division. She serves as performance improvement liaison to the Quality Resource Management Department and is also the Professional Advancement System Coordinator for Registered Nurses and Assistant Nurse Managers. Prior to her role as a nursing administrator, Ms. Wright spent years as a clinical nurse specialist.

In her nomination, Nancy Shendell-Falik, vice president of Patient Care Services stated that, "Ms. Wright-Brown is an extraordinary nurse who serves as an exemplary advocate, teacher, mentor and role model for the nursing profession. She demonstrates an exceptional commitment and dedication to patients, staff and the nursing profession."

During her tenure at NBIMC, Ms. Wright-Brown has instituted many initiatives that have benefited the NBI nursing staff and patients. One example is SNAP, the Student Nurse Apprentice Program, which is the transition program from nurse extern to student nurse apprentice program and lastly, to the nursing fellowship program. Under her leadership, 22 nursing schools use NBIMC as a major clinical site for their students.

She has also instituted programs and chaired committees that address the needs of seasoned nurses or the adult learners and the issues they encounter daily that impact their practice. Ms. Wright-Brown designed the NBIMC's Professional Advancement System giving Level I, II and III nurses opportunities for professional development and advancement. She has successfully recruited and retained international nurses and implemented cultural sensitivity programs to meet the needs of the diverse patient population and nursing staff.

With generous support from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey, Ms. Wright-Brown has brought in students from various Newark schools to NBIMC for tours and discussions with health professionals. She also coordinates visits by the nursing staff to these respective schools for mentoring.

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is a 673-bed regional referral teaching hospital with specialized programs including heart, kidney and pancreas transplantation, cardiac surgery, robotic surgery, oncology, and maternal/child health services. Newark Beth Israel is home to Children's Hospital of New Jersey and the Saint Barnabas Heart Center (at Newark Beth Israel).

The New Jersey League for Nursing is dedicated to advancing the promotion of quality health care through the collaborative efforts of nurses, consumers and other providers of health care.

Date: October, 2006

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