Philanthropy Driving Excellence in Nursing

Funded by the generosity of our donors, the Institute is comprised of three centers: Professional Development and Recognition, Clinical Practice, and Innovation and Research. Each center will develop programs designed to give nurses opportunities to enhance their clinical skills, pursue career and educational goals, and participate in research and innovation. The Institute is led by a team that includes experienced Princeton Health nurse leaders, physicians, and representatives from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing. This team will oversee projects from concept through implementation, provide access to grant funding and scholarships, connect to industry experts, and mentor nurses along their career paths.

"This Institute empowers our clinical staff to transform patient care through excellence in nursing professional practice. I am honored and proud to be a part of a program where we promote professional development with the goal of improving patient outcomes,” says Kari Mastro, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, Director of Professional Practice, Innovation, and Research.

Princeton Health also offers its nurses, medical students, and other healthcare providers experiential learning and professional training in a highly advanced Simulation and Training Laboratory. The lab was made possible through a generous gift from Betty Wold Johnson. Funds from this donation supported the purchase of educational equipment including four high-fidelity simulators (mannequins) that allow for immersive learning experiences for neonatology, pediatrics, obstetrics, medical-surgical, and emergency services. In addition, low-fidelity anatomical simulators allow nurses to practice skills such as IV insertions, catheter insertions, and wound care. This type of ongoing learning offers providers the opportunity to become skilled in medical techniques within the safety of clinical simulation. 

These programs are excellent examples of how philanthropy helps ensure that we can provide exceptional opportunities for our nurses and other medical professionals in shaping the future of care delivery. 

Pictured above:

1) (left to right) Kristyn Compitello, MSN, RN, CMSRN, RNC-MNN, Nursing Professional Development Specialist; Ellen Winkle, MSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, EBP-CH, Professional Development Specialist; Karyn Book, RN, MSN, Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) and Vice President, Patient Care Services, in the HealthCare Heroes Garden. 

2) Susan Straszynski, DNP, RN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, CPLC, Nursing Professional Development Specialist, APN Clinical Site Coordinator, SON Clinical Site Coordinator, Perinatal Bereavement Coordinator, in the Clinical Simulation and Training Laboratory.

Article as seen in Foundation News Fall 2022.