In light of recent changes at the New Jersey Board of Nursing, The NJCCN sent the following official statement to state government offices and professional nursing organizations:

The New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing’s (NJCCN) mission is to ensure that competent future oriented, diverse nursing providers are available in sufficient number and preparation to meet the demand of the evolving healthcare system in NJ. We serve as a central repository for education, practice and research related to nursing workforce. We work with the Board of Nursing (BON) to collect and analyze data both on educational capacity (annual) and workforce data at time of licensure. Timing of data collection and dissemination influence our ability to respond to current nursing workforce needs and to predict future needs. The lack of leadership, adequate staffing and time lag of communications has an adverse effect on our work. To this end we want to ensure that NJ creates and advances structures and processes at the Board of Nursing that will strengthen our workforce as we move forward.

Why is the BON structure and process so critical to New Jersey?

 The BON has its main purpose to protect the public from harm by ensuring minimum qualification and competencies for RNs, LPNs, APNs, Sexual Assault, Forensic Nurses, Home-Makers/Home Health Aides. Failure to do so impacts quality of care and safety of our consumers. As healthcare evolves, nurses and other providers are moving at a rapid pace from a structured environment into the community.

Therefore, the State needs an efficient means to adapt to the changing environment, providing the guidance and regulations necessary to ensure a properly trained, skilled and safety conscious workforce. The BON is responsible to ensure that the Nurse Practice Act (which guides nursing practice) and other regulations are in-line with the evolving roles of those they license or certify.

The Board oversees over 200,000 licensed nurses and certified homemakers and home health aides in NJ.  Delays in licensure or certifications not only impact the individual, but most importantly the workforce vacancies impact the care of consumers in NJ. Commitment to development of a staffing pattern that adjusts for fluctuations in activity is essential as we move forward to meet this need.   For example, at times of graduation or large licensure renewals there needs to be additional seasonal positions or overtime to accomplish this very important task.

The BON is designed so that professionals regulate the profession therefore, it is important to have nurses hired that oversee each of the functions of the Board of Nursing to better meet the needs of the nursing workforce.  Redefining the structure to ensure this is important.

What is the Board of Nursing responsible for?

 The Board of Nursing is responsible to:

Evaluate licensure applications

  • New graduates
  • Internationally educated nurses
  • Endorsements from nurses licensed in other states

Renewal of licenses/certifications

  • For RNs, LPNs, APNs, Sexual Assault, Forensic Nurses, Home-Makers/Home Health Aides
  • Monitors contact hours for those where it’s a requirement

Imposes disciplinary action to include:  reprimand, probation, restrict practice, suspend or revoke.  Issues include:

  • Incompetent practice
  • Unethical practice
  • Criminal convictions

Approval or closure of Nursing Education Programs (all levels) Promulgates Rules/Regulations

How is the Board of Nursing organized?

1 Executive Director which is vacant as of 8/11/17

15 volunteer members appointed by the Governor

Home Care and Hospice Association of NJ ConsumersThe NJCCN Board and Advisory Council is represented by the following entities who are concerned about the future state of the Board of Nursing. They include:

  • New Jersey Hospital Association Practical Nurse Educators Council of NJ Staff Nurse
  • New Jersey State Nurses Association New Jersey League for Nursing
  • New Jersey Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs in Nursing
  • New Jersey Council of Associate Degree Nursing Programs
  • Association of Diploma Schools of Professional Nursing
  • Healthcare Association of New Jersey

We will make ourselves available to assist during this time of transition.

Contact:  Edna Cadmus PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Executive Director, NJCCN email:  or 973-353-1428.

For more information, please view our publication on the Roles and Responsibilities of the NJBON here.