ADSPN News

Graduation News: Capital Health System School of Nursing

Capital Health System School of Nursing recently graduated 48 students from its cooperative nursing program. All graduates recieved a diploma in nursing from Capital Health System School of Nursing as well as an Associate in Science degree from Mercer County Community College.

Clinical Instruction: Don’t Let It Get You Down While Building Your Students Up

The Association of Diploma Schools of Professional Nursing hosted a seminar presented by Linda Caputi, RN, MSN, Ed.D, a nationally known speaker and a professor of nursing at the College of Dupage, Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Dr. Caputi has authored and co-authored over 22 educational software programs and three handbooks for nursing educators. Her most recent publication is a three volume text titled "Teaching Nursing:The Art and Science," co-authored by Lynn Englemann, RN, MSN, Ed.D.

Dr. Caputi’s presentation, Clinical Instruction: Don’t Let It Get You Down While Building Your Students Up, discussed what it takes to become a clinical nursing instructor, and described the mentoring of new faculty and how to promote a positive experience for both students and faculty. Teaching skills in the nursing laboratory and student evaluation were other concepts she emphasized. Dr. Caputi elaborated on critical thinking and shared some tools and assignments she uses with her students to practice this concept, and incorporated the use of journaling and student portfolio development into her presentation. The program was evaluated as excellent by the 50 + people in attendance. Some of the comments were. “A pleasant refresher that served to reinforce that my strategies are timely after all of these years” and “Educational and enlightening. I am only starting my 2nd year as a nurse clinical instructor and I found this seminar/conference put a lot of my experiences in perspective and a lot of this material will help me in the future”. Please check this website for future programs related to nursing education.

Capital Health System School of Nursing Faculty Receives Highest National Red Cross Honor for Nursing

The American Red Cross awarded Johanna M. Tracy, MSN, APRN, BC, with the prestigious Ann Magnussen Award during the organization’s National Convention held in San Francisco.

Ms. Tracy, a volunteer nurse with the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey, received the award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to strengthening and improving Red Cross programs and services.

“As CEO, I was proud to be present when Hanna received this prestigious award,” stated Kevin Sullivan, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey. “Ms. Tracy represents the highest quality of volunteer commitment, a most valuable asset to both our chapter and community.”

Tracy began volunteering with the Red Cross in 1958 as a Junior Gray Lady at the Lorain County Chapter in Ohio. In 1993, she began her work with the Central New Jersey chapter and as the original New Jersey State Nurse Liaison, helped recruit and retain nurses in the Red Cross. She also started the Red Cross Nurses’ Network, as well as facilitated the dissemination of health and safety education throughout the community with innovative activities such as blood pressure screenings in beauty shops and bringing Red Cross Babysitting courses to more than 100 eleven- to thirteen-year-olds in Trenton. She has provided health and mental health leadership on fifteen national disaster relief operations, and functioned as an advisor and leader in the recent Congressionally-mandated Top Officials Exercise (TOPOFF 3) in April. Ms. Tracy currently serves as the State Nurse Liaison Advisor for the American Red Cross Northeast Service Area.

A resident of Yardley, PA, Hanna Tracy teaches at the School of Nursing at Capital Health System in Trenton, where she’s worked for the past 18 years.

The Ann Magnussen Award was established in 1968 in honor of Ann Magnussen’s many valuable contributions to nursing and health related professions, both nationally and internationally.

All meetings are held at the New Jersey Hospital Association (directions).

Executive Board Meeting
September 18, 2007
10 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

General Membership Meeting
October 5, 2007
10 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

Education Workshop
Save the date:
October 22, 2007
8:40 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.