Nurse Spotlight
Nurse Spotlight: Meet Our NJLN Membership Co-Chairs
Carmen Pelardis, MSN, RN, CNE and Nancy Saliba, MA, RN, BC, CNE
The NJLN is proud to highlight the leaders who help strengthen and grow our statewide nursing community. In this edition of our Nurse Spotlight, we feature our Membership Co-Chairs, Carmen Pelardis and Nancy Saliba, two dedicated educators, colleagues, and longâstanding NJLN members whose professional journeys have been deeply connected.
Explore their stories below as they answer the same questions in tandem, each offering their own unique perspective.
What benefit inspired you to join the NJLN?
I joined the New Jersey League for Nursing because I wanted to be part of something beyond my own classroom. Early in my faculty career, I was learning how to teach while trying to understand the bigger picture of nursing education. The NJLN became that bridge, offering mentorship, professional development, and a community of educators who truly understood the work.Attending NJLN Conventions and NLN Summits with my colleague and close friend, Nancy Saliba, became a defining part of our growth. We learned together, presented together, and supported each other through every stage of our careers. Those experiences strengthened not only our knowledge, but our connection to the profession. NJLN has been a space for collaboration, leadership, and continued inspiration. It reminds me that nursing education is not done alone but built through shared experiences and a collective commitment to the future of nursing.
Nancy:
I was inspired to join the New Jersey League for Nursing after being encouraged by my colleague, Carmen Pelardis, who has been a member for many years. Seeing her positive experiences and long-standing involvement motivated me to become part of the organization.What also appealed to me most was the opportunity to connect with other nursing professionals, continue growing in my field, and stay engaged with developments in nursing education and practice. Being a member allows me to be part of a supportive professional community that shares my commitment to lifelong learning and excellence in nursing.
Who or what inspired you to become a nurse, and how long have you been in the profession?
Carmen:I have been in nursing for over 25 years. If I am honest, I was initially drawn to nursing for practical reasons. It was a stable, respected career with endless opportunities. What kept me in it, though, was the human connection and the impact. That part I did not fully appreciate until I was in it.
Nancy:
My mom was the biggest inspiration behind my decision to become a nurse. Growing up, I saw firsthand the compassion, patience, and strength she showed while caring for others. She had a way of making people feel safe and valued, even during their most difficult moments, and that really stayed with me. Watching her balance skill and empathy made me realize how meaningful a career in nursing could be.
Because of her influence, I developed a strong desire to help people and make a difference in their lives. Nursing felt like the perfect path where I could combine that sense of purpose with hands-on care. I’ve been in the profession for almost 20 years now, and throughout that time, I’ve continued to draw inspiration from the example she and others have set in my career path.
What is your specialty area, and what drew you to it?
Carmen:My clinical foundation is in adult medical-surgical nursing, including telemetry and post-anesthesia care, but my true specialty is nursing education. I was drawn to it because it allows me to shape not only patient outcomes but also the future of the profession. There is something powerful about helping students connect the dots and grow into confident, capable nurses.
Nancy:
My specialty area is psychiatric mental health nursing. I was drawn to this field because of my strong interest in understanding people beyond their physical health and supporting them through emotional and psychological challenges. I’ve always valued the importance of empathy, active listening, and building trust, and this specialty allows me to use those skills in a meaningful way.
What drew me most to psychiatric nursing is the opportunity to make a real impact in someone’s life by helping them feel heard, understood, and supported during vulnerable moments. Mental health care requires patience, compassion, and strong communication, and I find it incredibly rewarding to help individuals work toward stability and improved wellbeing.
What part of nursing are you most passionate about?
Carmen:Nursing education. Nursing school is challenging enough, so I focus on building real connections with my students because that is where growth starts. I am also passionate about innovation and research in nursing education. This is a new generation of learners, and our teaching has to evolve with them. I am always looking for more effective ways to teach so that students truly retain and apply what they learn.
Nancy:
I am most passionate about education. During my nursing studies, I had the opportunity to learn from many inspiring educators who not only shared their knowledge but also truly invested in their students’ growth and success. Their dedication, encouragement, and ability to make complex concepts understandable had a lasting impact on me and reinforced my desire to pursue a path in nursing academia.
What accomplishment in your career or education are you most proud of?
Carmen:The relationships I have built with students. Watching them grow into confident nurses is incredibly meaningful, but what makes me most proud is seeing former students thrive and take on leadership roles. It is a reminder that the impact of teaching extends far beyond the classroom.
Nancy:
I am most proud of the consistency and dedication I’ve shown throughout my academic and professional journey. Every degree and certificate I’ve earned represents a milestone that required commitment, perseverance, and a genuine passion for nursing. Each accomplishment has helped shape my knowledge, skills, and confidence as a nurse. I’m also especially proud to be a member of the New Jersey League for Nursing. Being part of this professional community has allowed me to stay engaged with current practices, connect with other nurses, and continue growing in my field.
Altogether, these achievements reflect not just individual successes, but my ongoing commitment to lifelong learning and professional development within nursing.
How do you stay balanced, and what’s one fun or surprising thing we might not know about you?
Carmen:Burnout is very real in nursing, so I try to be intentional about balancing work and home. I make it a priority to take care of my physical and mental health, knowing that if I am not well, I cannot show up fully for others.
Nancy:
I stay balanced by prioritizing time with my kids and family. They are my biggest source of support and motivation, and spending quality time with them helps me recharge and stay grounded outside of work. Whether it’s simple everyday moments or special activities together, they remind me of the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
One fun or surprising thing about me is that I teach Sunday school to first-grade students. I really enjoy working with children and helping them learn and grow, which also reflects my passion for education. It’s a meaningful and rewarding experience that allows me to connect with others in a different way outside of nursing.
What wisdom would you share with nurses starting out or taking the next step in their careers?
Carmen:Take the opportunity, even when it feels uncomfortable. Growth rarely happens in easy moments. Build connections and invest in your network; the relationships you form will support you throughout your career.
Nancy:
One piece of wisdom I would share is to always lead with compassion and never lose sight of why you chose nursing. The clinical skills and knowledge will grow with time, but the ability to connect with patients, listen without judgment, and show empathy is what truly defines a great nurse. I would also encourage new nurses to stay open to learning and not be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance. Nursing is a lifelong learning journey, and every experience, both the challenging and rewarding ones, helps you grow. Find mentors who inspire you, just as I was fortunate to have during my education, and don’t underestimate the value of support and collaboration.
