President's Message

MESSAGE FROM THE NJLN PRESIDENT - SPRING 2025

Donna M. Penn, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC

Director, Holy Name, Sister Claire Tynan School of Nursing

NJLN President, March 2024 – 2026

Dear Members and Colleagues,

Happy Spring! As we welcome the new season—a time of renewal and growth—the NJLN proudly came together for our annual NJLN Convention and Pre-Convention on March 26 and 27 at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City.

As I reflect on the success of our Convention and Pre-Convention, I am incredibly grateful for all that we have accomplished together. This year’s event truly embodied our theme, “The Nursing Journey Continues: Promoting Learning, Connections, and Opportunities.”

The convention was informative and engaging, bringing together nursing professionals from all levels, including nursing students preparing to enter the profession. Every aspect reinforced the strength and dedication of our nursing community.

I want to extend my thanks to everyone who made this event possible, from our attendees, presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, advertisers, supporters, and our incredible NJLN Convention Committee. Your participation and focus were the driving forces behind this year’s success.

The NJLN is proud to be in its 110th year, a milestone that underscores our unwavering commitment to nursing education excellence and professional development. Through the years, our mission has remained consistent and strong—supporting nurses through our education programs and scholarships. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the grant provided by the Community Health Connections Foundation, Inc., we will once again award the $100,000 Dr. Maureen Sullivan Foley Memorial Scholarships, as well as over $14,000 through our traditional scholarship program in 2025. This exciting announcement was made at the NJLN Convention, and we are now accepting applications for scholarships available at all levels, from LPN through those pursuing their doctoral degree. If you are interested in applying, please visit the scholarship area on our website to review the eligibility criteria. The deadline to apply is Monday, August 18.

This year’s convention featured thought-provoking keynote speakers starting with Kathleen Gialanella on 50 Ways to Lose your License, followed by RaDonda Vaught who left a lasting impression by sharing her story in hopes that it will assist other nurses. There were so many engaging poster and breakout sessions, and countless opportunities to connect. From our exhibitors, to our “Learn and Earn” trivia contest, as well as our Welcome and President’s Receptions, the energy and camaraderie throughout this event was truly inspiring. We also had 30 new members join the NJLN during the Convention, and we welcome you!

Another incredible highlight is that we raised enough funds during the Convention for two $1,000 scholarship awards, which will be presented on November 7, during our 2025 NJLN Nurse Recognition and Scholarship Awards Event at the Pines Manor.

Our NJLN Pre-Convention Nurse Educator Program was such an interactive learning experience focused on the topic of Current Trends in Nursing Education: AI, Academic Integrity, and the Shift Toward Active and Competency-Based Learning. This program was made possible through a collaboration with ATI’s Dr. Bonnie Ross and Dr. Kelly Simmons, as well as Dr. Monina Franco-Tantuico of Rutgers University, who also serves as an NJLN Board member.

At the end of our Convention we hosted our annual Business Meeting, this is where I shared the many accomplishments we have achieved as an organization in the last year, as well as what is on the horizon. During this meeting we also announced the election results and welcomed our new Treasurer, Board Members, and Nomination Committee Members.  We also said farewell to those who were leaving our board, which were Dr. Kathleen Mastice, Treasurer, Dr. Dawn Mutchko, Dr. Roseminda Santee, and Dr. Nina Vaid Raoji, who were all board members. They each have contributed some much over the years helping guide the NJLN to ensure our success and we thank them.

As I conclude, please be sure to explore our photo gallery for all of the amazing memories that were captured during our program. As we look ahead, I encourage you to mark your calendars for next year’s 2026 NJLN Convention and Pre-Convention, scheduled for March 25–26, 2026, once again at Harrah's Resort. We are already planning another exceptional event you won’t want to miss. 

We also have many more exciting programs ahead that the NJLN will be hosting this year. On May 7, we will deliver our Practical Nurse Education program, welcoming hundreds of soon-to-be LPNs for a day dedicated to the Journey into Practice – Taking the First Steps. This event will provide valuable insights as they prepare to enter the profession. Be sure to visit our website frequently for the latest updates and information on all of our activities!

Thank you for your continued support of the NJLN and for being part of this extraordinary journey. Together, we are shaping the future of nursing.

Warm Regards,