By Wendy Keyes/March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is proud to announce that Karen Ahearn, VP Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer, Community Medical Center, has accepted the honorary chair position for the ninth annual 2014 March of Dimes New Jersey Chapter Nurse of the Year awards. The March of Dimes will be honoring nurses, the unsung heroes of healthcare, for their outstanding contributions. The award ceremony will be held on November 19, 2014 at Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey.
Karen Ahearn, VP Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer, Community Medical Center, graduated with her BSN from St. Peter’s College and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Kean University. She began her nursing career in 1985 and has been a member of the Barnabas Health organization since 1995. As a nurse and a nurse leader, Ahearn has dedicated her career to developing nursing quality initiatives and professional development for nurses. She has been involved in the implementation of projects and initiatives that enhance nurse and patient satisfaction. Ahearn is a member of the Organization of Nurse Executives. She also sits on the March of Dimes New Jersey Central Division Board of Directors and participates in the Jersey Shore March for Babies.
“I am honored to be the Chair of the 2014 March of Dimes Nurse of the Year committee. The work of the March of Dimes and Nurse of the Year are near and dear to my heart. The outcomes of the research, programs and advocacy work of the March of Dimes have markedly decreased the rate of prematurity and improved the health and well-being of our most precious patient population. As a Maternal Child Registered Nurse and Nurse Leader, the combination of being able to help promote the work of the March of Dimes and at the same time provide recognition to nurses is an amazing opportunity,” said Ahearn.
Nurses throughout the state who have been nominated will gather with coworkers, families and friends at the Pines Manor for cocktail hour, dinner, auction and awards, where the winners will be announced.
Proceeds from the Nurse of the Year Awards will directly benefit the March of Dimes mission to have every baby born strong and healthy. One out of nine babies born in New Jersey (more than 11,000) is born premature. Attendees at the Nurse of the Year Awards are supporting important programs in the state that are greatly helping the urgent mission.
For sponsorship information, tickets or tributes, visit marchofdimes.org/newjersey or contact Allie Hall at (732) 952-9016 [email protected].
