The Council model serves as the cornerstone of nursing autonomy and empowerment. Ten governance councils assume responsibility and accountability for the decision-making, management, operation, and integration of Patient Care Services for both the Paterson and Wayne campuses.

• Nursing Leadership Council – the highest decision-making body for Nursing. Council membership includes representation of nurses working in areas outside the department as well as representatives from all of the other councils
• Directors of Nursing Council – forum for communication, collaboration and decision making among the senior administration team
• Nursing Management Council – forum for the communication of information and a collaborative working body to make recommendations toward facilitation of patient care
• Professional Nurse Practice Council – forum for clinical RNs to participate and collaborate in the shared governance model through implementation of activities, standards of practice, performance improvement, infection prevention, and programs affecting patient care and work environment, which cross all divisions
• Advanced Practice Nurse Council – forum for members to participate and collaborate in planning, development, and implementation of activities, standards of practice, performance improvement activities, and affiliations related to enactment of the advanced practice role
• Nurse Educators Council – forum for nurse educators who plan, develop, and implement orientation, in-service, and continuing education programming to meet the clinical and professional goals of all nurses, in all settings, within the organization
• Relationship-Based Care Results Council – an interdisciplinary team forum led by Nursing for planning, development and implementation of the Practice Model and Relationship-based Care Delivery System
• Unit Advisory Council – forum for unit-based committees responsible for operationalizing the Relationship- Based Care model and for evaluating the measured outcomes
• Ambulatory Care Council – forum for clinics and outpatient areas to discuss and partner in the planning, development, and implementation of performance improvement activities, standards of practice, and patient advocacy endeavors within the outpatient and community-based settings in collaboration with inpatient services
• Patient Care Associate Council - forum for Nursing Support Staff as a subcommittee of the Nurse Practice Council to participate in the shared governance model through implementation of activities, performance improvement, infection prevention, and programs affecting patient safety within the support staff responsibilities

The significance of nursing to the mission and vision of an organization is embraced in a Magnet-designated setting. Recognition for the contribution of nurses is foundational to the structure and process of operations.

St. Joseph’s nurses demonstrate excellence through their clinical expertise and extraordinary compassionate care. They are recognized in many ways as outstanding caregivers and professionals.  

Nursing Excellence Award – An annual award given during Nurses Week by the RN peers of the Nurse Practice Council to staff nurses who exemplify and consistently demonstrate evidence of high-quality practice, excellent outcomes, and commitment to professional development.

Recognize a Nurse Award – A quarterly award to recognize nurses who deliver quality nursing care, demonstrate compassion, and embody the St. Joseph’s core values of Dignity, Charity, Stewardship, Justice, and Excellence, to positively impact the lives of their patients

Developed by the Nurse Practice Council in honor of the 150^th anniversary of St. Joseph’s Health and the contributions of the Sisters of Charity, the criteria were inspired by the work of Sister Teresa Regina Confroy, RN, MSN, who served for 24 years at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center as a staff RN, Head Nurse, and Vice President of Patient Care Services.

RN STARS Program – A clinical ladder program to promote professional development of the direct care nurse. The program serves to define, develop, evaluate, and reward various levels of clinical nursing expertise using STARS criteria:

S - St. Joseph’s Health Strategic Plan

T - Transforming Care through Evidence-Based Practice

A - Advancement of Practice through Quality

R - Relationship-Based Care

S - Service to Self and Others

National Nurses Week – An annual celebration in May celebrating the birthday week of Florence Nightingale, recognizing St. Joseph’s nurses’ contribution, commitment and dedication to patients and families, the community, the organization, and professional nursing.

National Certification Celebration – An annual celebration in March honoring the nurses who have achieved national certification in their specialty, recognizing their expertise and leadership.