Three Jefferson Health employees in New Jersey were recently honored with a Beyond Expectations of Excellence (BEE) Award for Extraordinary Caregivers — Patient Care Technicians MaryAnne Metzger and Theresa Sapigao, as well as Environmental Services associate Nicole Savoca. During a patient's 17-day hospital stay, Metzger, of Salem, NJ, stood out as an exceptionally positive and caring individual who showed compassion and sensitivity to the patient’s needs. This grateful patient from the Silvestri 4 Unit at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital wrote that “Maryanne infused care and humor into tasks such as bathing, creating a positive atmosphere." Sapigao, of Marlton, NJ, was... Continue reading

Jefferson Health registered nurses Amber Hart, BSN, RN, and Jeong Kim, BSN, RN, PCCN, were each recently honored with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Hart and Kim — who respectively work on the Silvestri 5 and C4 patient care units at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital and Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital — were recognized for establishing a connection with patients and families through trust and emotional support. Hart, of Pine Hill, NJ, received praise from colleagues for initiating a rapid response and administering Narcan to a patient suspected of taking illicit drugs. Hart exhibited non-judgmental care while providing empathetic support.... Continue reading

Area residents will have the opportunity to honor, remember, and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have battled cancer with the symbolic illumination of the “Tree of Lights” in the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township’s lobby on Wednesday, November 29. The 14th annual Tree of Lights Remembrance Celebration, set for 5-6 p.m. at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center (900 Medical Center Drive, Sewell, NJ), will include music, light refreshments, and a tree-lighting ceremony, where honorees’ names will be recited aloud. A minimum $5 donation per recited name will benefit the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – New Jersey... Continue reading

South Jersey resident and grateful patient Michelle Donio recently raised more than $12,000 in support of the Patient Assistance Fund at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in New Jersey. The Patient Assistance Fund helps patients who need help with rent, utilities or transportation, allowing them to continue focusing on their treatment. Donio, of Buena, hosted a breast cancer benefit, Sort for Support, at the Double P Ranch in Bridgeton over two days in early October for this effort. Ranch sorting is a western-style equestrian sport that involves two teams of riders separating cattle into pens on horseback against the clock.... Continue reading

Jefferson Washington Township Hospital has been certified by The Joint Commission as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, the highest distinction of its kind, which recognizes hospitals with the ability to receive and treat the most complex stroke cases. “Achieving Comprehensive Stroke Center accreditation is another example of how our highly experienced teams bring the most sophisticated level of complex care to South Jersey, including world-class cancer care, specialized cardiac treatments, and OBGYN services for women’s health," said Baligh Yehia, MD, MPP, MSc, FACP, President of Jefferson Health. "I’m very proud that the Jefferson Heath Washington Township Hospital team has been recognized... Continue reading

Three Jefferson Health Department of Nursing employees in New Jersey received annual Nursing Scholarships through the Magnet®-designated healthcare organization. The three — all employed at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital — were chosen by the Nursing Selection Committee based on their academic achievements and support of Jefferson’s mission, vision, and values. Each year, Jefferson offers various nursing scholarships: an Entry-Level Non-RN Scholarship, open to all clinical and non-clinical employees aspiring for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree; the Gartzman Fund RN-to-BSN Scholarship; and the Leadership Scholarship, open to current BSN- and MSN-level nurses aspiring to earn a Master’s (MSN)... Continue reading

Voorhees, NJ, September 29, 2023 – Two Jefferson Health hospitals in southern New Jersey earned individual recognitions related to their surgical services. Jefferson Stratford Hospital recently earned designation as an American College of Surgeons (ACS) Surgical Quality Partner, in recognition of its dedication to the safest and most effective surgical care through its Weight-Loss Surgery Program, which also holds ACS Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) designation. More than 5,400 bariatric surgical procedures have been performed at Jefferson Stratford Hospital since the program began in 2007. An important measure of a hospital’s surgical quality, ACS Quality... Continue reading

Jefferson has announced that Aaron Chang, FACHE, has been named President of Jefferson Health – East, effective October 16, 2023. Chang brings vast experience in the academic, non-profit, and private sectors, with a passion for improving community health. In his new role, Chang will be responsible for overseeing daily operations of Jefferson’s three New Jersey acute care hospitals in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington Township, NJ, recently ranked among the top 10 in New Jersey on U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals” list. A results-oriented executive, Chang comes to Jefferson from Catholic Health in New York, where he was... Continue reading

Jefferson Health recently presented two of its Washington Township Hospital employees — Jeffrey Szurek, RN, and Spencer Reitano, PCT — with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses and a Beyond Expectations of Excellence (BEE) Award. Jeffrey Szurek, an Emergency Department (ED) nurse, was recognized with a DAISY Award for providing compassionate patient care and assisting a co-worker. He stayed beyond his shift to offer support in a situation involving an Emergency Department patient (and his accompanying son), whose wife and mother was coincidentally a patient in the hospital’s ICU. Szurek stayed beyond his shift so the nurse caring for the... Continue reading

Jefferson Health recently hosted a networking event in partnership with the South Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO SJ). The Network Connect event, held at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital, provided an evening of conversation, networking, and valuable information on women’s health topics. A Jefferson physician panel featuring Interventional Cardiologist Jeffrey Ogbara, MD; Neurosurgeon Richard F. Schmidt, MD; and Obstetrician–Gynecologist Tameka Sisco, DO, discussed heart health — including risk factors, symptoms, prevention and treatment of heart disease — as well as stroke and hypertension during pregnancy. The Jefferson panel also discussed the health system’s interventional cardiology,... Continue reading

Danielle Coates, BSN, RN, a Registered Nurse on the 2-East unit at Jefferson Stratford Hospital, was recently honored with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The Williamstown, NJ, resident — a seven-year employee — was recognized for her positive attitude and establishing connections with patients and families. "I have watched Danielle become so compassionate and always find a 'soft spot' for patients," a colleague wrote in their nomination. "Her compassion and empathy inspire me." A grateful family member added that "Danielle took time to explain everything during my mom's stay. We could not be happier with the care she received."... Continue reading

Donna Cybulski, MSN, RN, CCRN — Intensive Care Unit/Intermediate Care Unit Nurse Manager at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital — was recently honored with a DAISY Team Leader Award for Extraordinary Nurses. A 12-year Jefferson employee, Cybulski, of Stratford, NJ, was nominated by a nursing colleague who praised her for being a transformational leader who puts others before herself and inspires, trusts, and believes in her staff. Donna became the team’s Nurse Manager during the pandemic. Her nominator praised her for not only providing patient care with her team and willingly working night shifts, but also inspiring her co-workers during the... Continue reading

Jefferson Health recently hosted 15 fifth through 12th-grade teachers from schools throughout the region, as part of the South Jersey Summer Institute for Educators, offered by the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ). The annual three-week-long summer program helps regional teachers keep pace with changes in the business community while providing tools for them to better prepare their students — our future workforce. Since the Institute’s inception 30-plus years ago, more than 690 teachers from dozens of South Jersey schools have “graduated,” impacting more than 65,000 students. At the event, Lisa Dutterer, VP of Operations at Jefferson Cherry... Continue reading

For patients experiencing the most severe type of heart attack – ST elevation myocardial infarction or STEMI -- time is of the essence. Jefferson Health recently received New Jersey state certification to offer a specialized treatment, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), for STEMI patients at its Washington Township Hospital Catheterization Lab. A STEMI is a type of heart attack caused by a complete blockage of a coronary artery. These heart attacks are extremely serious and can be life threatening. “Time is critical to open up these vessels to save the patient’s life,” said Henry Schuitema, DO, Chief of Emergency Medicine at... Continue reading

Two Jefferson Health employees in New Jersey were recently honored with a Beyond Expectations of Excellence (BEE) Award for Extraordinary Caregivers — MaryAnne Metzger, a Silvestri-4 Patient Care Technician at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital, and Matthew Rappa, a Regional Marketing and Communications specialist. Metzger, of Pilesgrove, NJ, was nominated by a patient for her empathy and compassion, who wrote: “Thank you for taking time to understand who I am, rather than considering me just an ‘addict.’ I can keep moving forward on my long road ahead if I continue to be blessed with people like MaryAnne.” “MaryAnne always connects with... Continue reading

Story and Photos by Nicole Pensiero It’s usually thousands of Green Bay Packers’ fans who yell out the thunderous chant, “Go, Pack Go!” But here we were, six tourists wandering around famed Lambeau Field, when our guide urged us to cheer out in the nearly empty stadium: “Go, Pack, Go!” – a second or two later, our chant returned to us as an echo in the massive stadium: “Go, Pack, Go!” The author enjoyed a tour of Lambeau Field. Still, even with just a few dozen fans milling around this massive stadium, you can feel the excitement generated by the... Continue reading

By Nicole Pensiero I’ve always loved cruising – to me, it’s one of the most relaxing and glamorous ways to see the world. So, with one beautiful, new cruise ship, a seven-night journey to some of Europe’s most popular destinations -- and two friends in need of some serious relaxation – you have all the makings of a great winter vacation. Traveling by sea through Europe at the start of the holiday season might not seem as appealing to some as, say, a balmy Caribbean cruise, to us it was ideal: less crowds, still mild weather, and even a few... Continue reading

Story and Photos by Nicole Pensiero I’m always open to visiting the Pocono Mountains – after all, it’s an easy ride from South Jersey – and with 2,400 square-miles and four counties to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Most recently, we opted for a two-night, three-day getaway to East Stroudsburg in Monroe County. We were excited to stay at a newly revamped B&B called the Deerfield Inn (deerfieldpoconosinn.com). For many years, this property operated as a holistic health retreat, complete with massage rooms and exercise classes. It recently reopened as a more traditional B&B, with many great amenities, including... Continue reading

Jefferson Health – New Jersey’s hospitals in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington Township have each received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke GOLD PLUS quality achievement award for their commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that... Continue reading

Helene Burns, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Senior VP & Regional Chief Nursing Officer for Jefferson Health – New Jersey, has been selected for induction as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Induction is a significant milestone in a nurse leader’s career, where their accomplishments are honored by colleagues both within and outside their profession. Fellows are selected based on their contributions and impact to advance the public’s health. With more than 40 years of healthcare experience, Dr. Burns is responsible for nursing operations/patient care at Jefferson’s three New Jersey acute care hospitals, with oversight of more than 1,400 RNs... Continue reading

Members of the Jefferson Stratford Hospital 3-West patient care team — Norman Kiersznowski, RN (Glassboro); Paige Fiedler, RN (West Deptford); Stephanie Marucci, APN (Williamstown); Jenn Roach, RN (Berlin); Amy Santos, RN, CMSRN (Somerdale); and Nutrition Care Associate Sandra St. Germain (Woodbury) — were recently honored with a DAISY Team Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The team was recognized for their high level of care and compassion shown to a grateful patient admitted to the hospital last summer with a kidney infection. The nurses were supportive and encouraging, and the dietary associate always brought meals with a smile. DAISY honorees are nominated... Continue reading

Two Jefferson Surgery Center employees — Certified Surgical Technician Meghan Cummings and Registered Nurse Jacqulen McCann — recently went “above and beyond” when reporting to the nearby Operating Room (OR) at Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. Despite working in an ambulatory setting for several years, Meghan and Jackie jumped in to assist the OR team — Certified Surgical Technician Kari Dayton, Registered Nurses Robin Collins and Jennifer Delaney, and OB/GYN Chief Kenneth Covone, DO — with a patient experiencing a post-delivery hemorrhage that required immediate action and ended with a successful surgery. "Meghan and Jackie are very experienced and skilled professionals,"... Continue reading

Jefferson Health's Surgical Services team in New Jersey recently performed its 5,000th robotic procedure. The surgical milestone took place on June 19, at Jefferson Stratford Hospital and was performed using the da Vinci® Xi robotic surgery system. Several Jefferson Health NJ surgeons are trained in robotic procedures; this particular robotic cholecystectomy was performed by surgeon Adeshola Fakulujo, MD. Celebrations noting the milestone were held at Jefferson Stratford and Washington Township hospitals. The da Vinci robot is used at these two Jefferson hospitals for an array of procedures, including general surgery, urologic surgery, GYN, and GYN Oncology surgery. Robotic surgery is... Continue reading

Eighteen young adults received Project SEARCH graduation certificates, marking their participation in a longstanding work-transition program at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, Jefferson Stratford Hospital, and, for the first time, Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. These Project SEARCH interns attended classes at the hospitals every day throughout the school year, working and learning alongside Jefferson Health's employees. Jefferson Health – New Jersey has been involved with Project SEARCH -– an international work-transition program for young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities -- since 2016. Since its launch, 69 students have “graduated” from the Project SEARCH program at Jefferson Health – New... Continue reading

Jefferson Health's campuses in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington Township have achieved Magnet® Redesignation. In 2018, Jefferson Health’s three New Jersey hospitals became the first in Camden and Gloucester counties to receive Magnet designation. The American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program recognizes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence, based on professionalism, teamwork and patient care. It is considered the most prestigious and coveted recognition a hospital can achieve for nursing excellence. Jefferson's designation includes the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center - Washington Township; and its Surgery Center in Washington Township. “We are so proud of our outstanding... Continue reading