Mercer Times

Tracy Perron and Yolanda Nelson, faculty members at The College of New Jersey’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences, have been named Distinguished Fellows by the National Academies of Practice in Nursing. This recognition comes from NAP, a non-profit organization established in 1981 that brings together healthcare professionals from various fields to enhance health and well-being and provide advice to governmental bodies on healthcare matters.

Nelson expressed her gratitude for the honor, stating, “I feel honored to be recognized for the work that we currently do here at TCNJ.” She highlighted NAP's focus on mentorship and diversity as key elements she values in her professional life.

Perron emphasized the importance of collaborative work within NAP. “The organization is committed to recognizing people from all of the healthcare disciplines including nursing, medicine, pharmacy, and nutrition,” she said. She finds working with other professionals and community partners both important and rewarding.

The nursing profession has faced significant challenges, especially since COVID-19. The American Association of Colleges of Nurses warns that the nursing shortage in the U.S. is likely to worsen. Despite these challenges, Perron and Nelson stress individualized patient care to their students.

Nelson advises students to consider how they would want to be treated if they were patients themselves: “I tell them to imagine themselves laying in that hospital bed,” she said. Perron added, “We are the strongest advocates for our patients, and typically, we are with them for an extended period of time compared to others in the healthcare professions.”

Both Nelson and Perron received their awards during a ceremony held on March 16 in Jacksonville, Florida.