In 2024, the prestigious Middlesex College/Hackensack Meridian Health Nursing Program held its pinning ceremony to honor 61 graduates who officially completed their student training and are ready to make their mark as professional nurses. The mission of the program is to “promote student success through educational excellence and to graduate nurses who are able to provide empathetic, evidence-based care to diverse populations.” The program has seen great success thanks to its quality curriculum – as proof, the previous graduating class achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate on the NCLEX-RN in 2023.
Johnson & Johnson has been a proud supporter of students at Middlesex College for decades, providing over $4M in grants since 2000 to support nursing scholars, events, and other program initiatives. J&J has been committed to elevating and advocating for the nursing profession for more than 125 years, with the goal of strengthening a diverse and thriving nursing workforce that will advance equitable access to care and transform the trajectory of health for humanity.
Of the 61 MC nursing graduates in the class of 2024, 41 received a J&J-funded scholarship. Three graduates detailed their personal experiences in the program, and the impact this scholarship has had on their career trajectory:
Robert Rodes: “Attending Middlesex County College’s Nursing Program was a transformative experience for me. The program not only equipped me with essential skills but also ignited my passion for nursing…The Johnson & Johnson scholarship arrived during a pivotal moment in my life. At that time, I was between jobs, and the scholarship provided essential financial stability…Today, I am proud to be working in my first registered nurse position in psychiatric nursing — the exact field that initially sparked my interest. The knowledge and skills I gained at Middlesex County College have been invaluable in my daily practice, and I am grateful for the strong foundation they provided.”
Alexander K. Jaehnig: “My experience in the nursing program was challenging yet rewarding. I learned so much in the 2 years I attended and felt prepared to take the NCLEX exam (I passed!!) as well as feeling confident to begin my nursing career…Receiving a Johnson and Johnson scholarship was truly a gift…In the future, I hope to immerse myself in a few different specialties in the nursing field. I want to gain experience in the areas of oncology, pediatrics, cardiac, emergency/trauma, and operating room care. Nursing as a whole is an amazing field of work and these specific areas all hold a special place in my heart.”
Allyza Monique Quarless: “Starting nursing school at Middlesex College I was both excited and nervous. The first few weeks were a whirlwind, I had a[n] 8-week-old baby and 4-year-old at home, and getting adjusted to the rigorous work schedule combined with my family’s own needs proved to be no easy task. Soon though, I was able to organize myself in a way that allowed me to prioritize both my family and my schoolwork; and I can genuinely say I was able to not only survive nursing school, but also enjoy nursing school. While that may sound crazy, I was able to push myself harder than I ever thought possible, learn new things I never knew I could understand, and make friendships that will last a lifetime. My success was largely in part due to my Johnson & Johnson scholarship I was awarded for both of my semesters…I truly believe that without the support and opportunity Johnson & Johnson provided me, I would not be where I am today. Nursing school was a journey of growth and discovery. It tested my limits, taught me resilience, and confirmed my passion for healthcare, and today I can proudly say I am a registered nurse headed to the ED, and more importantly a mother that my children can be proud of.”
Like so many others, Robert, Alexander, and Allyza’s successes are a testament to the MC Nursing Program’s inclusive educational environment and successful outcomes. With more than half of its students representing communities of color and 44% being 25-44 years of age, the program reflects the multicultural communities of New Jersey and the diverse patient populations it seeks to impact, especially amid a nursing shortage in the state and beyond.
With invaluable experience, skills, and insights, nurses are uniquely positioned to improve health outcomes for everyone. J&J will continue to champion and advance the profession and congratulates the Middlesex College/Hackensack Meridian Health Nursing Program class of 2024 on this important milestone in their professional career.