The National Academies of Practice announced the election of Mary Beth Russell as a Distinguished Nursing Fellow.
Russell holds the position of vice president of the Center for Professional Development, Innovation and Research at RWJBarnabas Health in West Orange. Class of 2022 fellows were welcomed into the NAP during the awards and induction ceremony March 5 in San Diego.
An experienced health care executive, Russell has expertise in creating and sustaining change through professional development, using multidimensional methods and evidence-based practice. In her work for RWJBH, she has been integral to the development and implementation of programs such as clinical simulation, leadership development and clinical residencies on a system level. She leads current educational initiatives, training programs using interdisciplinary collaboration, as well as the development and execution of clinical continuing education programs. She also oversees the launch of new products, nursing orientations, competency programs and nursing research.
Russell holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Rutgers University, a Master of Science in nursing education from New York University, and a Doctorate in education from Seton Hall University with a focus in cultural sensitivity. She is Nurse Executive, Advanced and Nursing Professional Development Board Certified, as well as a certificate holder in Just Culture. Additionally, Russell has been a member of the New Jersey Board of Nursing in an educator position since 2017.
