Helene Burns, senior vice president and 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 health care experience, Burns is responsible for nursing operations/patient care at Jefferson’s three New Jersey acute care hospitals, with oversight of more than 1,400 Registered Nurses and Nursing Department staff.
Under Burns’ leadership, Jefferson Health – N.J. received its first Magnet Designation in 2018 and redesignation in 2023, receiving exemplar status for three patient safety initiatives. Along with engagement from frontline leaders and clinical staff, Burns led the design of the multimillion-dollar hospital towers with patient care units and surgical suite designs at its Cherry Hill and Washington Township campuses.
A member of the Organization of Nurse Leaders New Jersey, Burns serves on the board and is president for the 2022-2023 term.
Through a competitive, rigorous, application process, the American Academy of Nursing’s Fellow Selection Committee reviewed nearly 400 applications to select the 2023 fellows. The fellows represent 40 states, the District of Columbia and 13 countries.
Burns and the other 2023 inductees will be recognized for their substantial, sustained and significant contributions to health care at the academy’s annual Health Policy Conference, Oct. 5-7, in Washington, D.C., during its 50th anniversary. Once the newest fellows are inducted, the academy will be comprised of more than 3,000 leaders who are experts in policy, research, administration, practice and academia and champion health and wellness, locally and globally.
