Atlantic Health System and William Paterson University have signed an agreement to establish a framework for collaboration to improve access to high-quality health profession education and health services in the region.
Through the agreement, William Paterson and Atlantic Health will identify and implement joint projects and initiatives geared toward enhancing the nursing and health care workforce.
William Paterson is based in Wayne. Atlantic Health System provides health care throughout much of the state, but its hospitals are primarily based in the greater Morris County area.
Potential collaborations will focus on enhanced educational and employment opportunities for William Paterson students, including:
- Developing pathways for nursing and health care students to gain meaningful related opportunities at Atlantic Health;
- Developing programs that enable students to gain employment opportunities in careers that are needed in the northern New Jersey region and consistent with a future career in nursing and health care;
- Providing opportunities for academically prepared Atlantic Health nurses to practice as adjunct faculty members;
- Further enhancing a joint research center focused on the advancement of science and grant opportunities;
- Exploring opportunities to build community-facing and campus-facing health and wellness services.
Trish O’Keefe, president of Morristown Medical Center and chief nurse executive for Atlantic Health System, said there is potential for great impact.
“Development and execution of this collaboration will provide a strong academic clinical partnership between the two organizations, resulting in additional opportunities for academic matriculation while providing strong clinical affiliations and nursing employment opportunities,” she said.
William Paterson President Richard Helldobler agreed.
“This exciting new collaboration will mean great things for William Paterson students and Atlantic Health System patients,” he said. “As one of the leading producers of nursing graduates in New Jersey, William Paterson will work with Atlantic Health, one of the state’s largest health care networks, to expand educational and career opportunities for our students to help meet New Jersey’s growing need for nurses and allied health professionals.”
Dr. Suja Mathew, the chief clinical officer at Atlantic Health, said the system is eager to get going.
“Atlantic Health System is delighted to enter into collaboration with William Paterson University to address health care needs and workforce shortages,” she said.
“Atlantic Health is committed to providing our communities the very highest quality of care. Investing in the training and development of William Paterson nursing students and partnering in research help ensure that Atlantic Health is able to continue its long tradition of patient-centered, best-in-class health care.”
