Senior Executive Alumnus Reaching Students by Teaching the Business of Nursing
Gregory Passanante, DNP, MBA, RN, CNOR, is committed, passionate, and innovative in his career as an executive leader of Shriners Hospital for Children. Recently, Passanante added another skill to his CV: thought-provoking teacher.
Passanante, a 2023 graduate of the Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden’s doctor of nursing practice program, has returned to his alma mater as a lecturer. Passanante is currently teaching a graduate-level course in information technology practices that will support his students as they strive to become nursing leaders.
“I show the students what it means to embrace telehealth and other types of electronic technologies that are now part of the business of nursing,” Passanante said. “Nurses need to be willing participants in the many health systems that are digital and online.”
Passanante’s “day job” is northeast market administrator at Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, where he also oversees locations in Erie, Pa.; Springfield, Mass.; and Boston. In what is effectively a CEO-level position, Passanante bears responsibility for aligning the goals and mission of Shriners.
Nursing was not Passanante’s undergraduate major. He has a bachelor of science degree in management from Rutgers School of Business–Camden. But there was something missing for him in the corporate world. Inspired by his wife, Lynn, who is a registered nurse, Passanante returned to school to obtain another bachelor’s degree, this time in nursing science, but not before he acquired an MBA. And Passanante’s DNP aids him in putting health care research into practice.
As an alumnus, Passanante kept in touch with the nursing school through friendships with the faculty. He said he was encouraged by the former and current deans to think about becoming a lecturer because of his unique skill set.
“I finally jumped in,” Passanante said. “And I am happy to say it’s a great experience.”
