Welcome from Dean Nickitas

Courage, Compassion, and Commitment: 50 Years of Nursing Excellence at Rutgers–Camden

Welcome to our incoming Class of 2027, and welcome back to our continuing Classes of 2024, 2025, and 2026. This is an exciting and exceptional year for Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden as we celebrate our 50th anniversary of nursing excellence—reflecting on the past, preparing for the present, and looking toward the future with courage, compassion, and commitment to public good. Rutgers Nursing at Camden began in 1973 as a department within the College of Arts and Sciences, with the first class graduating in 1976. Then, in 2012, the Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden opened with its own Dean, followed by our state-of-the-art Nursing and Science Building in 2017. While 50 years has brought about many changes, what remains resolute is a dedication to serving our communities.

Since 1973, nearly 3,700 Rutgers–Camden nurses have distinguished themselves as researchers, educators, clinicians, and leaders who share a calling to facilitate positive change. This year, we celebrate not just our alums but all those who invest in the preparation and education of the next generation of the future nursing workforce, including our clinical partners from across Camden and throughout South Jersey and beyond: friends, family, donors, and private and public stakeholders (corporations, elected governmental representatives, community-based agencies, and public and charter schools).

During this academic year, I ask each nursing student to bring a heart of courage filled with compassion as you walk this journey of becoming a registered nurse. In the words of poet Amanda Gorman, “If you’re alive, you’re afraid.” You may sometimes be terrified of nursing school in the classroom or the clinical practicum. Please note that Gorman was terrified, too, when she was invited to be the inaugural poet for President Biden’s inauguration. She was brave enough to listen and learn that “...fear can be love trying its best in the dark. So do not fear your fear. Own it. Free it. This isn’t a liberation that I or anyone can give you—it’s power you must look for, learn, love, lead, and locate for yourself.” I know this is true; many students may hesitate to begin the journey, but I ask you to do so anyway.

For those of you continuing as undergraduates or graduate students, stay the course. Seek support from your faculty and academic advisors or find a peer and lean in, especially when you are battered and worn. Be brave enough to ask for help. Practice patience as you engage in this self-inquiry, take risks, and become an ally and advocate for advancing academic and clinical excellence.

Our recent White Coat Ceremony marked the first in a series of planned 50th anniversary events to honor our legacy of academic excellence and our impact on the health and well-being of communities across South Jersey and beyond. This semester’s lineup will include a distinguished lecture series with Sarah DiGregorio, the critically acclaimed author of Taking Care: The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change Our World, and a day of service at the Kroc Center. Several larger events in the spring will bring together current and former faculty, alumni, students, and community partners to reflect on the past and commemorate our bright future.

In the meantime, please bookmark our website, follow us on social media, and stay tuned for updates. I look forward to celebrating with you and honoring the accomplishments of our community!

Donna Nickitas, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CNE, FNAP, FAAN

Dean, Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden