Nurse Leadership Through Crisis: Examining COVID-19, Health Equity, and Care

This event will reflect on nursing leadership through crisis, while promoting and working toward an all-encompassing culture of health for all.

Judy Persichilli, CNUR ’76, was relatively new to her role as New Jersey Commissioner of Health when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. She is well versed in the dynamics of nursing leadership and equity issues in New Jersey during the pandemic, as well as driving change and access through public policy.

As dean of the School of Nursing during the pandemic, Linda Flynn, GSN ‘90, had to reimagine nursing education and school operations. Flynn will address the pandemic’s impact on nurses and nursing students, changes in nursing education, and ways the school has met these evolving challenges.

Carl Kirton is a vocal advocate speaking to the role that nursing plays in ensuring access to safe, quality, culturally competent care to diverse patient populations, both domestically and globally. He brings his expertise in practice and community advocacy to this conversation about nursing leadership during crisis and equity issues.

Moderated by Executive Director of Health Systems and Population Health Integration for Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Mary O’Dowd, DC '99, this panel discussion will explore these questions:

• How does nursing prepare you for crisis leadership
• What equity issues were revealed during the pandemic: gender, race, workforce dynamics for communities and within the power dynamics of the healthcare space?
• How have women and nurses supported each other during this crisis?
• Have these dynamics begun to transform nursing leadership and practice?
• How can we apply what we have learned toward a better, more equitable and resilient health workforce and community in the future?