About the RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing
Welcome
Welcome to the RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing, (formerly Trinitas School of Nursing), established in 1891 in the City of Elizabeth in Union County, New Jersey. As of January 1, 2022, the School of Nursing has become part of RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey's largest academic health system, and will continue to provide pre-licensure nursing education, in partnership with Union College, to graduates who serve as professional nurses in our community, around the nation, and globally.
Our collective vision of providing students with a learning environment conducive to the acquisition of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to function as a safe, competent, professional nurse will continue to be reflected in our school philosophy and goals.
Cooperative Nursing Program
In 1971, the School made a commitment to serve educationally disadvantaged students, the non-traditional, and those seeking a second career and/or career mobility. This commitment resulted in the formation of a Cooperative Nursing Program (CNP) in partnership with Union College, which allows students to earn a diploma in nursing and an Associate in Science degree.
To encourage and support the educational mobility of our graduates, RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing has partnerships with local universities. These partnerships allow our graduates to move seamlessly to the BSN and MSN programs offered by both institutions. Many of our graduates have obtained their baccalaureate and master's degrees through these partnerships.
Our commitment to creating and sustaining environments that enhance student learning and professional development was recognized by the National League for Nursing, which awarded the School four consecutive designations as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education for 2008-2011, 2011-2015, 2015-2020, and most recently for 2020-2024. The School was also recognized for having the first faculty in the nation to have all eligible members earn the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential.
Our School Philosophy
The RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing believes in the dignity and worth of each individual. We are committed to providing an educational environment that nurtures the development of caring, competent nursing professionals who will provide quality healthcare to diverse populations.
Our Beliefs
- Nursing is both an art and a science, a caring profession dedicated to promoting, maintaining, and restoring health
- Professional nursing requires a foundation of general and nursing knowledge, clinical competence, and professional behavior
- Education is a shared responsibility between faculty and students, fostering critical thinking and lifelong learning
- The teaching-learning process is interactive, respecting diverse backgrounds and learning styles
- Students are individuals with unique experiences, abilities, and potential for professional growth
Faculty
The RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing takes pride in its exceptional faculty members who are dedicated to nursing education excellence. Our faculty brings extensive clinical experience combined with advanced academic credentials.
The School was recognized for having the first faculty in the nation to have all eligible members earn the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential. This certification is a validation of faculty's commitment to our vision of excellence.
Faculty Qualifications
- Master's degree or higher in Nursing or related field
- Current RN licensure in New Jersey
- Clinical expertise in various nursing specialties
- Commitment to evidence-based teaching practices
- Active involvement in professional nursing organizations
Accreditations
The RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing program is approved and accredited by:
New Jersey State Board of Nursing
PO Box 45010, Newark, New Jersey, 07101
Phone: 973-504-6430
www.njconsumeraffairs.gov
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: 404-975-5000
www.acenursing.org
The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board of Commissioners for the RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing/Union College nursing program is continuing accreditation.
Center of Excellence in Nursing Education
The School of Nursing is recognized by the National League for Nursing as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education in the category of Creating Environments that Enhance Student Learning and Professional Development from 2025-2029.
Union College Accreditation
Accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Benefactors
The RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our benefactors. Their contributions help provide scholarships, enhance our learning facilities, and support our mission of nursing education excellence.
If you are interested in supporting the School of Nursing through a charitable contribution or scholarship endowment, please contact us at rwjbhnursingschool@ucc.edu or call (908) 493-6959.
A History of Excellence
The RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing has a rich history spanning over 130 years of excellence in nursing education.
Timeline of Milestones
School of Nursing established in the City of Elizabeth, New Jersey
Formation of the Cooperative Nursing Program (CNP) in partnership with Union College
First designation as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing
School becomes part of RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey's largest academic health system
Fourth consecutive Center of Excellence designation (2025-2029)