The John Theurer Cancer Center Recognized as 2024 Outstanding Employer by the Oncology Nursing Society

As a cancer survivor herself, Margaret Hopkins, RN, feels blessed every day she walks through the doors of the John Theurer Cancer Center in Hackensack, NJ to help save the lives of our cancer patients. As someone who has been on both sides of cancer treatment, she knows the magic of the work being done at JTCC. And in her decades of nursing, she’s never felt more appreciated for her work.

“I felt supported even before I got here when the Education Specialists mailed me a chemo book from the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). I was given extensive work time to test and get my chemo card. We have educational offerings nearly every week. For someone new to oncology, I never felt unable to learn this job. There are so many opportunities to better myself,” Hopkins said,

It’s for that reason that she went through the process of submitting New Jersey's Premiere Cancer Center according to U.S. News & World Report for the ONS 2024 Outstanding Employer Award. And just in time for the holidays – JTCC received word that it’s a winner. (This was) A true gift for the nurses who give of their time and talents each day.

 “I am proud to be here. I know I can continue to learn and to grow. I feel at home,” Hopkins added.

The award recognizes employers that show exemplary support for their oncology nurses. The honor further distinguishes JTCC as a place where innovative technology, individualized, advanced treatment and outstanding, caring staff members are saving lives. And at a time medical facilities are facing nursing shortages, this award shows our nurses believe JTCC is a great place to work.

“Our oncology nurses are among the best in the nation, working to ensure optimal patient outcomes with the compassion, competence and strength the nursing profession is renowned for,” said Regina Foley, PhD, MBA, RN, Chief Nurse Executive. “This award recognizes our outstanding nurses and a work environment designed to help them thrive and to continue making a profound impact on our patients and communities.”

“We are receiving this award because we have been recognized by our own employees for having a very supportive environment when it comes to the development of oncology nurses. At the John Theurer Cancer Center, we have one of the highest nursing retention rates in the state and our environment, which highly promotes innovation, provides a platform for nurses to expand their careers and move into various areas such as patient education, advocacy, research, trials and more,” said our Director of Nursing Operations, Linda Casey, MHA, BSN, RN, OCN, NE-BC

That support runs the gamut from a 3-4 month orientation program and encouragement for nurses looking to receive additional certifications by allowing them to take the exams for free, to an annual day celebrating our nationally certified nurses and an open door policy exhibited by our entire leadership team. In short, our nurses know they are appreciated every day.

“We also welcome nurses from all experiential backgrounds to work with us. The fundamental desire to support our patients through the fight of their lives is what makes a good candidate for these positions at JTCC,” Casey added.

With the award, JTCC joins the ranks of outstanding institutions and past recipients including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA.

The recognition, another example proving our compassionate nurses like Hopkins, feel as appreciated for their work as our patients feel cared for.