In her nominations, Dana was praised as a long-term exceptional leader in the medical-surgical division who is a positive influence and oversees two very high-performing inpatient surgical units.

Dana, who joined Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) in 2000, received multiple nominations for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Among the comments shared were:

• Dana is always willing to help, problem solve, advocate for both staff and patients, and is approachable with issues, concerns, and new ideas. She creates a safe environment and is always enthusiastic about improving outcomes and care.
• Dana works very closely with the surgical and orthopedic providers to ensure positive patient outcomes. The units that Dana oversees consistently perform in the top percentile for patient experience, reflecting the amazing care and compassion that motivates her staff to achieve better outcomes for themselves and for their patients.
• Her advocacy to re-establish MMC’s connection with Operation Walk USA has provided free joint replacement surgeries to patients in need, drastically improving the mobility and overall quality of life of these individuals.
• Dana continues to promote the profession of nursing by encouraging and supporting nursing education and professional board certification. Both Todd 6 East and Greenwall 6 have high BSN and certification rates and continue to improve these metrics.
• The Joint and Spine programs at MMC have exceptionally high patient experience scores and positive patient outcomes. These programs also fall under Dana’s leadership, and in December 2025, they were successfully recertified by The Joint Commission.
• Dana is a strong mentor who successfully onboarded five new leaders in the medical-surgical division. She is a key member of the leadership team and consistently brings forward new ideas to improve workflow, advocate for nursing practice, and strengthen the organization's culture of safety.
• Dana is an extraordinary nurse leader who uplifts, inspires, and transforms the units she leads. Her impact is reflected in the strong teams she develops, the safe, high-quality patient- and family-centered care provided, and a culture where compassion and excellence thrive every day. She achieves this through transparency, consistency, and accountability.
• Through open communication, Dana creates a culture where nurses feel valued, supported, and inspired to provide the best possible care for patients and each other. She actively engages staff in decision-making and collaborative performance improvement initiatives focused on workflow, patient care, and both employee and patient satisfaction.
• Dana is a role model who exemplifies professionalism, advocacy, and visionary leadership. In a profession that demands compassion, resilience, and teamwork, she consistently demonstrates what it means to be a true nurse leader.
• What sets Dana apart is her ability to lead with both strength and empathy. She creates an environment where every team member feels heard, respected, and valued. Whether managing high-stress situations on the unit or checking in individually with staff, she approaches every interaction with understanding and professionalism. Her open-door policy fosters trust, encourages honest communication, and allows the team to thrive both personally and professionally.
• Dana is deeply committed to excellence in patient care and continuously inspires her team to uphold the highest standards, as reflected in the success of the two units she leads. Through mentorship and guidance, she empowers nurses to grow in skill and confidence. She recognizes potential in others and actively supports career development by encouraging continuing education, providing constructive feedback, and celebrating achievements.
• Dana consistently creates an environment where nurses feel supported, respected, and empowered to provide the highest level of care. Her leadership style fosters teamwork, open communication, and professional growth, ensuring every team member feels valued and heard. Through her leadership, she has improved patient outcomes while strengthening the morale and resilience of the entire team. She serves as a role model who inspires others to uphold the core values of nursing with integrity and compassion.
• Dana consistently demonstrates a rare blend of clinical excellence, strategic thinking, and compassionate leadership. She fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and respect, ensuring every team member feels supported and empowered to provide the highest standard of care. Under her guidance, her units have not only met but exceeded key performance benchmarks, including patient satisfaction, safety outcomes, staff recognition, and retention.
• Dana is deeply committed to professional development, mentoring nurses at every stage of their careers and cultivating future nurse leaders within RWJBarnabas Health. Her open-door policy and active listening create an environment where ideas are valued and collaboration flourishes.
• Dana has an exceptional ability to diffuse tension, whether supporting anxious patients and families or guiding staff through stressful situations. Her calm demeanor, attentive listening, and thoughtful responses help others feel heard, respected, and at ease.
• In times of challenge, Dana remains a steady and inspiring presence. Whether navigating staffing shortages, implementing new protocols, or responding to patient needs, she leads with integrity, resilience, and clarity. Her proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement has resulted in meaningful, lasting enhancements across her departments.

In every aspect of her role, Dana exemplifies the highest standards of nursing leadership.