(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)August 31, 2021

Megan Chan graduated from Ramapo College in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The Somerset, N.J., native works as a registered nurse for the New Brunswick-based Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, which provides services in 27 centers and facilities throughout the state. Earlier this summer, Chan was named “Nurse of the Year” by NJBIZ when it announced its 2021 Healthcare Heroes Awards. Kathleen Burke, Assistant Dean of Nursing at Ramapo, said, “Megan’s work ethic and dedication was evident when she was a student and has definitely made an impact in her professional career. She richly deserves this recognition and Ramapo is proud of her.”

Being named “Nurse of the Year” is quite an honor. Can you share your thoughts?

I’m thankful for this prestigious award which recognizes those who have had “significant impacts on the health care industry and landscape in New Jersey.” I appreciate the person who took the time to nominate me and the independent panel of judges who took the time to review submissions. I’m grateful for everyone I’ve ever learned from.

What is your position with Saint Peter’s Healthcare System? How long have you been there?

I work as a Registered Nurse for three departments within Saint Peter’s Healthcare System. During the day, I work for DSRIP and Community Health Services, and during the night, I work on 1G Metabolic Unit. I’ve been at Saint Peter’s for six years.

What were your experiences like during the last year and a half?

I’ve served in multiple roles during the pandemic. I worked at the bedside, caring directly for COVID-19 patients on Medical Surgical Units and Critical Care Units, worked at a COVID-19 testing site, did Infection Prevention Rounding at the hospital, was a team lead in building my hospital’s COVID-19 Recovery Program, which has resulted in 500+ enrolled program participants, and was a team lead for COVID-19 vaccination clinics both in the hospital and out in the community, which has resulted in 30,000+ vaccinations.

Did you come to Ramapo with nursing experience or were you enrolled in the Nursing Program as a new student? Tell us a little about your academic career.

I enrolled in Ramapo’s BSN program as a new student. I was an active student at Ramapo, serving as an Academic Peer Coach through the Office of Specialized Services, regular volunteer at the Civic & Community Engagement Center and Women’s Center, Alternative Spring Break participant, member of the Diversity Action Committee, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Committee, Sister Connections, and Course Enrichment Component Design Team, inductee into Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, and resident of the Living Learning Community and Sustainable Living Facility program.

Is there any Ramapo experience or professor in particular that stands out?

My appreciation is shared for all of the RCNJ Nursing Program staff. Each professor is dedicated to helping students become the best they can be. Ramapo has an intensive and immersive Nursing Program which gave me a strong foundation to build upon. Aside from four-hour-long lectures for each course, we also had lab, simulation, and clinicals. I remember studying in the library from when it opened until it closed and then going to my dorm to study until I fell asleep. I even laminated notes and would study in the shower. My gratitude is infinite for all of the support I received from RCNJ Nursing Program staff.

Why did you choose the nursing profession?

I chose the nursing profession because of all the meaningful ways I get to be of service to others. I get to care for people on their worst and best days. I get to make healthcare accessible, particularly for underserved populations. I get to help people navigate barriers to accessing care, which include but are not limited to poverty, being unhoused, lack of transportation, low literacy levels, language, etc.

 

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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