Bayonne, NJ — In an effort to improve and expand the scope of educational experience and to offer students an opportunity to earn an advanced degree in nursing, the Bayonne Medical Center School of Nursing and Christ Hospital School of Nursing will merge in the fall of 2014.

Both Christ Hospital and Bayonne Medical Center’s School of Nursing have been staples of education in Hudson County since the 1890’s. Each school has a rich and varied history, with a common goal of providing a superior education and the highest quality care to patients. The faculties of both institutions are devoted to ensuring the continuation of this goal. The merging of Bayonne Medical Center and Christ Hospital’s School of Nursing will provide a wealth of opportunities to the students of both institutions — enhancing their clinical expertise through experiences not only in the hospital, but through interactions within the communities themselves.

Along with Bayonne Medical Center, the merged institutions will continue to serve the residents of Bayonne by providing the highest quality healthcare services.

Current research has shown that bachelor degree program nurses are associated with improved patient outcomes and diploma programs are renowned for intensive clinical preparation. With this merger, the faculty is looking to provide residents of Hudson County, and the surrounding areas, with an opportunity to advance their professional career with a streamlined articulation into a bachelor’s degree program.

“We are excited at the prospect of this union between the two institutions. Faculty from both institutions will work together to provide the intensive clinical practice associated with diploma programs while pursuing this higher degree. The ultimate goal is to continue to provide our students a superior education and be able to become high-quality Registered Nurses,” stated Carole Skalski, Director of the Bayonne Medical Center School of Nursing.

“Bayonne Hospital School of Nursing opened in 1891 with a desire to improve the quality of life for the community, provide superior education to students, and promote nursing excellence. The unification of both schools will further strengthen these goals and continue to provide quality care to the Hudson County community,” stated Dr. Mark Spektor, President and CEO of Bayonne Medical Center.

Peter Kelly, President and CEO of Christ Hospital remarked, “At Christ Hospital we have always been proud of our School of Nursing that is recognized by the National League of Nursing as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. Combining the talent of the two schools will only enhance this hard earned and well deserved recognition.”

For more information about the Christ Hospital School of Nursing, please visit www.ChristHospital.org, or call 201.795.8360.

For more information about the Bayonne Medical Center School of Nursing, please visit http://www.BayonneMedicalCenter, or call 201.339.9656.