A significant milestone has been reached in healthcare with Nancy E. Holecek being honored as Chief Nursing Officer of the Year by Press Ganey. This award shines a light on leaders who uplift their nursing teams, focusing on safe, compassionate care and ongoing staff education.
Nancy oversees a nursing staff of over 11,000 at RWJBarnabas Health. She leads initiatives on strategic planning, patient satisfaction, and quality of care. A notable achievement is the establishment of the Institute for Nursing Excellence, aimed at fostering professional growth and innovation within the nursing field. Recently, she also expanded access to nursing education through the RWJBarnabas Health School of Nursing.
Mark E. Manigan, President and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health, praises her dedication: “Nancy is a tireless advocate for nursing education. She empowers our nurses with the resources they need to deliver the best care.” This recognition highlights Nancy’s impact on both patients and the nursing workforce.
With her leadership, RWJBarnabas Health has set a standard for nursing excellence across New Jersey. Under her guidance, the organization has received numerous accolades, including Magnet designations and recognition from U.S. News & World Report. Nancy herself has been featured in Becker’s Hospital Review’s “CNOs to Know” list and recognized among Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives in 2025.
A recent survey by the American Nurses Association shows that over 50% of nurses feel the need for more support in professional development. Leaders like Nancy are more important than ever in addressing this demand. As healthcare evolves, investing in nursing talent and education is essential for a high standard of care.
RWJBarnabas Health is the largest academic health system in New Jersey, serving over five million people each year. They remain committed to improving community health, offering a wide range of services, and addressing social determinants of health, from providing food security to housing solutions.
It’s clear that strong leadership in nursing is vital for the future of healthcare, and Nancy Holecek’s achievements exemplify that mission.
For more information on RWJBarnabas Health, visit www.RWJBH.org.
