RNs from all areas of nursing — including administration, public health, education and government affairs — recently were named New Jersey Institute for Nursing’s "Divas and Dons" at an Oct. 24 gala at Bally’s Resort in Atlantic City, N.J.

In total, 19 nurses were recognized for their extraordinary impact on the profession and the community, according to a news release.

Local winners included Helene M. Burns, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, vice president, clinical services, Kennedy Health System, Stratford (N.J.) campus; Robyn Begley, RN, DNP, NEA-BC, CNO, AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Atlantic City; Susan G. Castor, RN, MSN, CCRN, NE-BC, CNO, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Toms River, N.J.; Maria Lapid, RN, MEd, LNHA, administrator, Green Acres Manor, Toms River; Albert A. Rundio Jr., RN, PhD, DNP, APRN, NEA-BC, DPNAP, clinical professor, department chair, assistant dean for advanced practice nursing, Drexel University, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Philadelphia; Tracey Sicurella, RN, BSN, director of nursing, Barnegat (N.J.) Rehabilitation and Nursing Center; and Kenneth R. Wolski, RN, MPA, executive director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana, Trenton, N.J.

The purpose of the gala is to raise funds for scholarships and research grants for nursing students and nursing scholars in New Jersey.

The IFN has contributed more than $500,000 in scholarships to nursing students through benefit events such as the Diva and Don Gala.