Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Presents 2026 Nursing Excellence Awards

David Dressel, RN, Med-Surg BC, Named Magnet Nurse of the Year at RWJUH Hamilton

HAMILTON, NJ - Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, honored David Dressel, RN, Med-Surg BC, as its 2026 Magnet Nurse of the Year. The award was presented during the hospital's annual Nurse Excellence Awards Program held during National Nurses Week, May 6 - May 12, 2025. "David's recognition as the Magnet Nurse of the Year highlights his clinical mastery and deep empathy. He consistently elevates our nursing standards, proving that exceptional patient outcomes are driven by both a nurse's skill and heart," said Dawn Hutchinson, MSN, RN, PCCN-K, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer at RWJUH Hamilton.

David has been a nurse at RWJUH Hamilton since 2021. He exemplifies the highest standards of professional practice, consistently improving quality outcomes through leadership, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As a dedicated preceptor and mentor, he has played a vital role in shaping the next generation of nurses-providing guidance, encouragement, and support to new staff as they transition into practice. Their commitment to mentorship reflects both their clinical expertise and their passion for the profession. This nurse is widely recognized for his kindness and compassion, consistently delivering patient-centered care that upholds the values of nursing excellence. He is always willing to lend a helping hand to colleagues, fostering a supportive and collaborative team environment. His positive attitude is contagious, uplifting both patients and staff.

Pictured in the group include Dawn Hutchinson, Chief Nursing Officer, and awarded honorees:

• Magnet Nurse of the Year Award: David Dressel, RN, Med Surg BC, LFT2 Unit
• Unit Secretary Award: Magda Callery, LFT2 Unit
• Clinical Care Tech Award: Marie Prosper, CCT, LFT1 Unit
• Nursing Quality Award: Rajpreet Singh, BSN, RN, LFT2 Unit and Aikaterini Madias, RN, OR Unit
• Friend of Nursing: Gurpreet Singh and Rehman Warriach, IT Department
• Provider Collaboration: Javier Betancourt, DO; Khaled Taha, MD; and Reza Shah, DO
• New Knowledge, Innovations & Improvements: Jennifer Chaiken, MCN, CEN, NPD-BC, Professional Development Practitioner, CPDIR Team
• Nursing Mentor Award: Nancy Baeza, BSN, RN, Med-Surg BC, LFT2 Unit
• Rising Star Award: Isabella Machnik, RN, LFT 2 Unit
• Exemplary Professional Practice: Navjot Kaur, BSN, RN, LFT2 Unit
• Transformational Leadership Award: Lisa Nevius, MSN, RN, OCN, NEA-BC, Administrative Director of Patient Care

Pictured left to right is Lisa Nevius, MSN, RN, OCN, NEA-BC, Administrative Director of Patient Care; Isabella Machnik, RN, LFT 2, DAISY Honoree; Dawn Hutchinson, Chief Nursing Officer; and Katyln (Katie) Laba, BSN, RN-BC, Director of Patient Care LFT 1 & LFT 2.

In addition to its Nursing Excellence Awards, RWJUJH Hamilton also honored the hospital's DAISY and Iris award recipients, chosen from among many submissions by patients, family members and co-workers. Isabella Machnik, RN, LFT 2 at RWJUH Hamilton was presented with the DAISY award, and Kahmiya Win, Tech, TeleNorth received the IRIS (Inspiring Respect in Service) Award. The DAISY Award is an international program that recognizes nurses for their compassionate and skillful care of patients and families and is an ongoing recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care RWJUH Hamilton nurses provide daily. The IRIS Award recognizes health care workers for their compassionate care. Learn more at rwjbh.org/daisyaward

Pictured left to right is Dawn Hutchinson, Chief Nursing Officer; Jamie Havens, RN; Kahmiya Win, IRIS Honoree; Ceara Philips, BSN, RN, Director, Patient Care; and Stacie Maigue BSN RN.

RWJUH Hamilton is Magnet® recognized for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center - the nation's most prestigious nursing honor. Its more than 300 nurses serve in various roles throughout the hospital, including inpatient, surgical and emergency care, cancer care, outpatient services, care management, education, clinical research, infection prevention, quality improvement, patient navigation services, information technology services, community outreach and administration.

Visit rwjbh.org/nursing