VNA awards honor service to community

RED BANK - Janice Androsiglio has been named 2007 Nurse of the Year by the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey (VNACJ).

The award was presented at VNACJ Nurses' Day ceremonies held May 2 at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft.

A VNACJ nurse for 30 years, Androsiglio spent her early days as a staff nurse providing care to at-risk infants, children, the frail elderly and new mothers, according to a press release from the agency.

"She was the quintessential neighborhood nurse serving Bradley Beach and the surrounding area," the release states.

In 1981, the Neptune resident pursued the position as home care intake coordinator for discharge planning and has been the anchor for hospitalized patients anticipating discharge to the home. She currently provides home care coordination for patients at Monmouth Medical Center.

Kathy Rosa, a resident of Ocean Township, was also recognized for Visionary Leadership in Nursing.

A VNACJ nurse for over 25 years, Rosa began her nursing career in 1981. According to the press release, she has been "visionary in articulating the model for grassroots service delivery in at-risk areas.

"She has excelled in every role of home care nursing: staff nurse, level three, supervisor, manager and acting home care director," VNA said in the press release.

Rosa is currently a clinical manager for VNA. "As a former visiting nurse in Asbury Park, her understanding of the impact of social, emotional and environmental factors makes her an effective and trusted advocate for vulnerable patients," the release states.

More than 450 nurses of VNACJ were honored at the May 2 event.

Now in its 95th year of service, VNACJ is a nonprofit provider of in-home health-care and hospice services and offers extensive community-based health and wellness services throughout its service area of Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties.