“Nursing Journeys” is a profile series featuring Action Coalition leaders discussing their career paths and reflecting on the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Edna Cadmus, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, is clinical professor and specialty director of the graduate nursing leadership tracks at the Rutgers University School of Nursing. She’s also executive director of the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing and co-lead of the New Jersey Action Coalition.

Cadmus began her nursing career as a candy striper, nurse’s aide, and licensed professional nurse in New Jersey before she became a registered nurse. She has held numerous leadership positions in hospitals and is particularly passionate about intensive care unit nursing.

Why did you decide to become a nurse?
The summer I was 14, I became a candy striper at a local hospital where I had the opportunity to observe and help out on a medical surgical unit and in the newborn nursery. That started my love for nursing. When I was old enough to get a job I worked at that same hospital as a nurse’s aide.