Senior Executive Alumnus Reaching Students by Teaching the Business of Nursing
Gregory Passanante, DNP, MBA, RN, CNOR, is committed, passionate, and innovative in his career as an executive leader of Shriners Hospital for Children. Recently, Passanante added another skill to his CV: thought-provoking teacher.
Passanante, a 2023 graduate of the Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden’s doctor of nursing practice program, has returned to his alma mater as a lecturer. Passanante is currently teaching a graduate-level course in information technology practices that will support his students as they strive to become nursing leaders.
“I show the students what it means to embrace telehealth and other types of electronic technologies that are now part of the business of nursing,” Passanante said. “Nurses need to be willing participants in the many health systems that are digital and online.”
Passanante’s “day job” is northeast market administrator at Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, where he also oversees locations in Erie, Pa.; Springfield, Mass.; and Boston. In what is effectively a CEO-level position, Passanante bears responsibility for aligning the goals and mission of Shriners.
“What I do is very removed from clinical care, but if all of Shriners’ systems, facilities, and staff were not working together, we would not be a seamless organization,” Passanante said. “The medical mission of Shriners needs high-level organizational support, which transforms the hospital without getting in the way. I conduct a behind-the-scenes balancing act that puts the patient first.”
This also means that Passanante keeps the hospital regulatory compliant and financially sound.
“Bottom line is I am a change manager,” Passanante said “Health care requires a lot of oversight, especially in areas like business development. It is important to stay strategically responsive in order for Shriners to reach as many children as possible.”
Nursing was not Passanante’s undergraduate major. He has a bachelor of science degree in management from Rutgers School of Business–Camden. But there was something missing for him in the corporate world. Inspired by his wife, Lynn, who is a registered nurse, Passanante returned to school to obtain another bachelor’s degree, this time in nursing science, but not before he acquired an MBA. And Passanante’s DNP aids him in putting health care research into practice.
“I believe I am still taking care of patients,” Passanante said. “I do see both sides. Teaching this course is my contribution toward helping tomorrow’s clinicians become good leaders.
“I loved working in patient care but knew I would be able to contribute as a manager of clinical and non-clinical staff, which grew into managing operations. My career path, in a roundabout way, has brought me back to the classroom because, for my students, learning the business end of nursing is vital to good health care.”
As an alumnus, Passanante kept in touch with the nursing school through friendships with the faculty. He said he was encouraged by the former and current deans to think about becoming a lecturer because of his unique skill set.
“I finally jumped in,” Passanante said. “And I am happy to say it’s a great experience.”
According to Sandra Richtermeyer, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost at Rutgers–Camden, Passanante is an excellent case study in what makes the university’s teaching lecturers so important.
“Many of our lecturers have incredible real-world experience and balance professional careers while teaching part time,” Richtermeyer said. “They bring their daily professional connections into the classroom and further our students’ understanding of available career paths. Greg is an exemplary alumnus who has an inspiring professional and educational journey. We are fortunate to have him as a lecturer on our Rutgers–Camden campus as part of how our nursing school guides its students toward success.”
Join the Rutgers School of Nursing–Camden on April 6 to celebrate their 50th anniversary of nursing excellence.
Design: Douglas Shelton
Photography: Michael Passanante
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