HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — George Hamberger graduated this month as part of Centenary University’s first Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduating class, marking a milestone in the university’s nursing program launched in partnership with Atlantic Health.
Hamberger earned his RN to BSN degree during Centenary University’s 151st commencement ceremony May 16.
Now a perioperative nurse supervisor in the operating room at Overlook Hospital in Summit, Hamberger said his path into nursing began after years working in real estate and banking while also sterilizing surgical equipment at a hospital.
“I found my work at the hospital so interesting,” recalled Hamberger. “I saw an opportunity to grow that foundation into something bigger.”
“First, I moved into a position setting up the operating room for surgeons,” he added. “From there, I decided to become a nurse and earned my RN from the County College of Morris.”
Hamberger said nursing gave him the opportunity to help and educate patients.
“As a nurse, I really enjoy helping people and teaching them about the care they are receiving,” he said. “After almost 30 years in a hospital setting, I wanted to grow beyond my clinical expertise and strengthen my leadership and decision-making skills.”
Centenary’s RN to BSN program was launched in 2023 in collaboration with Atlantic Health to provide registered nurses with a pathway into healthcare leadership roles and other nursing specialties.
The program can be completed in five semesters and is designed for working professionals through asynchronous coursework and flexible practicum opportunities. The program recently received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Like many students in the program, Hamberger works at Overlook Hospital and received Centenary’s Reeves Scholarship, which helps support Atlantic Health nurses pursuing their BSN degrees.
Hamberger said he first learned about the program during a career fair and later encouraged co-workers Ramon Flores and Ashley Godtel to enroll. Both also graduated this spring.
“Centenary was such a good fit,” Hamberger said. “It’s designed for working nurses like me. The environment is supportive and the curriculum is practical—everything I learned could be applied to my practice.”
“My capstone project focuses on improving turnover efficiency in the operating room using a structured communication approach, something I deal with every day,” he added. “Now, I’m able to apply evidence-based strategies to improve efficiency.”
Hamberger said he strongly encourages other registered nurses to continue their education.
“Don’t wait—if you’re thinking about earning a BSN, take the next step now,” Hamberger said. “Centenary’s program meets you where you are. You’ll start using what you’ve learned immediately. It’s absolutely worth it.”
