Shore Medical Center

01/19/2026

January is National Blood Donor Month, and we're celebrating today by looking back at how lifesaving care at Shore Medical Center has always depended on the generosity of our community.

This newspaper clipping from the Atlantic City Press in January 1942, during World War II, shows Shore calling on local residents to volunteer as blood donors. At the time, community members were asked to stop by the hospital and give just one drop of blood—enough to determine their blood type. Once typed, volunteers could be quickly contacted if a local emergency transfusion was needed. Blood was often drawn only when required and used soon after, with limited storage and testing by today’s standards. It was a hands-on, local effort rooted in urgency, patriotism, and neighbors helping neighbors.

Now 85 years later, the process looks very different, but the mission remains the same.

According to Pat Pierce, MT(ASCP), Shore Medical Center’s Blood Bank Supervisor, blood donations today are coordinated through the American Red Cross of Philadelphia, with blood drives held throughout our region. Donated blood is carefully transported in temperature-controlled containers to a distribution center for processing. Shore Medical Center receives an average of 30 units of blood each week to support emergencies and patient care.

Once the blood arrives at Shore, safety is paramount. Every unit we receive is retyped, and patients are typed using a single tube of blood and an automated system, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and protection.

From one drop of blood in 1942 to today’s advanced testing and safeguards, one thing has never changed: blood donors save lives.

Thank you to everyone who has given—and continues to give—the gift of life. ❤️

Find a blood drive near you at https://www.redcrossblood.org/

01/16/2026

Cold and flu season is in full swing, making immune health especially important right now. While sleep, hygiene, and stress management all play a role, nutrition is another powerful way to proactively support the body and help reduce the risk of getting sick. ❄️🥕

“Food is one of the tools we can use every day to support immune function,” says Kelly D’Agostino, MS, RDN, a clinical nutrition specialist at Shore Medical Center. During the winter months in New Jersey, many of the foods considered “in season” are those that grow in or close to the ground - think root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, garlic, and ginger; brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage; winter squash and pumpkin; and hearty leafy greens like spinach and Swiss chard. These foods are rich in nutrients that help support immune health when we need it most.

Many of these seasonal staples are available at your preferred grocery store and, locally, at Reed's Farm, making it easy to eat well while supporting South Jersey farmers (their market also accepts SNAP and EBT). With the cold keeping many of us inside this weekend, it’s a great time to cook a big pot of soup or a comforting winter meal to enjoy now - and freeze for later. 🥣

👉 Read the full article and get immune-supporting recipes here: https://www.shoremedicalcenter.org/news/winter-nutrition-and-immunity-what-seasonal-foods-can-do-your-health

01/15/2026

Last month, we celebrated December 4, 2025, the official 85th anniversary of our hospital, reflecting on the moments that have shaped Shore Medical Center. With the help of our designated historian, Bob Robertson, we revisited key milestones that tell the story of who we are and how far we’ve come—together.

As we continue honoring Shore’s history throughout the year, we’ll be sharing more stories through historic newspaper clippings and videos featuring members of our community and hospital family. Each reflection offers a personal glimpse into what Shore has meant to generations of patients, caregivers, and neighbors.

We begin this next chapter by going back nearly 100 years, to a 1927 newspaper article announcing the land purchase for Somers Point’s first hospital—a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for the care, compassion, and community spirit that continue to define Shore today. Enjoy this article, and many more to come! (If you’re using a desktop computer, you can zoom in by clicking the image and selecting the magnifying glass.)

01/14/2026

Are you a nursing student entering your final year of nursing school soon?

Shore Medical Center’s Nurse Extern Program offers a hands-on, paid summer experience designed to help you confidently transition from student nurse to professional nurse. Shore is recognized as a Top Hospital by The Leapfrog Group for patient safety and quality, making us a great place to begin your nursing career!

📅 Key Dates
• Apply by February 20, 2026
• Program runs June 9 – August 15, 2026

What You’ll Gain
• Hands-on experience alongside seasoned RNs
• Skill-building in an acute care setting
• Greater confidence in clinical decision-making
• Support during the transition to professional nursing
• Potential nurse aide employment after completion

📋 Eligibility
• Enrolled in a nursing program
• Entering your final year
• Able to commit to 36 hours/week

👉 Apply by February 20, 2026:
https://pm.healthcaresource.com/cs/smh/ #/job/7694

01/08/2026

Please join us in celebrating Meldene Ronquillo, RN, BSN, of Egg Harbor Township, Shore Medical Center’s January Guardian Angel of the Month!

Meldene has served as a registered nurse on our 4 Hayes/Advanced Spine & Orthopedic unit since joining Shore in 2007. Known for her calm demeanor, thoughtful approach, and deep compassion, she takes the time to listen, explain, and reassure patients and families during some of life’s most vulnerable moments.

A patient who recently honored Meldene with a Guardian Angel recognition had this to share:

“Meldene was on my care team, and I can’t thank her enough for the wonderful care, level of attention, and warmth that was given to me. I felt safe, cared for, and truly valued. Shore Medical Center is a special place because of people like her!”

In addition to her exceptional bedside care, Meldene serves as a Safety Coach for her unit, helping to strengthen Shore’s culture of safety through audits, monitoring practices, and continuous improvement efforts.

“Meldene brings a calm, steady presence to every situation,” said her supervisor, Elaine Toolsie. “Her kindness and reassurance leave a lasting impact on everyone she cares for and works with.”

Thank you, Meldene, for the passion, professionalism, and heart you bring to Shore every day! 💙

The Guardian Angel program gives patients and families a meaningful way to say “thank you” to a special Shore caregiver through a donation made in their honor. To recognize your Guardian Angel, call 609-653-3800 or visit www.GivetoShore.org

01/07/2026

Expecting a baby in 2026? Shore is here to support you! 💜

Through our Shore Beginnings program, we offer FREE prenatal lactation and childbirth education classes to help you feel confident and prepared for the journey ahead.

🤱🏽𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀
Planning to breastfeed? Our classes are led by IBCLC-certified lactation consultants and registered nurses who provide expert guidance and hands-on tips to support successful breastfeeding.
📅 2nd Wednesday of each month
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
📍 Meet in the Shore Medical Center Lobby
📞 Registration required: (609) 653-3500 ext. 3688

🤰🏾𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀
Our evidence-based classes, taught by trained instructors, focus on pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting—empowering you to make informed decisions before, during, and after delivery.
📞 To learn more or schedule a class, call Tricia Brereton-Moore, RN, at (609) 653-3684

01/06/2026

As we enter peak flu and RSV season, keeping our patients, staff, and visitors safe is our top priority. To help protect everyone, we are temporarily adjusting our visitor guidelines: children age 16 and younger will be restricted throughout the hospital during this time, except when they are patients or in extenuating circumstances approved by hospital leadership.

Additionally, through April 1, NICU visitation is limited to individuals who have matching identification to the newborn.

We greatly appreciate your understanding and support in helping us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all. 💜

01/06/2026

SHARE: Shore Medical Center in Somers Point, NJ, is seeking a Full-Time Inpatient Wound Care RN to join our team and help patients heal with skill, compassion, and care. You’ll assess and treat wounds while supporting patients on their journey to recovery.

Requirements:
✅ NJ RN License & BLS Certification
✅ 2+ years acute care hospital RN experience
✅ Wound Care Certified preferred (or obtainable within 2 years)
✅ BSN and in-patient wound care experience a plus

At Shore, you’ll be part of a warm, supportive culture where every team member is valued. We’re also proud to be a Top Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, one of only 52 hospitals nationwide in the General Hospital category - a true reflection of our commitment to excellence and quality care.

Apply today and make a lasting impact: https://pm.healthcaresource.com/cs/smh/ #/job/8127

01/05/2026

SHARE: Shore Medical Center is looking for a skilled Cytotechnologist to join our dedicated laboratory team. In this role, you’ll perform vital laboratory procedures that support accurate diagnoses and high-quality patient care.

What we’re looking for:
✔ Bachelor’s degree
✔ CT (ASCP) certification
✔ Experience as a Cytotechnologist in a clinical or hospital setting (2-4 years preferred)

At Shore, you’ll find a supportive culture where your expertise is valued and truly makes a difference every day!

Learn more and apply here: https://pm.healthcaresource.com/cs/smh/ #/job/7890

01/02/2026

Please join us in welcoming the first baby born at Shore Medical Center in the new year!

Hayley Mae Cauterucci was born on January 1, 2026 at 1:15 p.m., weighing 6 pounds, 4 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. She is the daughter of first-time parents Evan and Emilee Cauterucci of Cape May, New Jersey.

“We are so excited for this new chapter in our lives, becoming parents for the first time. It’s so special that she was born on the first of the year and we are really excited that she was the first to be born this year at Shore,” said Emilee.

“After the ball drops on New Year’s, the sun rises on Hayley Mae,” added Evan.

Hayley Mae is also a very special arrival for her grandmother, Maggie Rutherford of Doylestown, PA.

“While it is exciting that she was the first baby born in the hospital, I’m most excited that she is my first grandchild! She is so perfect and we are all so happy,” said the proud grandmom

Congratulations to the entire family on this joyful New Year’s Day arrival!

12/27/2025

Earlier this month, we lost a very special member of the Shore Medical Center family - Dietz, a beloved therapy dog since 2016.

Dietz brought comfort, calm, and quiet joy to patients, visitors, and staff. Alongside his devoted handler, Wendy, he faithfully visited Shore each week, offering his gentle presence, warm eyes, and reassuring companionship to everyone he met. His impact was felt in countless small moments that meant everything to those who needed them most. When Covid kept our therapy dogs away for several years, Dietz couldn’t wait to come back, and when he did, he remembered exactly what to do like no time had passed.

Dietz was Jewish and celebrated his Bark-mitzvah last year, but the number of mitzvahs he completed in his lifetime is simply too many to count. Through years of service, he touched lives far beyond words and became a cherished part of Shore history.

🎥 In this video tribute, members of the Shore staff share heartfelt reflections on the comfort, connection, and healing Dietz brought to Shore.

We are deeply grateful for the love Dietz shared so freely. He will always be remembered, always be missed, and forever hold a place in our hearts. 🐾💜

Since 2016, Dietz, our beloved pet therapy dog, brought comfort, calm, and quiet joy to patients and staff at Shore Medical Center. We recently lost Dietz, a...

12/25/2025

Recently Nancy & John Austin and the parishioners of Christ Episcopal Church helped comfort out pediatric patients through their Operation Bear Hug project by donating these adorable teddy bears 🧸 to Shore Medical Center.

Throughout the fall, parishioners gather the bears, which are then collected, lovingly tagged by the youth of the church, and blessed by their priest. Each bear carries a special note to bring comfort and encouragement to those who receive them.

In addition to Shore Medical Center, bears were also delivered to other facilities in the area, including a memory care facility in Galloway. We are so grateful for this meaningful outreach and the compassion behind every single bear. 💜

Thank you for helping spread comfort, kindness, and a few extra hugs to our patients. 🥰