Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset
Al-Zada “Al” Aguilar, DNP, ACNP-BC, NPD-BC, CNEcl, CCRN, is a champion of the advanced practice role and education. He is renowned for his innovative teaching, collaborative efforts, and commitment to advancing the profession. With over 15 years of experience spanning acute and critical care as well as clinical and academic educational settings, Al has profoundly influenced the development of healthcare providers across disciplines and expertise levels.
As an adjunct clinical faculty member at Rutgers University, Al delivers rigorous curricula emphasizing diagnostic interpretation, clinical reasoning, and managing cardiopulmonary, renal, and endocrine disorders. His teaching philosophy fosters critical thinking, professional growth, and a safe, inclusive environment where learners can thrive.
Al’s impact extends beyond academia into clinical practice. As a key contributor to New Jersey's first ANCC-accredited APP Fellowship Program, he has helped shape the curriculum while guiding new APPs through high-stakes clinical transitions. Additionally, Al has been instrumental in advancing multidisciplinary care within and outside the walls of RWJBH through countless educational and quality improvement initiatives such as the APP Midline Training Initiative, Acute and Critical Care Advanced Practice Provider Symposium (ACCAPPS), Point-of-Care-Ultrasound (POCUS) Workshop, and Fundamentals of Critical Care Support (FCCS) courses.
A sought-after mentor and preceptor, Al is celebrated for nurturing confidence and promoting a growth mindset. In fact, he has guided countless nurses and APPs in achieving clinical excellence and professional success.
Al’s scholarly contributions include peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters, and presentations at national conferences, combining academic rigor with clinical application. His work exemplifies a dedication to advancing nursing education, clinical practice, and patient care outcomes.
In summary, Al embodies excellence through clinical expertise, innovative andragogy, and unwavering commitment to excellence while promoting interprofessional collaboration and a growth mindset to continue advancing the profession while enhancing our collective impact.