Tracy R. Vitale, DNP, RNC-OB, C-EFM, NE-BC, CNE

Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs, Rutgers School of Nursing

Dr. Vitale is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs at the Rutgers School of Nursing where she continues to leverage her leadership and professional network to increase clinical and community partnerships and improve clinical placement processes. Drawing on her extensive experience in both academic and clinical practice related to nursing care of children and childbearing, Dr. Tracy Vitale joined the Rutgers School of Nursing in 2017 and primarily teaches DNP Project courses. She has been integral in establishing partnerships with project sites and streamlining project approval processes, including the IRB. Other universities have sought her expertise, resulting in national recognition for her work related to the DNP Projects.

Her areas of clinical expertise include nursing leadership and perinatal nursing. Prior to joining Rutgers University, Dr. Vitale was the nurse manager of maternal fetal medicine research, as well as the outpatient maternal fetal medicine and high-risk obstetrical practices at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. In this role, she worked collaboratively with affiliated sites of the Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit Network (MFMU) MFM physicians, OB/GYNs, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and other members of an interdisciplinary team in improving maternal/child health outcomes via NIH, NICHD, and industry research. She has also supported resident physicians in their research efforts.

In 2024, Dr. Vitale helped organize the RBHS Preceptor event, recognizing outstanding contributions by preceptors across Rutgers Health. This well-attended event included a keynote focusing on political determinants of health and how they impact the members of the community, but also the vast interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Dr. Vitale has held several leadership roles in statewide nursing organizations, including the Organization of Nurse Leaders of New Jersey, New Jersey State Nurses Association, and the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing. She was recognized with the Rutgers School of Nursing Rising Star Award (2024), American Association of Colleges of Nursing Novice Faculty Excellence in Didactic Teaching Award (2021), and the New Jersey Health Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award (2020). In October 2025, she will be inducted as a Fellow of the American Association of Nursing (https://nursing.rutgers.edu/news/professor-tracy-vitale-named-2025-fellow-of-the-american-academy-of-nursing/).

Dr. Vitale earned her doctorate in nursing practice at the Rutgers School of Nursing. Dr. Vitale has also earned a mini-MBA program certificate from Rutgers University. She also holds a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from The College of New Jersey.