Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners also referred to as advanced practice nurses, or APNs have a master's degree in nursing (MS or MSN). They are board certified by the Board of Nursing. Nurse Practitioner provides care to patients throughout the lifespan, from premature newborns to the elderly. They provide some of the same care provided by physicians and maintain close working relationships with physicians.
Our core philosophy is individualized patient care. We focus on patients' conditions as well as the effects of illness on the lives of the patients and their families. Nurse practitioners make illness prevention, health wellness, and patient education their priority.
Here at Atlantic Neurosurgical Specialists our Nurse practitioners along with our physicians work together to provide you with the best care possible. Our Nurse practitioners are in constant communication with your physician. The Nurse practitioner is a direct extension of your surgeon. Our nurse practitioners make daily rounds on our hospitalized patients. Even though you may not see your surgeon on a daily basis you will see one of our outstanding Nurse practitioners. Please do not hesitate to ask them questions about your condition or plan of care they are very knowledgeable and will help you negotiate the healthcare system. With Atlantic Neurosurgical Specialists “you’re in good hands”
"Our core philosophy is individualized patient care. We focus on patients' conditions as well as the effects of illness on the lives of the patients and their families."
Carl W. Stopper, RN, MSN, CCRN, APN-C
Carl Stopper received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. He completed his post-graduate training at William Paterson University as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) and is certified by the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC). He also earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. Carl completed his Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) at the Community College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, Nevada in conjunction with National Institute of First Assisting (NIFA).
Carl brings more than ten years of critical care, as well as six years of Neurosurgical experience to the practice. He is Board Certified by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (CCRN-Adult). In 1998, Carl received the Critical Care Nurse of the Year award at Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown, New Jersey. He is also a member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons and was named in Biltmore Who’s Who in Empowering Executives and Professionals 2005-2006.
Julie A. Supple, RN, MSN, APN-C, CNOR, RNFA
Julie Supple received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors (Summa Cum Laude and Sigma Theta Tau) from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. In addition, she received her Master of Science in Nursing – Adult Nurse Practitioner from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. At Ball State she was the recipient of the Dean’s Citation for Academic Excellence given in recognition for her perfect academic record.
She completed post-graduate training in perioperative nursing with honors from Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Arizona and her Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) was completed at Perioperative Plus Associates/Gateway Community College in Phoenix, Arizona.
Ms. Supple completed her neurosurgical training at The Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. She achieved Board Certification in Pediatric Critical Care in 1996 from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, as well as Board Certification in Operating Room Nursing in 2001 from the Association in Perioperative Nurses / CCI. In 2008, Ms. Supple achieved board certification as an Adult Nurse Practitioner from The American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Ms. Supple is the Vice Chairman of the Allied Health Membership Committee for the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and in addition is a member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Neuroscience Nurses and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.
Dennis P. Baker, Jr., RN, MSN, APN-C
Dennis Baker received both his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. He completed his post-graduate training at Fairleigh Dickinson University as an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) and is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Dennis is completing his Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) at the Community College of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas, Nevada in conjunction with National Institute of First Assisting (NIFA).
Dennis brings more than fifteen years of Neurologic Critical Care, and Neurosurgical nursing experience to the practice. In 2007, Dennis received the Atlantic Health Systems Neuroscience Nurse of the Year award at Morristown Memorial Hospital in Morristown, New Jersey. He also received the 2007 American Association of Neuroscience Nurses National Clinical Excellence Award, and the 2007 Atlantic Health Systems Medical Resident Award for Nursing Clinical excellence. He is a member of both the Tri-Beta National Biological Honor Society, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nursing. He is also a member of the American Association of Neurologic Surgeons.
Paul J. Rodgers, RN, MSN, CCRN, APN-C
Paul Rodgers graduated cum laude from Columbia University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. He continued his graduate work at Columbia University in both Public Health and Nursing and completed his Masters degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Adult Primary Care. Additionally, he has trained as a First Assistant in Surgery with the National Institute for First Assistants and has been certified in Primary Care through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.
Paul joins Atlantic Neurosurgical Specialists with over 25 years of clinical experience in Burn and Trauma, Cardiothoracic and Neuroscience critical care. He has held positions as Nurse Manager, Clinical Educator and Director of Nursing.
His academic affiliations include the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the Academy of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN), the Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) and Sigma Theta Tau, the Society for Nursing Scholarship.
Erin McCrone, RN
Erin McCrone received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Florida. In addition, she is a candidate for her Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Nurse Practitioner from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey (2010).
Ms. McCrone completed her critical care nurse residency program at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, New Jersey. While at Somerset she was recognized as the Critical Care New Graduate Nurse of the Year. Additionally, Erin served in multiple leadership and preceptor roles at Somerset. Erin is a nursing education advocate and has been a participant or chaired Journal Club at several hospitals.
EJ Bechberger LPN
EJ is a licensed practical nurse for over 37years she is experienced in all aspects of nursing. At ANS she works as a liaison between patients and the office.
