Nancy Brey, RN, MSN, APNC, LLC

Nancy Brey, RN, MSN, APNC, LLC, is an Advanced Practice Clinical Nurse Specialist and a highly respected leader in psychiatric and mental health nursing. Based in Hackensack, New Jersey, she combines decades of clinical experience with a strong commitment to nursing education, mentorship, and evidence-based practice. Nancy continues to see patients through her independent LLC practice while precepting nursing students, ensuring that her extensive knowledge is shared with the next generation of healthcare professionals. Nancy began her nursing career in 1973 as a licensed practical nurse at Bergen Pines Hospital and became a registered nurse in 1976. She earned an associate degree in Nursing from Felician University, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science from Dominican University. She further specialized with a Master’s in Mental Health Nursing, Clinical Nurse Specialist track, from Hunter College, and completed post-master’s studies in Family Nurse Practitioner at Felician University and in Nursing Education at Rutgers University–Newark. Her educational journey reflects a lifelong dedication to professional growth and advanced clinical expertise. Throughout her career, Nancy has practiced in a wide range of settings, including ICU/CCU, burn units, emergency departments, psychiatric in-patient care, and private practice. She has more than 25 years of experience in emergency room practice, where she developed skills in crisis intervention, high-acuity decision-making, and patient-centered care. Her dual certification in mental health and family practice allows her to provide comprehensive care to patients across the lifespan, addressing psychiatric, behavioral, and emotional needs with empathy and precision. In addition to her clinical work, Nancy has made a significant impact as an educator and mentor. She taught nursing courses at Felician University for over 20 years and at Jersey College until 2023, guiding students in both didactic and clinical settings. She continues to precept nursing students in her private practice, emphasizing evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and compassionate care. Nancy’s personal experiences with mental illness in her family inform her approach, allowing her to connect with patients and families on a deeply empathetic level while providing expert guidance for managing anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric conditions. Nancy’s professional influence extends beyond her practice and classroom. She is an active member of the American Nurses Association and has held membership in Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing honor society. She also contributes to community mental health education through local lectures on topics such as suicide prevention. With a career defined by clinical excellence, mentorship, and leadership, Nancy Brey continues to shape the field of psychiatric nursing and improve the lives of her patients, their families, and future nursing professionals.

• Licensed Practical Nurse Training, Bergen Pines Hospital, Mar 1972 – Mar 1973
• Bachelor's Degree, Nursing Science, Dominican University, 1976 – 1978; Activities: Sigma Theta Tau
• Master's in Mental Health Nursing, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Hunter College, 1979 – 1982; Activities: Sigma Theta Tau
• Post-Master’s in Nursing Education, Rutgers University–Newark, Jan 2005
• Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS), Nursing Science, Felician University, Sep 1974 – May 1976
• Post-Master’s, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Practice, Felician University, 1999 – 2001

• Advanced Practice Nurse Certification (APNC)

• Member, Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society

• American Nurses Association
• Sigma Theta Tau (honor society, prior involvement)

• Local lectures on mental health topics, including suicide prevention