The state Senate approved Judith Persichilli as commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health.

Persichilli, the first nurse to become commissioner, has been the acting commissioner for the past six months, replacing Dr. Shereef Elnahal who left to become president and chief executive officer of University Hospital in Newark.

Persichilli is a veteran health care executive who has held leadership and executive positions in hospitals and health systems.

Gov. Phil Murphy praised Persichilli saying that she is a  highly respected member of her field.

On Thursday, Persichilli told the Senate Judiciary Committee that she was excited to bring her private sector experience to help advance the work of the department on behalf of the people of New Jersey.

“I am extremely impressed with the quality and resiliency of [the] Department staff given the challenges they face every day. Their commitment to public health and public service is extraordinary,” said Persichilli.

She said that she believes strongly in the concepts of a healthy work environment, providing a sense of safety, respect and empowerment where those closest to the work have a voice to share their insights on how to improve care and work processes. “Healthy work environments will provide a solid foundation for the quality we aspire,” she said.

Debbie White, president of Health Professionals and Allied Employees, which represents 14,000 nurses and health professionals, applauded the confirmation of Persichilli.

“Whenever nurses, who serve on the front lines of health care every day, move into leadership positions, their perspective and expertise will benefit New Jersey’s patients, caregivers, and society as a whole,” she said.

White said that it was her tenure as interim CEO of University Hospital in Newark where Persichilli proved herself a forward-thinking fighter for patients and New Jersey’s most vulnerable populations in a safety net hospital.

“Ms. Persichilli, initially appointed as University Hospital’s health care monitor by the prior Commissioner of Health, identified an urgent need to protect public health services and create financial stability in New Jersey’s only public acute-care hospital in the state,” White said. “Ms. Persichilli provided a vision for the future and strong leadership for the hospital.”

She added: “As nurses and health professionals, we fully expect Commissioner Persichilli to employ her vision and expertise at the Department of Health. We look forward to working with the Commissioner and we are excited to see an experienced nurse in a leadership role overseeing N.J.’s health care systems. This is indeed a historic day for New Jersey’s nurses and health.”