ANA-Illinois recognizes a nurse whose commitment to advocacy, innovation, and empowering others demonstrates the extraordinary influence of the nursing profession. Aric Shimek, MSN, RN, CPN At the 2026 Professional Issues Conference, Aric Shimek was honored with the Nurse Influencer Award, a recognition celebrating nurses whose leadership, advocacy, and contributions have made a meaningful impact on…
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Leading Where You Are: Lovey Reynolds Named One of Chicago’s 50 Women to KNOW
For Lovey Reynolds, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, CPN, CNE, some of the most meaningful moments in leadership happen quietly: mentoring a student, creating an opportunity, or saying yes when the community needs help. Now, the ANA-Illinois vice president is being recognized among Chicago’s 50 Women to KNOW 2026, an honor that carries special meaning in the…
More Than a Game: Meet Innovation Award Winner Veronica Bigott
How one nurse’s creative approach to time management is helping newly licensed nurses build confidence and succeed in clinical practice. Veronica Bigott, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, MEDSURG-BC, GERO-BC, NPDA-BC Innovation in nursing doesn’t always begin with groundbreaking technology or a major research initiative. Sometimes, it starts with recognizing an everyday challenge and finding a creative way…
Join Us for the 2026 Illinois Nurses Foundation Holiday Gala & Fundraiser – Dec 5, 2026
Celebrate the season while supporting nurses and the future of nursing in Illinois. The Illinois Nurses Foundation invites you to an evening of celebration, connection, and giving at our annual Holiday Gala & Fundraiser. Saturday, December 5, 2026 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM Sheraton Lisle 3000 Warrenville Road, Lisle, Illinois Enjoy dinner, networking, music, raffles,…
Applications Open for the 2027 Nurses Running for Elected Office Training Academy
For five years, we have been working to strengthen the voice of nurses in public policy by preparing nurses to step into the political process. Now, we are seeing that work take hold. We are excited to invite you to apply for the 2027 Nurses Running for Elected Office Training Academy. The 2027 cohort marks…
ANA-Illinois Nurses Day of Action
Nurses across Illinois are coming together to support three nurse candidates running for the Illinois General Assembly: Karen Battaglia, Danielle Penman, and Jenny Levin. Join us by knocking doors, writing postcards, engaging on social media, reaching out to friends and family, or supporting a campaign in another meaningful way. Your voice matters. Your involvement matters.…
Beyond the Bedside: Expanding the Practice of Nursing Through Innovation
Nurses continue to redefine what it means to serve their communities. While many practice in hospitals, clinics, and other traditional healthcare settings, others are finding innovative ways to expand nursing beyond the bedside. In this feature, ANA-Illinois highlights Vanessa Walker, RN, BSN, whose passion for patient advocacy inspired her to create Fit & Savage Wellness,…
ANA-Illinois Member of the Week: Christina Cicero
Every nurse has a unique story, and each week we’re proud to spotlight an ANA-Illinois member who is making a meaningful impact on the nursing profession and the communities they serve. Our Member of the Week series celebrates the diverse experiences, leadership, and dedication of nurses across Illinois. This week, we’re excited to introduce Christina…
INF Grant Program Reopens With New Funding Opportunities for Illinois Nurses
The Illinois Nurses Foundation has reopened its License Plate Grant Program with a redesigned structure and simplified application process focused on helping nurses move ideas from concept to implementation. The updated program provides three levels of funding, giving applicants the opportunity to select the grant category that best matches the size, scope, and stage of…
Four Speakers. One Shared Vision for the Future of Nursing Education.
Meet the experts leading the 2026 ANA-Illinois Nurse Educators Summit. Nursing education is evolving and preparing the next generation of nurses requires educators who are ready to evolve with it. On Friday, September 11, 2026, ANA-Illinois invites nurse educators and leaders to the 2026 Nurse Educators Summit: Transforming Nursing Education Through Shared Vision, Shared Governance,…