Dr. Friese is Assistant Professor at Rush University. “I teach nurses in Rush’s Doctor of Nursing Program and the generalist intro master’s program.” “My major areas are LGBTQIA+, veterans with disabilities—that includes veterans who might identify with the transgender population,” says Tanya “Doc” Friese, DNP, RN, CNL USN (Ret.). Along with courses in the College…

Becoming a pediatric nurse is no easy task! It takes a lot of dedication and mastery of a breadth of skillsets. Not only do you have to graduate with a degree, but you also then have to pass a national examination in order to be officially designated. If you are reading this, you probably know…

On Friday, November 4, 2022, Dr. Susan Y. Swart, EdD, MS, RN, CAE, was awarded the 2022 Joan L. Shaver Outstanding Illinois Nurse Leader Award. Dr. Swart, Executive Director of ANA-Illinois, received the award at the 25th Annual Power of Nursing Leadership event hosted by the University of Illinois-Chicago College of Nursing at the Hilton…

“I’ve had a couple of different careers before this” says Natalie Loops, MSN, RN, CNL. She is now a clinical instructor at Rush University, but she took a path less traveled to get there. After graduating with a degree in biology from the University of Illinois-Chicago, Natalie knew she wanted a career in healthcare, but…

Nursing is more than just a career—it’s a life of service to others. Nurses across Illinois—and across the country—are joining nurse honor guards to commemorate nurses’ service at funerals and memorial services. Pam Brown, Ph.D., RN, ANA-Illinois member, attended a service with an honor guard and was impressed by the service. “I thought it was…

Recently, we caught up with ANA-Illinois member Dr. Roxanne Spurlark, DNP, APRN-FPA, FNP-C. She is a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner with over 30 years in healthcare at multiple levels. Her doctorate is in healthcare systems leadership from Chamberlain University. She is also a nurse scientist whose research resounds in the voice of advocacy amongst 100 nurses…

“I like to tell people—if you want to make impact on your profession, you can’t sit there and complain about it. You have to get yourself a seat at the table at some point. No one’s voice is unimportant.” Amanda Oliver is a registered nurse who’s been getting a seat at the table since her…

ANA-Illinois is launching our newest program – Nurses Running for Elected Office (NREO) Training Academy. The inaugural six-month training academy provides training and resources for nurses interested in running for elected office at the local, state, and federal levels. In 2023, we will welcome a diverse group of nurses from around the state into the…

According to WebCE, professional development “refers to continuing education and career training after a person has entered the workforce in order to help them develop new skills, stay up-to-date on current trends, and advance their career.” While professional development is critical for all career paths, for nurses, it is especially important. Nursing Professional Development Importance…

Proposed Update to Legislative Platform The Legislative Platform is a series of statements that serves as ANA-Illinois’ official record of positions on legislative issues and is the guide for the association’s advocacy efforts.  It contains seven sections: Access to Quality Care Funding Nursing Education and Research Financing Health Care Advance the Profession of Nursing Public…