Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, but beyond their clinical skills, they bring stores of perseverance, leadership, and transformation. From advocating for patients to reshaping nursing leadership, nurses make amazing impacts every day. These five nurses are no exception. Their journeys highlight the power of passion, resilience, and a commitment to nursing excellence.
Read these five nurse success stories and get inspired for greatness:
1. A Rising Star in Nursing Leadership: Sarah Quick
Sarah Quick’s journey was inspired by her mother, who ran her own doctors office. During her high school years, she earned her CNA certification and began working at the Department of Veterans Affairs. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Sarah stepped up to serve in a COVID unit while also pursuing her nursing degree. She graduated in May 2024 and became a full fledged nurse later in July after passing her boards.
Sarah has found her passion for nursing in leadership. In 2022 she joined the Student Nurse Association of Illinois as the Vice President and later took on the role of President of the organization. Sarah dedicated herself to fostering connections between nursing students and mentors. She took on the challenge of organizing Student Nurse Political Action Day and championed professional development opportunities like Stop the Bleed and disaster relief training.
Her leadership journey continued to grow when she joined the ANA-Illinois Board of Directors. Sarah has taken on the exciting challenge of pioneering a new role within the Board as the New Graduate Position, where she now
advocates for recent nursing graduates as they transition into the workforce.
With this new role, Sarah is shaping her impact to ensure that new nurses
receive the support they need to succeed.
Learn more about Sarah’s story.
2. Compassion and Dedication: Alina Conde
Alina Conde is a dedicated Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) who has built her career around compassionate forensic nursing and trauma-informed care. Alina started her career in the emergency room during the height of COVID-19 and quickly adapted to the fast-paced environment. She has taken on leadership roles as a preceptor and charge nurse. Through her work, she has become a powerful voice in forensic nursing, and her journey is an inspiration to others in the healthcare field.
Alina was introduced to forensic nursing by a mentor and quickly saw the important impact SANE nurses have on sexual assault patients. She works as a SANE nurse for multiple hospitals in Chicago to provide not only evidence collection, but also comprehensive medical treatment, emotional support, and education for victims. Her work extends beyond the immediate aftermath of trauma, ensuring that patients receive the
long-term care they need.
Despite the emotional demands, Alina finds deep fulfillment in her role and
is committed to advancing forensic nursing. She aspires to become nationally
SANE-certified and take on a leadership role as a SANE coordinator, helping
hospitals implement specialized protocols for sexual assault survivors.
Learn more about Alina’s story.
3. Challenging the System: Jameszetta James
With over two decades of experience, Jameszetta James has built a career marked by leadership, advocacy, and mentorship. As a nursing supervisor at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago, she has worked across various nursing specialties, from ICU to case management, and played a key role in research efforts like the NOURISH study at Rush University Medical Center, which examines the impact of nutrition on stroke recovery.
Jameszetta is deeply committed to healthcare policy and legislative advocacy with ANA-Illinois. As a member of the legislative committee,
she reviews healthcare policies, ensuring that nurses’ voices are represented in legislative decisions. Her passion for addressing disparities in healthcare education and advocating for better resources in hospitals ensures that underprivileged communities get the help they need. She believes that all hospitals have the potential to provide high-quality care, but many lack the necessary educational support for their nursing staff.
Through her work with ANA-Illinois, Jameszetta is focused on increasing transparency in healthcare legislation and educating nurses on how they can influence policy. She urges nurses to get involved in professional
organizations like ANA-Illinois, emphasizing the importance of community,
advocacy, and lifelong learning in shaping the future of nursing.
Learn more about Jameszetta’s story.
4. Pride and Professionalism: Zeh Wellington
Dr. Zeh Wellington, the first LGBTQ+ and first working clinician president of ANA-Illinois, is a trailblazing nursing leader dedicated to advocacy, inclusion, and professional development. As the Director of Surgical Services at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, he strives to create a healthcare environment where people of all backgrounds and identities are treated with dignity and respect.
His journey in nursing was shaped by early challenges, including being assigned to the HIV/AIDS ward as a nursing student due to his sexual orientation. Witnessing the stigma and neglect surrounding these patients, he committed himself to providing compassionate care and advocating for education to combat biases in nursing. Today, he emphasizes the importance of remembering one’s “why”
in nursing, promoting professional growth, mentorship, and political
involvement.
Zeh encourages LGBTQ individuals entering the nursing field to embrace
self-education, community engagement, and advocacy to ensure equitable
healthcare for all. He views Pride Month as a time for both celebration and
reflection, recognizing progress while emphasizing the ongoing need for
justice and inclusion in healthcare.
5. Inspiring Growth: Mando Martinez
Armando (Mando) Martinez, MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, CMSRN, NE-BC, CNML, is a dedicated nursing leader, educator, and advocate. As a nursing supervisor at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital and an adjunct faculty member at Elmhurst University, Mando’s journey into nursing is deeply personal. Growing up as a caretaker for his mother, who suffered from COPD and mental health challenges, he found his calling in healthcare.
Starting as a volunteer at Advocate Sherman Hospital, Mando pursued his nursing education at Elgin Community College, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Duke University. Now, he is completing his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Executive Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania, driven by his belief in making a difference in the lives of others.
As a board member of ANA-Illinois, Mando actively promotes nursing engagement, encourages participation in educational and advocacy events, and works to strengthen the nursing community. He believes leadership is about being present, inspiring change, and fostering growth. Through his work, Mando is shaping the future of nursing—one patient, one student, and one initiative at a time.
Learn more about Mando’s story.
Join the Movement: Elevate Your Nursing Career with ANA-Illinois
Each of these remarkable nurses has carved a unique path in the profession, demonstrating that nursing is more than a career—it’s a commitment. From advocacy and education to leadership and inclusivity, their stories serve as powerful reminders of the impact one person can have in shaping the future of healthcare.
These five nurses continue to inspire, lead, and elevate the nursing profession, proving that through passion, resilience, and dedication, nurses can drive meaningful change.
Join ANA-Illinois and start your path to professional greatness today!