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 Cicero. Learn more about her nursing journey, what inspires her work, the accomplishments she is most proud of, and the advice she’d like to share with fellow nurses and future healthcare leaders.
What are your credentials?
MSN, RN, CPN, CNE
How long have you been a member of ANA-Illinois?
1 year since renewal
What inspired you to become a nurse?
At 16 years old, I underwent spinal surgery and spent my entire junior year of high school in a wheelchair. During my time in the pediatric intensive care unit, I experienced firsthand the compassion, skill, and encouragement of the nurses who cared for me. They made one of the hardest times in my life feel a little less overwhelming.
That experience changed the course of my life. While I was still recovering, I knew I wanted to become a pediatric nurse so I could provide the same comfort and hope to children and families facing difficult circumstances.
Although my career has since evolved into nursing education and leadership, the compassion I experienced as a patient continues to inspire the nurse and educator, I am today.
How long have you been a nurse, and what specialties or areas have you worked in?
Over the past 16 years as an RN, I have been privileged to serve in a variety of nursing roles that have shaped me both professionally and personally. My career began in pediatric nursing, the specialty that first inspired me to become a nurse. From there, I expanded my experience into school nursing, urgent care, and eventually nursing education.
As a nurse educator and leader, I discovered my passion for mentoring future nurses, developing faculty, strengthening nursing programs, and improving student success. Throughout every role, whether caring for patients directly or supporting the next generation of nurses, my focus has remained the same: providing compassionate care, fostering growth, and making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Each step in my journey has reinforced my belief that nursing extends far beyond the bedside, it is about serving, educating, advocating, and inspiring others to provide exceptional care.
What is one thing you love most about the nursing profession?
What I love most about the nursing profession is that every day offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s comforting a frightened child, supporting a family through a difficult moment, mentoring a new nurse, or helping a student discover their confidence, nursing is rooted in human connection. It is a profession built on compassion, trust, advocacy, and lifelong learning. I am grateful to be part of a profession that not only changes the lives of patients but also has the power to shape the future of healthcare through education and leadership.
What does being a member of ANA-Illinois mean to you?
Being a member of the American Nurses Association Illinois means being part of a community that is committed to advancing the nursing profession and improving healthcare for the patients we serve. It represents a shared dedication to excellence, lifelong learning, advocacy, and ethical practice.
As both a nurse educator and leader, I value the opportunity to collaborate with fellow nurses, stay engaged in the issues shaping our profession, and contribute to strengthening nursing in Illinois. Membership reminds me that we are stronger together and that, by supporting one another, we can elevate the profession and create a lasting impact on patients, students, and communities.
What is one challenge in healthcare or nursing that you are passionate about improving?
One challenge I am passionate about improving is preparing and supporting the next generation of nurses. As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, new graduates need more than clinical knowledge, they need confidence, critical thinking skills, and supportive learning environments that help them transition safely into practice.
Throughout my career in nursing education and leadership, I have been committed to strengthening nursing programs, mentoring faculty, and implementing evidence-based teaching strategies that improve student success and NCLEX outcomes. By investing in nursing education, we not only support future nurses but also improve the quality and safety of patient care for years to come.
What advice would you give to nursing students or early-career nurses?
My advice to nursing students and early-career nurses is to never stop asking questions and never stop learning. Nursing is a profession that requires both clinical knowledge and compassion, and confidence comes with experience, not by knowing everything on day one.
Seek out mentors, embrace feedback, and remember that every patient, colleague, and experience has something to teach you. Most importantly, lead with kindness. The skills you develop will make you a competent nurse, but your compassion, integrity, and willingness to advocate for others are what will make you an exceptional one.
What accomplishment in your nursing journey are you most proud of?
The accomplishment I am most proud of isn’t a single award or title, it’s knowing I’ve had the privilege of being a small part of someone else’s story. Whether caring for a child and their family, supporting a patient through a difficult moment, mentoring a nursing student, or helping a new faculty member grow, the greatest reward has always been making a meaningful difference in another person’s life. Those moments, both big and small, are what have made my nursing journey so fulfilling.
Outside of nursing, what are some hobbies or things you enjoy doing?
Outside of nursing, I enjoy spending time with my son, traveling, trying new restaurants, cooking, entertaining friends and family, and staying active through walking and fitness.
Finish this sentence: “Nursing is…”
Nursing is the privilege of making a meaningful difference in someone’s life, even when that difference isn’t loud or immediately visible.
Thank you, Christina Cicero, for your commitment to advancing nursing and improving the health of communities across Illinois. We are proud to recognize you as this week’s ANA-Illinois Member of the Week.
Interested in being featured? If you’d like to be considered for a future Member of the Week feature, we’d love to hear your story. Submit a nomination here!