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 Ty Miller. Learn more about his nursing journey, what inspires his work, the accomplishments he is most proud of, and the advice he’d like to share with fellow nurses and future healthcare leaders.
What are your credentials?
MSN, RN, CMSRN, VA-BC
How long have you been a member of ANA-Illinois?
Recently just rejoined.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I had a deep appreciation for helping others, even from a very young age. I explored other avenues of public service, but I continued to find myself always circling back to nursing. My great friend had become a nurse, and I remember her talking about the amazing things she could do for people and from then my choice was made!
How long have you been a nurse, and what specialties or areas have you worked in?
I hold a master’s degree in nursing leadership and am a working Board-Certified Vascular Access Specialist. My experience spans critical care, correctional nursing, nursing education, and nursing leadership.
What is one thing you love most about the nursing profession?
My favorite thing about the nursing profession is the ability to ebb and flow. If you get into a department or specialty and decide it is not for you, this profession allows you to pivot. This availability ensures we remain life longer learners.
What does being a member of ANA-Illinois mean to you?
Being a member of ANA-Illinois allows for connection and collaboration. I have found individuals within my specialty through this organization and at times have been offered mentorship and additional insight throughout my nursing career.
What is one challenge in healthcare or nursing that you are passionate about improving?
My current specialty and passion are improving healthcare onset bacteremia prevention. This is a huge challenge in healthcare that relies on the expertise and knowledge of nurses. through the insertion and maintenance of vascular access devices, I continue to educate patients and my colleagues, offering evidence-based interventions and approaches to continue improving healthcare onset bacteremia and patient overall outcomes across Illinois.
What advice would you give to nursing students or early-career nurses?
Ask so many questions that you annoy yourself! Never stop learning and explore the field of nursing thoroughly. There is so many unique and fun opportunities within a nursing career.
What accomplishment in your nursing journey are you most proud of?
I have had many opportunities to work with patients from across the state. Relocating from Chicago to southern Illinois, I am most proud that through my span of nursing, I was able to bring experience and evidence-based practice interventions back home to my fellow patients across southern IL. This has helped in bridging healthcare gaps between local small healthcare organizations and larger Magnet institutions.
Outside of nursing, what are some hobbies or things you enjoy doing?
Outside of nursing I enjoy being with my family and our dog, Margot. I enjoy listening to nursing podcasts, watching scary movies, and traveling the globe.
Finish this sentence: “Nursing is…”
Nursing is the art of turning compassion into action and science into healing.
Thank you, Ty Miller, 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!