In the fast-paced, ever-changing world of healthcare, nurses stand as the backbone of patient care, balancing empathy with expertise and compassion with precision. To thrive in this demanding yet rewarding profession, nurses must cultivate a diverse skill set beyond medical knowledge and technical abilities. From critical thinking to effective communication, the essential skills every nurse…
Mando Martinez: A Journey of Resilience and Leadership in Nursing
Meet Armando (Mando) Martinez, MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, CMSRN, NE-BC, CNML, a nursing supervisor at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital and adjunct clinical nurse faculty member at Elmhurst University. Mando’s nursing story is one of family, dedication, and a philosophy of personal connection. This deep connection is what inspired him to not only pursue nursing but also…
Coming Together for a Bright Future – SNPAD Wrap Up
April 16, 2024, was a day of learning, networking, and inspiration for student nurses across Illinois. The 2024 Student Nurse Political Action Day (SNPAD) event hosted by ANA-Illinois was a success for all those who attended looking for these experiences! From inspiring words by the Keynote Speaker Marcus Henderson, to hands-on learning seminars designed to…
Call for Speaker Proposals – 2024 Professional Issues Conference
The ANA-Illinois Professional Issues Conference will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Sheraton in Lisle, Illinois. In 2022, we started a tradition of adopting a theme for the year. The theme would align with our mission and vision and help set the tone of our work for the year. Our theme for 2024…
2024 Call for Nominations – Elected Positions
On behalf of the ANA-Illinois Nominating Committee and Board of Directors, the Nominating Committee invites you to participate in the 2024 ANA-Illinois Board of Directors Call for Nominations. In the coming months, the Nominations Committee will seek your help in identifying and encouraging strong and emerging leaders to seek board service and serve on the…
Nurses are Stronger Together – Jameszetta James
Jameszetta James is a seasoned professional in the healthcare field, bringing over two decades of expertise to her role as the nursing supervisor at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago. With a comprehensive background spanning various aspects of nursing—from ICU and case management to administrative functions—Jameszetta’s career is marked by a commitment to innovation and…
ANA-Illinois Guide to Developing Nursing Leadership Skills
The role of nurse leadership is a vital part of the healthcare organization—effective leadership skills in nursing not only contribute to better patient outcomes but also pave the way for personal and professional growth within the healthcare industry. ANA-Illinois is proud to bring nurses a guide to developing nursing leadership skills and provide insights into…
Gloria E. Barrera: A Journey of Passion and Leadership in Nursing
Gloria E. Barrera, MSN, RN, PEL-CSN, is a dedicated nursing leader and serves as the Secretary of the ANA-Illinois. Her story is a testament to the impact of personal experiences and the invaluable role of mentorship in shaping a fulfilling career in nursing. Through her journey, Gloria showcases a committed path for future generations of…
ANA-Illinois Advocacy Efforts Result in Significant Victory
In a significant victory for healthcare education in Illinois, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) has announced the award of $1.4 million in grants to 12 nursing schools across the state for the fiscal year 2024. This funding boost is a direct result of the tireless advocacy efforts of the ANA-Illinois, which played a…
Make Most of Your ANA-Illinois Membership, Be a Part of the Family
In ANA-Illinois, you’ll find a supportive, energizing community of nurses who care deeply about each other and the nursing profession. Protecting the practice of nursing by ensuring that nursing priorities are incorporated into legal and regulatory decisions is our number one priority. We understand what’s important – issues such as oversight of the scope of…