The Nursing Voice
March 2024
Page 1
The Official Publication of the Illinois Nurses Foundation Quarterly publication direct mailed to approximately 4,500 RNs and electronically via email to 96,000+ RNs in Illinois. VOLUME 11 | NUMBER 1 | MARCH 2024
INF Names the 5th Annual Nurse of the Year at their Annual Holiday Gala & Fundraiser The Illinois Nurses Foundation (INF) held its annual Holiday Fundraising Gala on December 2nd , 2023 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lisle. It was a joyful evening for the Foundation and all those that came to celebrate. Various organizations and supporters of the Foundation purchased entire tables for the event, which provided an excellent way to spend time with friends and family during the holiday season while supporting a great cause. The event offered the perfect blend of holiday cheer, networking, and excitement with the online silent auction, giving tree, raffles, and the 50/50 cash giveaway. Thanks to the overwhelming support of all the attendees, the Gala raised over $25,000! Each year the Foundation's "Honor a Nurse" campaign grows. The project was designed to Honor nurses who have fought for the advancement of the profession and who inspire others to recognize their commitment to their patients and the work they do every day. Nominations for the "Honor a Nurse" campaign were received throughout the year. The outpouring of stories collected were reviewed and narrowed down to five finalists, chosen by the Foundation Board members.
The 2023 Nurse of the Year award was then presented to Jennifer Sandoval. The story submitted to honor her read: Dr. Jennifer Sandoval is a dedicated nurse with eight years of service at JESSE BROWN VA. Her exemplary work extends beyond patient care; she serves as a role model and educator at DePaul University, inspiring future nurses. In volunteerism, Jennifer actively contributes to health initiatives, supports substance abuse programs, and grants wishes through Make a Wish for children with critical illnesses. As a first-generation college graduate, proud Latina, and active member of various nursing organizations, Jennifer embodies the values of diversity and inclusivity. Jennifer recently completed her DNP/FNP degree, she is a stellar role model for continuing education and enhancing the nursing profession.
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For these reasons, Dr. Cheryl Anema was nominated for Nurse of the Year Award. Analia Elizalde DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PEL-CSN Dr. Analia Elizadle, School Nurse, Health Services Coordinator and recent DNP graduate from Illinois State University, is a beacon of inspiration in education and nursing advocacy. Serving as a mentor and advocate on the Illinois Association of School Nurses Board of Directors, Analia has passionately advanced the nursing profession, particularly in school nursing. Her roles, including as Advocacy/Legislative Coordinator, reflect her dedication to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Analia's pursuit of higher education underscores her deep commitment to nursing, making her an outstanding educator, role model, and supportive colleague. For these reasons, Analia Elizadle was nominated for the Nurse of the Year Award.
For these reasons, Jennifer Sandoval was nominated for the Nurse of the Year Award. The other finalists included Cheryl Anema PhD, RN, Analia Elizalde DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PEL-CSN, Susana Golzalez MHA, MSN, RN, CNML & Monique Reed PhD, MS, RN, FAAN. The stories submitted to honor them read: Cheryl Anema PhD, RN Dr. Cheryl Anema, a devoted nurse with almost 45 years of experience, has excelled in various roles, from bedside nurse to Dean of Nursing. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she tirelessly advocated for her family, even when her family couldn't have visitors. Cheryl's commitment extends beyond her professional duties; she demonstrated exceptional compassion aiding a stranger in a roadside emergency. Currently teaching NCLEX review courses nationwide, Cheryl ensures the success of new graduates. Her unwavering dedication to nursing and selfless acts make her a standout nominee.
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Susana Gonzalez MHA, MSN, RN, CNML Susana is a dynamic leader, role model, and mentor, recognized for her unwavering commitment to nursing excellence. Known for seeing and fostering potential, she tirelessly educates, guides, and advocates for the profession's advancement. Despite challenges, Susana remains actively involved, inspiring others to participate and contribute positively. A shining presence in the nursing community, she is widely recognized at events. Susana's impactful contributions and dedication to the future of nursing make her an exceptional and admired nurse leader. For these reasons, Susana Gonzalez was nominated for the Nurse of the Year Award. Moniqe Reed PhD, MS, RN, FAAN Dr. Monique Reed, a dedicated nurse leader, stands out for her commitment to community service, volunteer work, and impactful research. As a faculty member, she plays a pivotal role in the graduate entry to the master's program, specializing in public/community health nursing, and provides guidance in doctoral research. Notably, Dr. Reed is the principal investigator for an NIH grant focused on preventing obesity in Black adolescent girls and their mothers, demonstrating over a decade of dedicated research in this area. Additionally, she serves as a liaison between the College of Nursing and an inner-city Chicago Public School's school-based clinic, showcasing her dedication to community health initiatives. INF Names the 5th Annual Nurse...continued on page 4
Index INF President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ANA-ILLINOIS President’s Message. . . . 2 In Honor or Memory of Someone Special. 3 Thank You for Your Support. . . . . . . . . . . 4 Practice Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Ethics in Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The Importance of the Right Journal: Phishing Expeditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 A Brief Overview of Managing Polypharmacy in Older Adults. . . . . . 10
Civility Crisis in Nursing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Monroe County Retired Nurses Initiate Nurse Honor Guard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) has Online Nurse Resources Available! . . . . . 12 The Hearts of Nursing-Painting . . . . . . . 13 Mindfulness Across the Cancer Continuum: A Review of Mindfulness Benefits for Oncology Patients and Staff. . . . . . . . . 15