The Illinois Organization of Nursing Leaders has included eight nurses at Rush University Medical Center among its 2021 fellows. Incorporating education, mentoring, and networking, the Illinois Nurse Leader Fellowship is designed to build and enhance leadership skills and competencies among nurses from diverse practice environments throughout the state.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 fellowship program has been reworked into a virtual program consisting of monthly Zoom sessions, educational modules, and personalized coaching. Upon completion, graduates agree to serve as mentors to future participants.
The following nurses at the Medical Center are among this year’s fellows:
- Kimberly Carmignani, MSN, RNC-NIC, CPN, NEA-BC, unit director, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- Candice Duarte, BSN, RN, CMSRN, assistant unit director, Neurosciences Intermediate Care Unit
- Joi Evans, BSN, CRRN, assistant unit director, Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit
- Rachel Filer, MSN, RN, CNL, CMSRN, clinical nurse leader, Surgical Intermediate Care Unit
- Jillian Hanifin, RN, CCRN, assistant unit director, Electrophysiology Lab and Arrhythmia Device Clinic
- Melissa Jankes, BSN, RN, CNOR, assistant unit director, Cardiovascular/Thoracic Surgery Unit
- Kydie Schriver, RN, ONC, assistant unit director, Orthopedics Unit
- Felicia Vertin, MSN, APRN, CNS, PMHNP-BC, unit director, Adult Inpatient Psychiatry
“The nursing profession looks to Rush nurses and nurse leaders to set the standards of practice, excellence and innovation in developing evidence-based care and to direct and advance the practice,” said Angelique Richard, PhD, RN, CENP, chief nursing officer for the Medical Center and Rush University System for Health, and senior vice president of hospital operations for the Medical Center. “It is therefore no surprise that a record eight Rush nurse leaders were selected for this year’s Illinois Nursing Leadership Fellowship. Congratulations and thank you to eight outstanding Rush nurse leaders for your commitment to continuously advancing your leadership knowledge, competencies and expertise. You have made us Rush nurse proud!”
