Learn, Earn, Return

Recently, I attended the 25th anniversary celebration for the Power of Nursing Leadership event hosted by the University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Nursing (CON). Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Joan Shaver, dean of the CON, observed that across the greater metro Chicago-land area, there were many integrated health care delivery systems, community and public health agencies, and large academic teaching hospitals with affiliated colleges of nursing (in addition to other nursing colleges and schools); however, there was little formal acknowledgment in the area about the contributions nurse scientists, leaders, faculty, and staff were making. Hence, Dr. Shaver created the Power of Nursing Leadership event to celebrate nurses’ many achievements and to present the annual Nurse Leader of Illinois Award. Several years later, a Sage Award was added to be presented to a nurse who makes a “Significant impact as an Advisor who influences and shapes the careers of others by: sharing wisdom and experiences and offering possibilities; acting as a Guide who helps others along their career paths toward leadership opportunities; offering Enlightenment through challenges that urge others to grow and take risks as role models, facilitators, and mentors.” Held annually in the fall, the event has grown to be one of the most anticipated of the year because every nurse attendee, whether a student or nurse scientist, leaves the event inspired and renewed.