40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award Winner Highlight: Shannon O’Shea
Shannon O’Shea, a Rush University Nursing Instructor is an exemplary nurse educator and advocate. With her unwavering commitment to the professional development of novice nurses and her outstanding work in patient care, she has been nominated for the 2023 Illinois Nurses foundation 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award. Designed to highlight young nurses that are making a lasting difference in the healthcare industry, this award celebrates those who shape the future of nursing.
Celebrating Shannon O’Shea: A Leading Nurse Educator and Advocate
Today we shine the spotlight on Ms. Shannon O’Shea, an exemplary nurse educator and advocate in nursing. With her unwavering commitment to the professional development of novice nurses and her outstanding work in patient care, Ms. O’Shea is a deserving nominee for the prestigious 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader Award.
A Passionate Mentor in Clinical Education:
Ms. O’Shea’s dedication to nurturing novice nurses in the clinical area of labor and delivery is truly commendable. As an instructor at Rush University College of Nursing and a member of the Nursing Learning Lab (NLL), she imparts invaluable support and guidance to beginning nursing students, helping them navigate the complexities of nursing competencies. Leveraging her clinical experience and expertise in pathophysiology, Ms. O’Shea fosters an understanding of the “why” behind body processes, thus bridging the gap between theory and practice. Even after graduation, her expertise, mentorship, and support remain sought-after by many.
A Leader in Safe Sleep Initiatives:
Ms. O’Shea’s contributions extend beyond the academic realm. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), she has taken the lead in developing a comprehensive Safe Sleep protocol. This protocol includes crib cards that serve as reminders for healthcare providers and parents, promoting safe sleep strategies for newborns. Her groundbreaking work has garnered recognition and interest from esteemed institutions like the University of Cincinnati and Duke University. Ms. O’Shea’s dedication to improving patient care is exemplified through podium and poster presentations, as well as her published work in the esteemed Neonatal Network journal, where she received the Runner-Up Writing Award for the best article of 2022. Her passion for knowledge is further demonstrated by her pursuit of a PhD in nursing science, focusing on the bidirectional relationship between breastfeeding and maternal mental health.
A Community Advocate:
Recognizing the importance of nursing beyond the hospital walls, Ms. O’Shea actively promotes nursing in the community. For the past three years, she has been a dedicated volunteer in COVID response initiatives. From providing testing and vaccinations to answering questions and building trust within the healthcare community, Ms. O’Shea’s selfless service has made a significant impact. Her commitment to public health and community well-being embodies the essence of nursing as a profession that extends care far beyond individual patient encounters.
A Role Model in Nursing Excellence:
In the fast-paced healthcare environment of today, it is essential to equip novice nurses with the skills necessary to provide exceptional care. Ms. O’Shea’s role as a mentor goes beyond imparting technical knowledge; she embodies the art of nursing by teaching students how to be present with patients and families. By sharing her own clinical experiences, she enhances student learning and creates a trusting environment where guidance and support are readily available. Her students consistently report their admiration for her teaching style, describing her as an “awesome” teacher who fosters their growth and prepares them to enter the nursing profession confidently and purposefully.
Shannon O’Shea: A Rising Star in Nursing Education and Advocacy
Ms. Shannon O’Shea is a remarkable nurse educator and advocate who embodies the qualities of an emerging nurse leader. Her passion for the professional development of novice nurses, her leadership in safe sleep initiatives, her community involvement, and her commitment to nursing excellence all contribute to her well-deserved nomination for the 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader Award. Ms. O’Shea’s dedication and positive impact on the nursing profession serve as an inspiration to others, and her work leaves a lasting legacy. Let us celebrate her contributions and continue to support and recognize outstanding leaders like Ms. O’Shea who are shaping the future of nursing.
Congratulations to Shannon O’Shea and Rush University for this prestigious honor! The Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Award for Emerging Nurse Leaders is proven to open career doors for its recipients. INF is proud to celebrate nurses like Shannon who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.
For more information on the INF 40 Under 40 Award Ceremony, click this link.
Illinois Nurses Foundation: Support Education, Advocation, and Recognition for Nurses
The Illinois Nurses Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports nurses through various programs, empowering them, promoting excellence, and advancing the nursing profession while also recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of young nurses through the INF 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award, highlighting their talent and potential for the field’s growth and evolution. Donate to INF today and you can help empower nurses and improve healthcare!