Illinois 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award Winner Highlight: Jessica Madrigal
Meet Jessica Madrigal. She is the Simulation Coordinator at Northern Illinois University. Jessica’s passion for simulation in the medical industry has led to significant breakthroughs. She has been nominated for the class of 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
Jessica Madrigal: Pioneering Innovation in Nursing Education Through Simulation
In nursing education, professionals like Jessica Madrigal stand out as exemplary leaders who continually push the boundaries of innovation. As the Simulation Coordinator at Northern Illinois University (NIU), Madrigal has demonstrated a tireless commitment to excellence. Through her vision, advocacy, and collaboration with faculty, she has transformed the Simulation Program at NIU, enhancing the learning experiences of nursing students.
Innovative Approaches to Simulation
Jessica Madrigal’s dedication to innovation is evident in her collaborative work with faculty to develop and implement novel simulation approaches. Notably, she played a crucial role in introducing simulation experiences in a mental health course, increasing student confidence in caring for patients in this population. Thanks to her advocacy, every clinical practice in the Prelicensure Undergraduate Program now includes a simulation component, providing students with invaluable hands-on learning opportunities.
Collaboration Across Departments
Madrigal’s commitment to simulation extends beyond the School of Nursing. She actively engages with other departments at NIU, such as Physical Therapy, Nutrition and Dietetics, Early Childhood Education, and Speech-Language Pathology. Her collaborative efforts have led to the creation of simulation scenarios requested by the NIU Police Department to assess the competency of their staff. By bridging disciplines through simulation, Jessica promotes interdisciplinary learning and prepares students for a collaborative healthcare environment.
Leadership and Standards of Best Practice
Jessica Madrigal’s leadership extends beyond her role as Simulation Coordinator. She serves on various committees, including the Undergraduate Curriculum and Evaluation (UC&E) Committee and the Standards Committee, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring high-quality simulation activities that align with the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) Standards of Best Practice. As the UC&E Nursing Laboratory Subcommittee Chair, she collaborates with faculty and students to create engaging and impactful simulation experiences.
Commitment to Public Purpose
Madrigal shows true dedication to the nursing community. Through her involvement with the NIU Division of Outreach, Engagement, and Regional Development, she develops engaging activities for high school students interested in healthcare careers, offering them a glimpse into nursing. Additionally, her contributions to creating a new student orientation program demonstrate her commitment to increasing student engagement and learning within the Nursing Program.
Jessica is also an active participant in professional organizations such as The Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSIH) and INACSL to maintain professional expertise and stay at the forefront of simulation education. By attending conferences and webinars, she stays up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices in simulation, ensuring that her work remains current and relevant.
Jessica Madrigal: Revolutionizing Nursing Education Through Innovative Simulation Practices
Jessica Madrigal’s remarkable contributions as the Simulation Coordinator at NIU showcase her dedication to pioneering innovation in nursing education. Through her collaborative approach, she has transformed the Simulation Program, providing nursing students with immersive learning experiences that enhance their skills and confidence. Her commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, adherence to best practice standards, and dedication to public purpose demonstrate her profound impact on the nursing community. Ms. Madrigal’s passion for excellence and continuous learning makes her an invaluable asset to nursing education, and her unwavering commitment to preparing future nurses for success is commendable.
Congratulations to Jessica Madrigal and Northern Illinois 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 Jessica 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!