Illinois 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award Winner Highlight: Shana Freehill
Meet Shana Freehill. A Clinical Education Specialist at OSF Healthcare. She is a bright light and a superhero of a nurse. Shana 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.
Shana Freehill: True Excellence in Nursing and Compassion
Some individuals shine brightly in healthcare education with dedication, compassion, and leadership. Shana Freehill, a full-time Clinical Education Specialist and part-time Nursing Instructor, exemplifies the true essence of nursing with her superpower for excellence.
Shana’s journey in nursing has been nothing short of exceptional. She has continuously displayed exemplary professional practice as a Clinical Education Specialist and Nursing Instructor. Recently obtaining her certification in Nursing Professional Development, Shana is committed to enhancing her skills and knowledge to benefit her team and students.
Adapting to Change and Leading Through Challenges
When the pandemic hit, Shana quickly switched gears and played a vital role in developing Covid education with leaders at OSF HealthCare’s Ministry. Her ability to effectively communicate and work with subject matter experts to provide much-needed education showcased her leadership prowess.
Harnessing Innovation for Learning
As an innovative nurse leader, Shana has utilized Articulate/Rise to build interactive learning modules, revolutionizing education delivery. She leads the Ministry Education Council and coaches educators to develop metrics and attainable goals, fostering an environment of continuous growth and improvement.
Shana’s dedication to nursing extends beyond her usual role. She is delving into the research world, actively supporting an OB Hemorrhage study with the local IRB. Additionally, she is involved in Augmented Reality (AR) education, working on developing a crash cart app for nurses.
Making a Difference in the Community
Despite her busy schedule as a mother of four young children, Shana remains committed to positively impacting her community. As an active volunteer with Impact Central Illinois, a nonprofit/charity organization, Shana joins other philanthropic women in contributing annual donations and awarding large grants to local worthy causes.
Shana has taken on the challenge of developing Compassion education for the Ministry, overcoming her fear of public speaking to present to large groups of leaders. She teaches compassion and embodies it as a practical nurse leader, inspiring those around her to be their best selves.
Shana Freehill: Embodying the Essence of Nursing
In conclusion, Shana Freehill’s nursing journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication, compassion, and continuous pursuit of excellence. Her ability to lead, adapt to challenges, and innovate in education sets her apart as an exemplary nurse leader. As she continues to be a lifelong learner, advocate for nursing, and demonstrate compassion in all aspects of her life, Shana illuminates the true essence of nursing. Working with Shana is a pleasure, as she inspires trust and maintains a positive outlook, profoundly impacting her team and community. The nursing profession is fortunate to have such a remarkable advocate in Shana, and we eagerly await her future contributions to nursing and healthcare.
Congratulations to Shana Freehill and OSF HealthCare 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 Shana 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!