Illinois 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award Winner Highlight: Amy Driscoll
Amy Driscoll is the Director of Clinical Practice and Education for AdvocateAurora at Home. As a well-respected and innovative leader in nursing, 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.
Amy Driscoll: A Leader in Nursing Innovation and Education
Amy Driscoll, a remarkable professional in the nursing field, stands out as an exemplary leader who has demonstrated unwavering dedication to clinical practice, education, and community engagement. As the Director of Clinical Practice and Education for AdvocateAurora at Home and an Advanced Practice Nurse, Amy’s impactful contributions are transforming the way nursing is approached, both within her organization and beyond.
A Leadership Journey Steeped in Excellence
Amy’s journey is a testament to her commitment to excellence and innovation. In her role as the Director of Clinical Practice and Education, she leads a team of 11 clinical professional development specialists across Illinois and Wisconsin. Her department’s responsibilities encompass a wide array of critical tasks, from continuously reviewing clinical practice standards in the community setting, including home health and hospice, to onboarding and providing continuous education to ensure clinical competence. This multifaceted role demands an innovative and collaborative approach, and Amy excels in both.
Driving Results through Collaboration and Innovation
Collaboration lies at the heart of Amy’s leadership style. She recognizes the power of diverse perspectives and actively seeks input from colleagues and teammates to drive results. This inclusive approach enables her to devise effective solutions and achieve tangible outcomes. Amy’s ability to learn rapidly and solve complex challenges using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) method is a nod to her agile and forward-thinking mindset.
Pioneering Educational Initiatives
Amy’s dedication to education extends beyond her role as a Director. She has created and implemented transformative programs that have had a profound impact on nursing education. Her development of a new graduate residency program and clinical preceptor program reflects her commitment to nurturing and guiding the next generation of nursing professionals. In collaboration with her team, she successfully onboarded a staggering 400 new teammates in 2022, setting a new standard for comprehensive and effective onboarding.
Amy’s influence extends beyond her organizational responsibilities. Her role as a clinical instructor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, for the past six years underscores her dedication to nurturing the next generation of nurses. She brings real-world experiences to her students, enriching their learning journey and fostering a deeper understanding of nursing’s impact.
Innovative Approaches to Patient Care
Amy’s innovative spirit shines through in her creation of clinical programs that address the complex needs of patients. Her work in designing programs for patients with diabetes, anticoagulation management, cognitive deficits, and bridging care from home health to hospice demonstrates her ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice. These programs reflect a deep understanding of patient needs and an unwavering commitment to delivering holistic care.
Amy’s commitment to the nursing profession was evident during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Going above and beyond her daily responsibilities, she stepped up to assist with ICU staffing, showcasing her selflessness and dedication to patient care. Her involvement in community initiatives, such as volunteering for Aurora Hospice events and serving as a camp nurse for Camp Bear Hugs, further exemplifies her commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond the clinical setting.
Amy Driscoll: A Future-Focused Role Model
Amy is a role model who epitomizes continuous growth and learning. Her dedication to expanding her knowledge and staying at the forefront of nursing practice serves as an inspiration to nurses and leaders alike. Amy’s accomplishments, and her commitment to innovation, education, and community engagement, all come together to paint a picture of a leader who is shaping the future of nursing in profound ways.
Amy’s journey stands as a testament to the power of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence. Her tireless efforts in transforming nursing education, patient care, and community engagement make her a true trailblazer. Amy’s impact reverberates through her organization, the nursing profession, and the lives of those she touches, positioning her as a shining example of what nursing leadership can achieve.
Congratulations to Amy Driscoll and AdvocateAurora at Home 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 Amy 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!