Illinois 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award Winner Highlight: Brittany Judge

Meet Brittany Judge, a Staff RN 8West for Advocate Health Care. She has been nominated for the class of 2023 Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award. Designed to highlight young nurses who are making a lasting difference in the healthcare industry, this award celebrates those who shape the future of nursing

Recognizing Nursing Excellence: Brittany Judge’s Inspiring Journey

Nursing calls certain individuals to shine as examples of dedication, leadership, and impact. Brittany Judge, MSN, RN, stands as a true example of these qualities. Brittany’s journey through nursing showcases the very essence of what it means to be a nurse and a leader. Facing the unique challenges of today’s nursing landscape, Brittany’s unwavering commitment to her craft, her community, and her colleagues is a testament to her remarkable leadership.

Elevating Expertise through Continuous Learning

Brittany’s professional development has led her to earn a Master’s in Nursing in Transformational Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University. This accomplishment reflects her dedication to advancing her knowledge and skills, positioning her as a resourceful and innovative leader within her field.

A Frontline Champion in Nursing

Amidst the workforce challenges in nursing, Brittany stands as a frontline staff nurse at Christ Medical Center, one of Illinois’ largest hospitals. Her dedication to patient care exemplifies the core values that define nursing excellence. Brittany’s affiliation with the American Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau underscores her commitment to staying connected with the broader nursing community and fostering professional growth.

A Voice of Leadership

Brittany’s leadership extends to the Shared Governance Council, where she represents the collective voice of numerous nursing departments within the medical center. Through her role, she initiates crucial conversations about the multifaceted aspects of modern nursing, including workplace violence, diversity and inclusion, retention challenges, and skill mix optimization.

Beyond her clinical role, Brittany is a driving force in promoting nursing within her community. As the chair of the Nursing Foundation Fundraiser, she has set an ambitious goal to raise $50,000 for an upcoming event. The funds raised will support vital nursing research and contribute to the Magnet Program, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based practice and professional growth.

A Trailblazer for Policy and Practice

Brittany’s commitment to nursing extends to policy development and practice enhancement. Her involvement in the Nurse Coordinating Council showcases her influence in shaping policies that enhance safety, reduce workplace violence, and improve patient outcomes. 

Going far beyond just discussions, her actions exemplify her dedication to elevating nursing standards. In her unit, Brittany and her team implemented “turn teams” in response to an increased rate of pressure ulcers during the pandemic. This approach not only brought accountability but also led to a remarkable 50% reduction in pressure injuries from 2021 to 2022.

Brittany Judge: A Beacon of Hope and Inspiration

Brittany’s presence at the frontline, her commitment to leadership, and her embodiment of nursing excellence provide hope in the face of workforce challenges. Her ability to enact change and lead by example is a testament to her passion and determination to overcome obstacles.

Congratulations to Brittany Judge and Advocate Health Care 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 Brittany 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!