Illinois 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award Winner Highlight: Haley Sachs
Meet Haley Sachs, a Collaborative Nurse at the Kellogg Cancer Center. 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.
Haley Sachs: Celebrating Dedication and Compassion
Nursing is more than a profession; it’s a calling to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Haley, a dedicated and inspiring nurse, has exemplified this sentiment over the past five years, going above and beyond to contribute to her local community and beyond. Her remarkable commitment to patient care, advocacy, and volunteering has left an indelible mark on the field of nursing.
Empowering Change Through Collaboration
In 2022, Haley embarked on a journey of quality improvement that significantly enhanced access to undesignated medication in schools across Illinois, particularly in North Suburban Cook County. Collaborating on a project that aimed to increase the stock of asthma medication in schools, she developed a standardized framework that empowered school nurses to obtain the necessary medication. Her dedication extended to volunteering on a statewide committee advocating for Stock Albuterol in Illinois Schools. Haley’s influence even reached a national level as she joined a select team appointed by the CDC and AAP to create a toolkit for broader implementation of stock asthma medication, underscoring her commitment to improving healthcare practices beyond her local community.
True Professionalism and Excellence in Nursing
Haley’s commitment to nursing excellence has not gone unnoticed. Colleagues, patients, and families have lauded her for the exceptional care she provides. Beyond her professional duties, she has taken the initiative to organize employee wellness screenings, flu shot clinics, and COVID-19 vaccine clinics, showcasing her dedication to the well-being of both patients and fellow healthcare providers.
Advocating for the Vulnerable: Making a Difference for Students with Diabetes
Haley’s impact extends to advocacy, especially for students with diabetes. Through her efforts at both local and state levels, she has tirelessly advocated for the needs of these students, ensuring they receive the care and support they require to thrive in their educational environments. Her advocacy exemplifies the heart of nursing – caring for those who need it most.
Uniting the Community with Purpose: Haley’s Blood Drive Initiative
One remarkable story stands out as a testament to Haley’s embodiment of the essence of nursing. In September 2022, she single-handedly organized a blood drive in honor of two colleagues. This event not only brought the community together with a common purpose but also significantly contributed to the blood supply. Haley’s determination, hard work, and personal touch, including baking treats for donors, turned a simple idea into a powerful act of compassion and unity.
A Compassionate Transition: Caring for Cancer Patients
Driven by her passion for patient care, Haley transitioned to a position at the Kellogg Cancer Center as a collaborative nurse. In this role, she dedicates herself to supporting patients and families undergoing cancer treatment, offering them the empathy, understanding, and care they need during a challenging time. Haley’s decision to take on this role further demonstrates her unyielding commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Continuing the Journey: Volunteering and Aspirations
Even with her full-time position at the hospital, Haley continues to volunteer on various school nursing committees, underscoring her dedication to improving healthcare practices and advocating for the well-being of students. Her passion for contributing to the nursing community is unwavering. In pursuit of ongoing growth and learning, she completed the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders (IONL) Fellowship, showcasing her commitment to professional development.
Haley Sachs: A Vision For The Future
Haley’s journey in nursing stands as a beacon of dedication, compassion, and impact. Through her collaborative projects, advocacy efforts, community initiatives, and professional accomplishments, she embodies the essence of nursing – a true commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others. Her journey is an inspiration to both fellow nurses and the broader community, showcasing the profound impact that one individual can have through their unwavering dedication to nursing excellence and compassionate care.
Congratulations to Haley Sachs and Kellogg Cancer Center 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 Haley 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!