Illinois 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award Winner Highlight: Margaret Gladman
Meet Margaret Gladman, the Breast Surgical Oncology Nurse Navigator at Rush University Medical Group. 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.
Margaret Gladman: A Remarkable Nurse Driving Positive Change in Oncology Care
The nursing industry needs people with drive and passion for healthcare. Margaret Gladman is an exceptional individual who embodies these qualities. Her journey is a testament to her commitment to excellence and her tireless efforts to drive positive change.
A Career Marked With Excellence
Maggie Gladman’s nursing journey began as an inpatient surgical nurse, where she honed her skills and developed an understanding of patient care. Her career took an exciting turn when she transitioned into a nurse care manager position in population health. This shift allowed her to explore new avenues within nursing and broaden her horizons.
In February 2020, Maggie joined the Rush University Cancer Center (RUCC) as a nurse coordinator in breast oncology. Her expertise and commitment to patient care quickly earned her the role of nurse navigator in surgical oncology—a position that would showcase her ability to drive practice improvements and innovation.
Making Positive Change
Maggie Gladman’s impact at RUCC has been nothing short of transformative. In her current role, she spearheaded the initiative for in-office surgical procedures, revolutionizing the way patient care is delivered. Maggie’s dedication led her to seek out specialized training, enabling her to assist in the development of new procedure rooms. Her commitment extended beyond the physical space, as she trained fellow nurses and medical assistants, ensuring that the highest standards of care were upheld.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for healthcare, particularly for surgical oncology patients. Maggie’s abilities were instrumental in identifying safe ways for these patients to participate in virtual visits. She transformed paper educational materials into user-friendly PDFs and developed efficient dot phrases in EPIC, sharing her knowledge with her peers. She also played a vital role in guiding patients through the process of using the MyChart portal, ensuring they could access vital information securely.
A Lifelong Learner and Advocate
Maggie’s commitment to nursing extends beyond the hospital walls. She is actively involved in organizations such as the Oncology Nursing Society- Chicago Chapter, where she serves as a Board Buddy and actively participates in meetings. Her membership in Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society, the American Nurses Association, and the American Public Health Association reflects her dedication to the nursing profession.
With a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) in Public Health earned in 2017, Maggie has been a driving force for positive change in healthcare. She co-chaired the Rush University PNS Legislative and Patient Advocacy Committee for two years, organizing a summit titled “The Power of the Nursing Voice” that empowered nurses to engage in advocacy work. In 2022, Maggie represented Rush Nursing at ONS Capitol Hill Days in Washington DC, advocating for cancer prevention and early detection, and emphasizing the pivotal role nurses play in improving the healthcare system.
Margaret Gladman: An Unstoppable Force for Excellence
Margaret Gladman’s impact as a nurse is undeniable. She approaches the most complex patient cases with critical thinking and technical expertise acquired from her prior inpatient experience. Her commitment to evidence-based practice ensures that her patients receive the highest quality care. Maggie is characterized by her compassion, progressive thinking, collaborative spirit, and unwavering patience.
Congratulations to Margaret Gladman and Rush 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 Maggie 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!