Preshus Brooks, BSN, RN, NE-BC has been nominated by Nixon Odari for the prestigious INF 40 Under 40 award. Preshus exemplifies excellence in nursing through her dedicated leadership, advocacy for underserved communities, and commitment to the essence of nursing care. As the Director of Residential Nursing and Client Services at the Children’s Home Association of Illinois, she continuously elevates nursing standards while touching countless lives through her compassionate service.
Preshus has been awarded the 2024 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.
A Career Built on Versatility and Dedication
Preshus Brooks’ nursing career is nothing short of remarkable, spanning diverse specialties that highlight her versatility and deep commitment to serving a wide range of patient populations. From neurology and pediatrics to psychiatry and nurse leadership, Preshus has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure exceptional care delivery.
Her early career as a preceptor and charge nurse at St. Alexius Medical Center set the foundation for her continued excellence in nursing. In recognition of her extraordinary care and mentorship, Preshus received the prestigious Daisy Award in 2016, a testament to her impact on both patients and peers. In 2023, her groundbreaking article, *”Deafblindness and Health Advocacy,”* was published in the *American Nurse Journal*, further underscoring her commitment to advancing healthcare practices and raising awareness for unique patient populations.
Leadership Rooted in Advocacy and Excellence
Preshus is a true leader who sets high standards for organizational excellence and inclusive care. Her tenure as a nurse manager at the only residential school for deafblind individuals in the U.S. highlights her ability to spearhead initiatives that improve healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized communities. Her advocacy work in this role was instrumental in enhancing healthcare services for a population often overlooked.
Currently, as co-chairperson of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) committee at her agency, Preshus fosters an environment that promotes equality and inclusion. Her leadership not only impacts the immediate healthcare environment but also ensures that future generations of nurses are inspired to adopt the same values of equity and compassion. Her dedication to her mentees and students continues to shape the nursing profession.
Nursing Beyond the Clinical Setting
Preshus’ commitment to nursing extends far beyond the walls of her clinical work. She is an active member of the American Nurses Association and ANA-Illinois, contributing to the profession’s advancement through advocacy and community involvement. Through teaching CPR classes and volunteering as a hospice caregiver, she exemplifies the heart of nursing—selfless service, empathy, and care for the most vulnerable.
Her hospice work is especially close to her heart, reminding her of the preciousness of life and the importance of ensuring that no one dies alone. It was this very spirit of compassion that led a patient to choose Preshus to be by his side in his final moments, a choice that earned her the Daisy Award and cemented her reputation as a nurse who truly understands the human side of care.
At the core of Preshus Brooks’ practice lies a deep understanding of the essence of nursing: blending expertise with empathy and advocacy. From her beginnings as a live-in caregiver to her current role leading residential nursing and client services, she exemplifies the transformative power of nursing. Her passion for mentoring and teaching the next generation of nurses ensures that her impact will be felt for years to come.
Preshus Brooks: The Essence of Nursing
Preshus Brooks’ profound contributions to nursing, her leadership in advancing inclusive healthcare, and her compassionate community service make her a deserving nominee for the INF 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leaders Award. She is an inspiration to her peers, a leader in her field, and a shining example of what it means to be a nurse.
Congratulations to Preshus Brooks and Children’s Home Association of Illinois 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 Preshus who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.
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