Elise Gentile MS, APRN, CPNP is a APRN Pediatric Complex Care at Advocate Children’s Hospital. She has been nominated for the Illinois Nurses Foundation’s 40 Under 40 Awards by Kimberly Wittmayer for her passion for and dedication to nursing.
Elsie 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.
Pioneering Pediatric Complex Care at Advocate Children’s Hospital
Elise joined Advocate Children’s Hospital (ACH) in 2013 and, by 2014, had already become a founding member of the Pediatric Complex Care (PCC) program. Her role in shaping and evolving this program has been instrumental in advancing care for children with complex medical needs. Working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team and an inter-professional advisory committee, Elise has continually developed new clinical initiatives that provide holistic support for her young patients and their families.
Elise’s contributions extend beyond ACH, where she is known as an expert in pediatric complex care. She has presented her work at both local and national conferences, sharing her insights through poster and podium presentations and several publications. Her recent large-scale projects, such as the integration of PCC care plans into EPIC and a quality improvement initiative involving an Individualized Numeric Rating Scale (INRS), showcase her commitment to enhancing the quality of care and addressing the unique needs of her patient population.
Unwavering Dedication to Patients and Team Collaboration
For nearly a decade, Elise has been on call alongside her collaborating physician, providing 24/7 access to her patients. Her steadfast dedication ensures that this vulnerable population always has access to a trusted provider. Her patients and their families recognize her as a compassionate and reliable presence in their care journey. Holding Full Practice Authority, Elise exemplifies the role of an APRN clinician operating at the top of her scope and practice, setting a standard for clinical excellence.
In addition to her patient care responsibilities, Elise is a highly valued member of multiple committees within Advocate Children’s Hospital. She contributes her expertise on the Advanced Practice Clinician (APC) credentialing committee, Peer Review/QI committee, and PCC Advisory Committee. Elise is also an active mentor, guiding both APRN colleagues and NP students, and is recognized for her leadership as an EPIC provider power user, helping streamline workflow and improve productivity across her team.
Advocacy and Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing
Elise’s commitment to advancing the role of APRNs extends to the larger Advocate Health Midwest Region’s Medical Group APC Council, where she was selected for her dedication and expertise. This council aims to support advanced practice clinicians in delivering safe, equitable, and cost-effective care. Elise’s involvement with the council not only showcases her leadership within the health system but also her commitment to APRN development and advocacy on a broad scale.
Her dedication to healthcare and patient advocacy extends beyond her role at ACH. Elise is actively involved in her community, serving as a member of the Oak Lawn Health Care Rotary Club and volunteering at her children’s school for STEAM nights, where she represents the role of a Nurse Practitioner. She also supports the Moms Demand Action group, advocating for efforts to reduce gun violence, and participates in NAPNAP’s Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs special interest group, championing the well-being of medically complex children.
Elsie Gentile: An Inspiration to Colleagues and Future APRNs
Elise’s commitment to patient-centered care, advanced practice nursing, and community advocacy sets her apart as a role model within and beyond the healthcare system. Her compassion, leadership, and dedication embody the spirit of nursing, making her a truly deserving recipient of the 40 Under 40 Nursing Award.
Congratulations to Elise Gentile and Advocate Children’s Hospital 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 Elise who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.
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