Chelsea Kriesberg DNP, CPNP-AC, CCRN is an Advanced Practice Registered nurse, Pediatric Advanced Heart Failure Team and Pediatric Cardio Oncology Team Lead at Advocate Children’s Hospital. She has been nominated for the Illinois Nurses Foundation’s 40 Under 40 Awards by Linda Rivard for her passion for community health, commitment to eliminating healthcare disparities, and dedication to nursing education makes her a true leader in the field.
Chelsea 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 Visionary Leader in Pediatric Cardio Oncology
Chelsea’s extensive background in pediatric cardiology and advanced heart failure care equipped her with a unique perspective on the needs of childhood cancer survivors at risk for cardiovascular disease. In 2023, she established the Pediatric Cardio Oncology Program at ACH’s Oak Lawn and Park Ridge campuses, addressing a critical gap in care for this vulnerable population. Many childhood cancer survivors face elevated risks of cardiovascular issues, including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart failure. Chelsea observed that these patients were often referred to the pediatric heart failure team only after symptoms appeared or cardiac function declined. This “reactive” approach prompted Chelsea to create a more proactive model, focusing on early detection and prevention.
Through collaboration with ACH’s Pediatric Oncology Survivorship in Transition (POST) team, Chelsea developed a standardized risk assessment for childhood cancer survivors, allowing for early identification of cardiovascular risk factors. Her initiative has fostered a stronger connection between the POST Nurse Coordinators and the Pediatric Cardio Oncology team, ultimately improving patient outcomes and supporting early intervention strategies for long-term heart health.
Promoting Nursing Excellence Through Active Leadership
Chelsea’s leadership extends beyond her hospital walls. She is an active educator and advocate, committed to raising awareness and advancing knowledge in the evolving field of pediatric cardio oncology. Recognizing the need for consistent guidelines across institutions, Chelsea has taken on numerous leadership roles in national and international organizations, including:
- Planning Committee Member for the 2024 Global Cardio Oncology Symposium (GCOS)
- Chair of the International Cardio Oncology Society (IC-OS) Pediatric Nursing Subcommittee
- Member of both the IC-OS Nursing Leadership Working Group and the IC-OS Nurse Practitioner Subcommittee
Chelsea has also shared her expertise through Nursing Grand Rounds, educating her colleagues on the referral process and developments in pediatric cardio oncology. By connecting with other institutions, she has established a network of experts to promote shared strategies for sustainable program growth and the development of unified guidelines.
The Essence of Nursing: Compassion and Vision for a Healthier Future
Chelsea embodies the essence of nursing by striving to make a lasting impact on the lives of her patients. Her work with childhood cancer survivors exemplifies the vision of Dr. Guilio J. D’Angio, who advocated in 1975 for an approach to cancer care that acknowledges survival as only the first step—true recovery includes long-term health. Chelsea’s dedication ensures that cancer survivors can look forward to a life free from chronic cardiovascular issues caused by the treatments that saved them.
Chelsea’s favorite quote, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit,” captures her approach to healthcare. She is creating a foundation for a future in which childhood cancer survivors can grow into healthier adults, free from preventable cardiovascular disease. Her pioneering Pediatric Cardio Oncology Program has provided them with a continuum of preventive care that will benefit them far beyond her own time in practice.
Chelsea Kriesberg: a Beacon of Hope for Childhood Cancer Survivors
Chelsea Kriesberg’s commitment to pediatric cardio oncology is not only improving care at Advocate Children’s Hospital but is also inspiring change on a national scale. Her proactive approach, collaborative spirit, and visionary leadership have established a pathway for childhood cancer survivors to live healthier lives. As a fellow nurse and mother of a young adult cancer survivor, her nominator shares the sentiment that “CURE IS NOT ENOUGH.” Thanks to Chelsea’s leadership, there is hope for a future where survivors can thrive, free from chronic illness and long-term health issues.
Congratulations to Chelsea Kriesberg 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 Chelsea who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.
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