Kelley McGuire PhD, CNE, RN is Faculty and an Assistant Professor at SIUE School of Nursing. She has been nominated for the Illinois Nurses Foundation’s 40 Under 40 Awards for her passion for community health, commitment to eliminating healthcare disparities, and dedication to nursing education.
Kelley 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 Passion for Well-being and Health Behavior Research
Dr. McGuire’s scholarly work has focused on the well-being of both nursing students and professional nurses, particularly exploring areas such as sleep health, stress, and health behaviors. Her experience as a principal investigator studying sleep behaviors among nursing students highlights her dedication to addressing health challenges that directly impact the lives of future nurses.
Her research extends beyond individual studies, as she also serves as a co-primary investigator on a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-sponsored grant titled “Increasing Nursing Workforce Diversity and Readiness to Practice Utilizing an Innovative 4 R (Recruit, Retain, Readiness, Revision) Approach.” Her role on the grant focuses on recruiting a diverse population of nursing students, particularly those from underserved and marginalized communities, through partnerships with local school districts and hospitals. Dr. McGuire works to provide these students with shadowing and clinical experience opportunities, preparing them for a successful and impactful nursing career.
Leading the Charge for Student-Centered Education
Dr. McGuire’s commitment to student-centered learning is evident in her work at SIUE, where she develops interventions to enhance students’ well-being and academic success. As an Assistant Professor, she guides doctoral-level student projects, serves as a content expert, and plays an integral role in aligning the school’s curriculum with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) essentials and accrediting standards.
A natural leader, Kelley spearheads faculty development initiatives, generously sharing her expertise with colleagues. Her exceptional skills as an educator have not gone unnoticed, as she was recently nominated for the prestigious March of Dimes Teaching Excellence Award.
Dedication to Service and Community Engagement
Kelley’s dedication to nursing extends well beyond the classroom. Within the university, she serves on various standing committees, contributing her expertise to foster a supportive academic environment. She is an active member of the Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) Honor Society of Nursing and previously served as president of the Epsilon Eta chapter. As a regional program organizer for the SIGMA St. Louis Regional Consortium, Kelley coordinated professional development and networking opportunities, further supporting nursing excellence.
In her local community, Kelley collaborates with organizations to plan health fairs that promote healthy living. Her involvement doesn’t end there; she also works as a research consultant for a local acute care agency, designing and implementing evidence-based practices and quality improvement projects that enhance patient care. Notably, she developed and led a comprehensive 23-contact hour program, “Evidence in Action,” which provides nurses with the tools and knowledge to conduct meaningful, evidence-based projects in their clinical roles.
Kelley McGuire: A Visionary Leader in Nursing Education
Dr. Kelley McGuire embodies the essence of nursing excellence, from her groundbreaking research to her dedication to student success and community service. Her leadership and commitment to fostering a diverse and competent nursing workforce make her a standout recipient of the 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader Award.
Congratulations to Kelley McGuire and SIUE School of Nursing 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 Kelley who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.
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