Elena Winters MSN, APRN, CNP is an Advanced Practitioner at Springfield Clinic. She has been nominated for the Illinois Nurses Foundation’s 40 Under 40 Award by Amanda Connoyer for her outstanding contributions to nursing and her community
Elena 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 Champion for Evidence-Based Care
As an Advanced Practitioner, Elena’s commitment to evidence-based care sets her apart. From the start of her career, she diligently studied the literature in her specialty to ensure her practice adhered to the highest standards. Today, she remains dedicated to staying current with best practices and incorporating them into her care for the benefit of her patients. Elena has also become a mentor and educator within her department, sharing her knowledge with other APRNs to improve the quality of care across her team.
Passion for Mentorship and Education
Elena is a mentor to new Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) at Springfield Clinic, ensuring they feel supported as they transition into their roles. She provides guidance and builds a strong support system for new team members to help them acclimate to the clinic’s culture. Additionally, Elena mentors local APRN and DNP students, offering them clinical placements and overseeing quality improvement initiatives for capstone projects. Her efforts equip future generations of APRNs with the tools they need to deliver top-quality, evidence-based care.
Community Advocate and Volunteer
Elena’s impact extends beyond her clinic to the broader community. She volunteers her time to educate rural communities about sleep apnea and pulmonary conditions and regularly presents at health fairs for local school districts. These efforts provide vital education to staff members and parents about screening and treatment options.
Through her work with the Advanced Practice Advisory Council, Elena helps organize initiatives like the annual Adopt a Family holiday drive, which provides for families in need. She is also spearheading new community outreach efforts, including medical tents at races, food drives, and other service initiatives, ensuring her team gives back to the community.
Professional Leadership and Collaboration
As an active member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) and the American Nurses Association (ANA), Elena collaborates with other APRNs and RNs to advance the profession. She leverages these resources to bring valuable insights and education back to her local APRN community, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the field.
Elena Winters: Dedication to Advocacy and Growth
Amanda Connoyer, Elena’s nominator, describes her as someone who consistently advocates for patients, the community, and fellow team members:
“Elena is kind, passionate, and proud of her profession. She takes every opportunity to give back and is deeply committed to advancing the nursing profession.”
Congratulations to Elena Winters and Springfield Clinic 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 Elena who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.
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