Eric Widstrom MBA, MSN, RN, NEA-BC is a Unit Director at Rush University Medical Center. He has been nominated for the Illinois Nurses Foundation’s 40 Under 40 Award by Stephanie Yohannan for his outstanding contributions to nursing and her community
Eric 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.
Transforming Care and Elevating Excellence
As Unit Director of the Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit (NSICU), Eric has played a pivotal role in elevating Rush’s neurology and neurosurgery department to state and national recognition. Under his leadership, the NSICU earned its second Beacon Award from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, a distinction reserved for the nation’s top critical care units.
Eric’s visionary leadership extended to the Cardiosciences Intensive Care Unit, where he served as Interim Unit Director. Through his efforts, he stabilized staffing, improved unit culture, and enhanced employee engagement in this high-acuity environment, setting a benchmark for excellence in critical care.
Advancing Leadership Through Innovation
Eric’s influence extends across organizational committees, where his innovative mindset drives impactful changes:
- Visitor Management Committee: Implemented policy changes that enhanced visitor satisfaction and safety, fostering stronger community engagement.
- Performance Management Committee: Contributed to guiding peer review processes and nursing 360 evaluations for leaders.
- Co-chair of the Nursing Operations Council: Restructured meetings to increase participation and developed strategies for leader rounding.
His dedication to innovation and team-building also inspired his podium presentation at the American Organization of Nurse Leaders Conference, where he shared creative strategies to boost nurse leader engagement and work-life balance.
A Passion for Professional Growth and Mentorship
Eric is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of nurse leaders. This year, he precepted three MSN students, guiding them in their professional journeys. He actively encourages his team to participate in committees, pursue advanced education, and explore interdisciplinary experiences. His leadership inspires continuous growth and development across the organization.
As a graduate of the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders (IONL) Fellowship, Eric serves on the IONL Program Committee, fostering leadership development at a broader level. He is also a current participant in the American Organization of Nurse Leaders Manager Fellowship (Class of 2024).
Community Advocate and Nursing Ambassador
Eric’s dedication to community health is evident in his volunteerism and advocacy efforts. He contributes to programs such as:
- Rockford Rescue Mission
- Food is Medicine Veggie Rx Program
- American Heart Association
- By the Hand Club for Kids
In addition, Eric champions the Rush Nurse Apprentice and Career Pathways Program, supporting students from underprivileged areas in their pursuit of nursing careers.
Academic and Professional Excellence
Eric’s academic and professional achievements reflect his commitment to lifelong learning and leadership. He holds:
- MBA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- MSN in Nursing Administration from Bradley University
- Nurse Executive Advanced-Board Certified (NEA-BC) certification
- Currently pursuing a DNP in Transformative Leadership from Rush University.
Eric Widstrom: A Legacy of Leadership and Compassion
Stephanie Yohannan, Eric’s nominator, captured his impact beautifully:
“Eric consistently motivates, challenges, and inspires those around him. His contributions to Rush and the greater community exemplify the highest standards of nursing leadership.”
Congratulations to Eric Widstrom and Rush University Medical Center 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 Eric who have made a lasting impact in the healthcare industry.
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