INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Timothy Harrigan

For Timothy Harrigan, nursing wasn’t the plan it was a chance encounter that changed everything. While attending a local play, Timothy met Joan Musso, manager of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) at Advocate Children’s Hospital. Their conversation sparked a curiosity about healthcare, and soon after, Joan offered him a role as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). That single opportunity opened the door to a career Timothy had never envisioned but quickly grew to love.

From Unexpected Start to Passionate Nurse Leader

Timothy went on to complete nursing school and began his career as a PICU nurse, where he spent seven years caring for critically ill children and supporting their families during some of their most difficult moments. While Timothy found deep fulfillment in bedside care, he discovered another passion, leadership. Transitioning into an Assistant Manager role and now serving as Manager of the Critical Response Unit (CRU), Timothy thrives on leading teams, supporting their growth, and making a broader impact on patient care.

Finding Family Along the Way

Timothy’s journey at Advocate Children’s Hospital gave him far more than a career it’s where he met the love of his life. While escorting a patient for a swallow study, he met a speech pathologist whose soon became his wife. Today, they are raising three beautiful children together, navigating the ups and downs of life hand in hand. “My path into nursing may have been unexpected, but it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life,” Timothy shares. “Both my career and my family grew from that one chance encounter, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

The Illinois Nurses Foundation is proud to honor Timothy Harrigan as a 2025 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader for his dedication to leadership, mentorship, and compassionate care.

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