Randa Melms, EdD., MSN-Ed, RN, NE-BC
For Randa, nursing has been a journey defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. From serving as an Army Nurse to leading emergency department operations and advancing nursing education through doctoral research, she has embraced every opportunity to grow while making a meaningful impact on patients, colleagues, and future nurses. As a 2026 Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Awardee, Randa’s career reflects a dedication to serving others with courage, compassion, and purpose.
A Foundation of Service
Randa’s nursing journey began at Northern Illinois University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in Military Science. Upon graduating in 2012, she commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Nurse Corps and began four years of active-duty service. While stationed in Texas and Missouri, she gained valuable experience in postpartum, medical-surgical, and emergency nursing, building a strong clinical foundation while serving those who serve our country.
Her passion for developing others soon led her back to the classroom. In 2016, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing Education from Benedictine University before transitioning from active duty to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. The following year, she returned to her alma mater as an adjunct professor, where she found fulfillment in educating and mentoring the next generation of nurses.
Leading Through Growth and Innovation
As her career evolved, Randa continued expanding her leadership responsibilities at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. Beginning as an emergency department clinical nurse, she progressed into roles as a Relief Charge Nurse, Hospital Supervisor, and now serves as Manager of Operations for the Emergency Department. Each position has strengthened her commitment to fostering collaboration, supporting nursing teams, and ensuring exceptional patient care.
Her passion for education continued beyond the bedside. While advancing her leadership career, Randa pursued a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree at Northern Illinois University, successfully defending her dissertation and graduating in the spring of 2026. Her research explored the experiences of nursing students who are deaf or hard of hearing, helping bring greater awareness to the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and equity within nursing education. Through this work, she hopes to inspire meaningful change that creates opportunities for future generations of nurses.
Leading at Work, Thriving at Home
Although Randa has achieved remarkable professional milestones, she considers balancing her ambitions with being a wife and mother to be one of her greatest accomplishments. She hopes her journey encourages other nurses to pursue leadership, higher education, and personal fulfillment without believing they must choose one over the other.
Nursing is also a proud family tradition. As a third-generation nurse, Randa shares her passion for the profession with her mother, who retired after a distinguished nursing career, and her sister, who continues to serve patients today. Combined with her military service, including earning airborne qualification these experiences have shaped the resilient, compassionate leader she is today. Above all, she remains grateful for the trust her colleagues, mentors, and team members continue to place in her as she leads with integrity and purpose.
The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly recognizes Randa Melms as a 2026 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader for her outstanding leadership, military service, commitment to nursing education, and dedication to creating a more inclusive future for the profession. Her passion for serving others continues to inspire nurses and strengthen healthcare across Illinois.
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