Hannah Holmes, DNP, APRN FNP-BC
For Hannah Holmes, nursing leadership is about creating healthier communities by supporting the people who care for them. Throughout her career, she has combined clinical expertise, operational leadership, and education to expand access to high-quality care while developing the next generation of healthcare professionals. As a 2026 Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Awardee, Hannah continues to advance health equity by strengthening community-based care and empowering clinicians to thrive.
A Career Built Through Service
Hannah’s nursing journey spans two decades and reflects a steadfast commitment to growth, leadership, and service. She began her healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant before advancing to become a Registered Nurse, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and ultimately earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Practice Leadership.
Each stage of her career provided a deeper understanding of patient care and the healthcare system, equipping her with a unique perspective that continues to guide her leadership today. Early involvement with the Illinois Society of Advanced Practice Nurses also introduced her to professional advocacy, helping shape the leadership philosophy she brings to workforce development and equitable healthcare.
Strengthening Community Healthcare
Today, Hannah serves as the Director of Community Based Practices at Rush University Medical Center, where she leads interdisciplinary clinical teams dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality care for vulnerable and underserved populations. She oversees strategic operations, clinical integration, and program development with a focus on improving health equity throughout the communities Rush serves.
Before stepping into this leadership role, Hannah worked as a primary care Nurse Practitioner at a Federally Qualified Health Center, where she recognized the importance of supporting clinicians entering community-based practice. She helped develop an Advanced Practice Provider onboarding program designed to prepare, mentor, and retain providers working in the fast-paced environment of federally qualified health centers, reinforcing her belief that investing in clinicians ultimately improves patient care.
Growing the Next Generation of Leaders
Hannah is passionate about ensuring community health remains a rewarding and sustainable career path for future healthcare professionals. Through her work as an adjunct faculty member, seminar guest speaker, clinical preceptor, and mentor, she has inspired students and new clinicians to embrace careers dedicated to serving diverse communities.
She believes that leadership extends beyond managing programs, it is about creating opportunities for others to succeed, building strong healthcare teams, and ensuring every community has access to compassionate, high-quality care. Guided by her commitment to service, advocacy, and lifelong learning, Hannah continues to shape the future of community health by investing in both people and the systems that support them.
The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly recognizes Hannah Holmes as a 2026 40 Under 40 Awardee for her dedication to community health, advanced practice nursing, workforce development, and health equity. Through her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to expanding access to care, she continues to make a lasting impact on patients, healthcare professionals, and communities across Illinois.
Support the future of nursing leaders like Hannah. Donate to INF to help us continue empowering nurse leaders across Illinois. Donate today!