Jacqueline Maniscalco, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC
For Jacqueline Maniscalco, nursing is about protecting patients before harm ever occurs. By combining critical care nursing with public health expertise, she has dedicated her career to preventing infections, improving patient safety, and creating healthier environments for patients and healthcare teams alike. As a 2026 Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Awardee, Jacqueline continues to advance nursing through evidence-based practice, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to keeping patients safe.
Discovering a Passion for Prevention
Jacqueline began her nursing journey at Purdue University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing before launching her career in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Caring for critically ill patients gave her a deep appreciation for the complexities of acute care while reinforcing the importance of preventing complications before they occur.
While working at the bedside, Jacqueline earned her Master of Public Health from DePaul University, where she discovered a passion for infectious diseases and infection prevention. That combination of clinical nursing and public health ultimately led her to join Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Infection Prevention team in 2021, allowing her to merge her expertise to improve patient and staff safety on a broader scale.
Turning Evidence into Safer Care
Jacqueline is passionate about infection prevention because she knows its impact reaches every patient, every healthcare professional, and every clinical setting. She believes preventing healthcare-associated infections requires more than policies, it requires collaboration, education, and a shared commitment to patient safety.
Working alongside frontline caregivers, Jacqueline helps translate the latest evidence into practical strategies that improve care and reduce risk. Through partnership, education, and continuous quality improvement, she helps create environments where patients can focus on healing while healthcare teams deliver the safest care possible.
Building Trust Through Collaboration
One of the most meaningful moments of Jacqueline’s career came when she received the Medical ICU’s Partner in Care Award from one of the clinical units she supports. The recognition affirmed her belief that successful infection prevention depends on strong relationships and mutual trust between interdisciplinary teams.
For Jacqueline, the greatest impact comes from working together toward a common goal: protecting patients and improving outcomes. Whether collaborating with bedside nurses, educating healthcare teams, or implementing evidence-based practices, she is committed to fostering a culture where safety, teamwork, and continuous learning remain at the forefront of patient care.
Outside of work, Jacqueline enjoys cheering on Chicago sports with her husband, discovering new restaurants, planning travel adventures, staying active, and getting lost in a great book. Those experiences help keep her energized and grounded as she continues her mission of making healthcare safer for every patient she serves.
The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly recognizes Jacqueline Maniscalco as a 2026 40 Under 40 Awardee for her dedication to infection prevention, patient safety, public health, and nursing excellence. Through her commitment to evidence-based practice and collaborative leadership, she continues to strengthen healthcare systems and improve outcomes for patients and communities across Illinois.
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