Ann Altgilbers, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, BC-ADM, CPN
For Ann Altigbilbers, nursing is about creating healthier lives one patient, one community, and one policy at a time. From helping individuals navigate complex diabetes management to advocating for legislation that expands access to care, she believes nurses have the power to improve health both at the bedside and beyond it. As a 2026 Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Awardee, Ann continues to make a meaningful impact through compassionate patient care, advanced practice nursing, and healthcare advocacy.
A Journey Guided by Service
Ann’s passion for healthcare began in high school through HOSA, where she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant credential and worked as an activity aide. While completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, she continued serving patients as a CNA in both nursing homes and a community hospital, building a strong foundation rooted in compassion and hands-on care.
After graduating, Ann began her nursing career on a medical-surgical unit before discovering a passion for pediatrics at a large academic medical center. She later returned to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to earn her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner, spending five years in family practice before finding her specialty in endocrinology, where she now focuses on advanced diabetes management.
Caring Beyond the Clinic
For Ann, one of the greatest rewards of nursing is partnering with patients who feel overwhelmed by their diagnosis and helping them achieve goals they once believed were out of reach. She is passionate about empowering individuals living with diabetes through education, encouragement, and personalized care that improves both health and quality of life.
Her commitment to improving health extends beyond individual patient encounters. As her career has evolved, Ann has developed a growing passion for health policy and the ways legislation influences access to care. She believes factors such as where a person lives should never determine the quality of healthcare they receive, inspiring her to advocate for policies that improve health outcomes for communities across Illinois.
Advocating for Healthier Communities
One of Ann’s proudest professional moments came while serving on the Board of the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing. She had the opportunity to advocate for expanded maternal health legislation and witnessed the bill successfully pass while sitting in the gallery of the Illinois State Capitol, an experience that reinforced the important role nurses play in shaping public policy.
Outside of nursing, Ann enjoys spending time gardening, quilting, and reading what she affectionately calls her “grandma hobbies.” Whether tending her garden, completing a quilt, or setting new reading goals, she appreciates opportunities to continue learning and creating, qualities that also define her approach to nursing and leadership.
The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly recognizes Ann Altigbilbers as a 2026 40 Under 40 Awardee for her dedication to advanced practice nursing, diabetes care, health policy advocacy, and improving access to quality healthcare. Through her commitment to compassionate care and meaningful advocacy, she continues to strengthen the health and well-being of patients and communities throughout Illinois.
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