INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Jessica Panice

For Jessica Panice, the journey to nursing began with a shift in focus and a realization about what mattered most. As a Kinesiology and Chemistry major on a premed track at the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana, Jessica initially set her sights on becoming a pediatrician. By her junior year, she realized her personal goals were not aligned with medical school and residency. Seeking a career that combined her passion for caring for others with flexibility and growth, Jessica turned to nursing a decision that would shape her future. After earning her bachelor’s degree from U of I, Jessica enrolled in the graduate entry nursing program at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), where she became a registered nurse and earned her Master of Science in Nursing as a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist.

Leadership in Quality, Safety, and Clinical Excellence

With 13 years in pediatric nursing and 10 years as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Jessica has emerged as a leader in quality, safety, and evidence-based practice. Her contributions include:

  • Leading quality and safety teams addressing falls and peripheral IV infiltration/extravasation
  • Spearheading evidence-based practice initiatives for neonatal jaundice and pediatric hypoglycemia management
  • Her dedication has earned her significant recognition, including:
  • Daisy Leader Award (2020)
  • Advocate Aurora Stronger Together Team Award (2023)
  • Advocate Children’s Hospital Advanced Practice Clinician of the Year for Clinical Excellence (2024)

Jessica has also shared her expertise on a national level, presenting at conferences including the Society of Pediatric Nurses and the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists.

Family as a Foundation

Outside her professional life, Jessica treasures her time with her husband, Matt, and their three children: Emmy (8), Brady (6), and Tyler (2). Staying active through fitness and family time keeps her grounded. “Without my strong family support, I wouldn’t be able to be the nurse I am today,” Jessica reflects. “It’s an honor to serve pediatric patients and families and to contribute to advancing the quality of their care.”

The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly celebrates Jessica Panice as a 2025 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader for her commitment to pediatric care, evidence-based practice, and advancing clinical excellence across healthcare.

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