Jessica Kibble, M. Ed., BSN, RN, PEL-CSN
For Jessica Kibble, nursing has never been about following a traditional path, it has been about discovering where she was meant to make the greatest difference. What began as uncertainty during nursing school became a career defined by advocacy, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to supporting children, families, and fellow school nurses. As a 2026 Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Awardee, Jessica is helping redefine what it means to be a nurse leader by proving that every nursing role has the power to change lives.
Finding the Courage to Keep Going
During nursing school, Jessica questioned whether she had chosen the right profession. While completing clinical rotations, she realized the hospital setting was not where she envisioned her future. Surrounded by expectations that every nurse should begin at the bedside, she wondered if nursing was truly meant for her.
Then, a professor shared words that would shape the course of her career: “Keep going. Believe in yourself. You’re going to be an excellent nurse one day. Nursing allows you to work in so many settings. Just because the hospital isn’t for you doesn’t mean nursing isn’t for you.”
Jessica carried that encouragement with her as she began her career supporting a student with complex medical needs before becoming a Licensed School Nurse. Although she later encountered comments suggesting she was “just a school nurse,” she chose to embrace her role with pride, recognizing the profound impact school nurses have on the health, safety, and success of every student they serve.
Becoming a Voice for School Nursing
For more than a decade, Jessica has cared for students from early childhood through adult transition, partnering with families, educators, and healthcare providers to ensure health challenges never become barriers to learning. She has helped families navigate chronic illnesses, identified subtle changes that led to timely medical interventions, and advocated tirelessly for the students entrusted to her care.
Her passion soon expanded beyond caring for students alone. Jessica became deeply committed to mentoring and supporting school nurses, leading her to become actively involved with the Illinois Association of School Nurses and the Illinois Education Association. As one of the founding members of the School Nurse Academy of Incoming Leaders (SNAIL), she has helped countless nurses discover the confidence and leadership potential they already possessed.
Today, as the School Nurse Principal Consultant for the Illinois State Board of Education, Jessica continues that work on a statewide level, advancing school nursing, strengthening student health, and advocating for nurses across Illinois.
Inspiring Others to Believe in Themselves
Jessica believes leadership isn’t about having every answer or never experiencing self-doubt. It’s about asking for help, accepting guidance, continuing to grow, and moving forward even when the path feels uncertain.
The encouragement she once received from a professor has become the encouragement she now offers to others. Through mentorship, advocacy, and leadership, she reminds nurses that every role matters and that meaningful careers are built by staying true to your purpose, not by following someone else’s expectations.
Her message to the next generation of nurses is simple yet powerful: Keep going. Believe in yourself. You’re going to be an excellent nurse one day!
The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly recognizes Jessica Kibble as a 2026 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader for her dedication to school nursing, student advocacy, leadership, and mentoring the next generation of nurse leaders. Through her commitment to empowering both students and fellow nurses, she continues to elevate the nursing profession and improve the lives of children and families throughout Illinois.
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