INF 40 Under 40 Awardee: Colleen Hennigan

For Colleen Hennigan, nursing was more than a career choice it was a calling shaped by family inspiration and her own childhood experiences as a pediatric patient. Colleen began her journey at Illinois Wesleyan University, earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing before starting her career at Advocate Christ Medical Center on an orthopedic/medical surgical floor. After 2.5 years building her clinical foundation, Colleen discovered her true passion when she transitioned in 2015 to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn. It was there that her love for pediatric nursing and critical care solidified and set the trajectory for her career.

From Bedside Care to Education and Mentorship

Driven by her love of learning and teaching, Colleen earned her Master’s in Nursing Education from Olivet Nazarene University in 2018 and began teaching as adjunct faculty at Lewis University. In 2022, she became the first nighttime Nursing Professional Development Specialist at Advocate Children’s Hospital, supporting nurses in both the PICU and Pediatric Cardiac ICU. Over 10 years in pediatric specialties, Colleen not only sharpened her expertise but also discovered a deeper calling: mentoring and empowering newer nurses. Today, Colleen serves as a Clinical Educator at La Rabida Children’s Hospital, where she combines her love for pediatrics with her passion for teaching.

Inspired by Family and Experience

Colleen credits her decision to pursue nursing to her aunt, who cared for ICU patients for nearly 40 years, and to her own experiences as a pediatric patient. “Those early influences showed me how powerful compassionate care can be,” Colleen says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to now give back to the field that shaped me and help new nurses find their confidence and purpose.”

The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly honors Colleen Hennigan as a 2025 40 Under 40 Emerging Nurse Leader for her dedication to pediatric care, mentorship, and advancing nursing education.

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