Fellowship
The Illinois Nursing Leadership Fellowship is a program dedicated to the development and support of managers and new directors from diverse practice environments throughout the state. Incorporating education, mentoring, and networking, the fellowship is designed to build and enhance leadership skills and competencies.
As part of the fellowship, participants experience learning through a combination of experiential learning, independent work, virtual environments, and three in-person interactive sessions at the Illinois State University Alumni Center in Normal, IL.
All candidates for the Illinois Nursing Leadership Fellowship must be nominated by the Chief Nursing Officer (or designee) of their employing organization, and must be a member of IONL, or join IONL before the program begins.
At the end of the IONL Nursing Leadership Fellowship program the participant will be able to:
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- Identify personal strengths and impact on self as leader of a team.
- Demonstrate understanding and enhanced competencies in the areas of systems thinking, conflict resolution, change agency, project management, team leadership, and managing one’s time.
- Identify “tools” which will enhance the impact of their leadership.
- Apply all of the above to lead a workplace quality improvement project.
The Illinois Nursing Leadership Fellowship is an initiative of the Illinois Healthcare Action Coalition (IHAC), co-led by the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders, American Nurses Association of Illinois, and Illinois Center for Nursing.
Marcia Cooke, DNP, RN, NPD-BC
Associate Professor/Director of Graduate Studies, School of Nursing, Northern Illinois University
Questions? Please contact Marcia Cooke at mclemens@niu.edu or
(815) 753-6579.
Fellowship FAQ
Who should attend the fellowship? I am an educator. Can I still apply?
By all means! Educators and others in leadership roles will find value in this program as you enhance your personal skills which can be applied in the educational and other varied arenas.
I work outside of the hospital, can I still apply?
Absolutely! Nurse leaders come from all areas of healthcare and nursing leadership will play an integral role in the design and development of healthcare for the future.
My organization will only allow one person to attend the Fellowship. Is that OK?
One person from an organization may attend the fellowship. It is strongly recommended that two participants are sent from each organization to facilitate the development and implementation of the required project and improve teamwork skills.
What if I cannot attend all four sessions?
One of the application requirements is the ability to attend all four sessions of the fellowship. Missing one or two classes will have an impact and you will miss valuable learning opportunities.
Are hotel accommodations included in the registration fee?
No. You are responsible to make your own reservations. We will attempt to contract with local hotels for a discounted rate. But, making the reservations and payment responsibilities reside with you.
Can my significant other attend the session with me? They are not a nurse.
No. Due to the confidential sharing discussions held, we do not open classes up to outsiders. “What happens at the Fellowship stays at the Fellowship.”
What if I am not selected for the program this year? Do I need to reapply?
Applications of eligible candidates who cannot be accommodated in the current program will be retained and prioritized for any future program.
Are there opportunities to stay involved with the fellowship after completing the program?
Yes! One of the nominating criteria is the participant’s agreement to serve as a mentor to future attendees of the program.