OUR MISSION:
The Northwest Chicago Area Chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (NWCAC) embraces the National AACN’s mission. The chapter is committed to providing opportunities to enhance professional development and leadership, as well as a communication network for critical care nurses, progressive care nurses and emergency room nurses in the geographic region.
We are proud to be the 2019 Recipients of the Circle of Excellence Award
Welcome
Additional AACN Resources
In the spring of 1972, seventeen critical care nurses met to discuss the need for establishing a local chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). The purpose of the meeting was to address the complex changes in the critical care profession and to meet the challenges of a dynamic environment. A charter was granted by AACN in December 1972, and the Northwest Chicago Area Chapter (NWCAC) was founded. Today, our chapter proudly boasts as being one of the largest and most active in Illinois having over 100 members.
In the past the NWCAC has been the recipient of several National AACN chapter awards including the Excellence in Chapter Educational Programming in 2010 and 2014. We also have been the proud recipient of the President’s Award. In addition, several members have received individual Circle of Excellence awards and volunteer at the National level of AACN. We are proud of our continued annual contribution to AACN’s Scholarship Fund. Providing quality and relevant educational programs is the Northwest Chicago Area Chapter’s promise to our chapter members and nursing colleagues.
Our quarterly meetings are held on Saturdays from 8:00AM to 12:00 PM at Northwest Community Hospital, 800 W. Central Rd., Arlington Height, IL. Meetings are held in September, November, January and June. Members and students are free. Non-members are welcome (at a nominal fee).
The Northwest Chicago Area Chapter also sponsors the nationally known, Midwest Conference. The 2-day multi-track conference is held in March every year and features national/local speakers providing education excellence for professional development in critical care.
There are many benefits of being a member of the Northwest Chicago Area Chapter of AACN. Members receive the following benefits:
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Earn CNE’s when attending meetings, lectures, workshops, etc.
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Attend quarterly education meetings which are free to members
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Eligible for the NWCAC Member Merit Award Program
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Recruit 4 new chapter members in one year and national AACN dues are paid by NWCAC
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Receive NWCAC's “Flutter Waves”, the chapters’ quarterly newsletter which contains up-to-date topics and important chapter and AACN information.
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Share experiences and networking with professionals from the metropolitan Chicago area.
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Participate in NWCAC's Community Events
For more information contact us at nwcac.aacn@gmail.com.
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Officer List
Debbie Kantoris
RN, MSN, CCNS, CCRN
President
Sheila Melo-Gropse
RN, BSN, CM
Treasurer Co-Chair
Kirsten Howe
RN, BSN, CCRN
Membership Co-Chair
Linda Lokun
RN, ADN
Hospitality Co-Chair
Judy Giovannelli
RN, MSN, CCRN, PCCN, FACCN
Past-President
Linda Smith
RN, MSN, CCRN-K
Program Co-Chair
Leslie Collins
RN, APN-CNS, CCNS,CCRN-CSC
Secretary/MWC Secretary
Marie Hagman
RN, MSN, ACCNS-AG, CCRN
Program Co-Chair
Kathy Voss
RN, BSN, CCRN
Treasurer Co-Chair
Cindy Ruiz
RN, MS, APN, CCRN
Midwest Conference Chair
Debbie Marinoff
RN, BSN, CCRN-CSC, CMC
Membership Co-Chair
RoseMary Pieniazek
RN, BSN
Media/Newsletter
Rosina Grande
RN, MS, CCRN alum
Hospitality Co-Chair
Sheila Coogan
RN, MSN
Awards and Scholarships
Sheila Coogan
RN, MSN
Community Liaison