Leadership in nursing is not just about guiding others but about paving the way for future generations to thrive in the profession. For April Odom leadership is a blend of advocacy, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the nursing community. 

Take a moment with ISAPN to celebrate and welcome April as the new president of ISAPN. 

From Pharmacy Tech to DNP

April’s journey in nursing started as a pharmacy technician, a role she worked at for six years before taking the plunge and pushing for her dream – becoming a nurse. “I’ve always wanted to be a nurse,” she recalled. Taking the leap, April worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). While balancing work and family, she pursued her education and graduated with her Associate Degree from Malcolm X College.

“As a first-generation college graduate, I always wanted to have that terminal degree,” she explained. April earned her Bachelor's Degree online from Jacksonville University. Her passion for nursing only got stronger the further she went, and she has gone on to earn her Masters and Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate from Lewis University. 

Last September April achieved another milestone. She earned her Doctorate in Nursing from Frontier Nursing University. “I've been committed to the profession of nursing, and I've loved every minute of it.”

Becoming a Leader

April’s career in rehabilitation nursing played an important role in shaping her professional path. After eight years in the field, she recognized the need for growth and transitioned into the role of an APRN. 

Her time at Masonic Hospital was particularly formative. It was here that she encountered a mentor who saw leadership potential in her long before she did. "I had the opportunity to have a great mentor who taught me how to lead a team and how to really not just be a leader, but be a part of the team," April reflected. This mentorship instilled in her the principles of leadership—collaboration, inspiration, and the empowerment of others. 

Becoming the Change She Wanted to See

April’s journey has not been without its challenges, particularly as a minority in the nursing profession. "There were often times where I was in a lot of places where I was the only one who looked like me," she shares. This lack of representation could have been a source of discouragement, but April chose to see it as an opportunity to advocate for herself and others like her.

Advocacy has become a key part of April’s career. Through her experiences, she built the confidence to not only represent herself but to pave the way for future generations of minority nurses.

"Learning over time that my voice did matter and the things that I had to say mattered and that I needed to be the representation for those who look like me," April said. 

Aprils Goals for ISAPN, and Nursing

As the President of ISAPN, April is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and representation for APRNs across Illinois. Her vision for ISAPN is rooted in the belief of uplifting and including those around her by actively seeking out and elevating voices that are often underrepresented in nursing leadership. "We have to be intentional about being inclusive," she emphasized. 

Under her leadership, ISAPN is working to create spaces where diverse voices can thrive. This includes efforts to engage the younger generations of nurses and those from minority backgrounds. April is committed to ensuring that ISAPN not only speaks for all APRNs but also reflects the diversity of the community it serves.

April’s presidency is centered around three primary goals:

1. Increasing Membership and Engagement: April is determined to boost ISAPN’s membership by demonstrating the value of the organization to APRNs across Illinois. 
   
   
2. Connecting APRNs Across Illinois: Recognizing the vastness and diversity of the state, April aims to bridge the gap between APRNs in different regions. 
   
   
3. Supporting APRN Business Owners: With the rise of APRN-owned businesses, April sees an opportunity for ISAPN to become a vital resource for these entrepreneurs. She plans to provide APRN business owners with the support they need, particularly in navigating regulations and laws that affect their practices.

Building a Legacy to Last: President of ISAPN, April Odom

April Odom’s nursing journey is an example of how the power of perseverance, education and leadership can accomplish anything. By breaking barriers, pushing for advocacy, and uplifting those around her, April has shown that anything is possible. 

As she steps into her role as President of ISAPN, April is focused on doing all she can to increase membership and support APRNs across Illinois. 

If you are an APRN looking to make a difference, join ISAPN and be part of the change led by April Odom—a leader dedicated to advancing the profession and advocating for all nurses.