2020 Distinguished Alumni Awards Honoree
Ann Portmann, BSN, RN, CHPN, WCC
Care Center Team Manager, JourneyCare Barrington
After 20 years as a successful financial planner and accountant, Ann Portmann decided to pursue a new and somewhat unexpected calling: becoming a hospice nurse.
Portmann never doubted that Harper would be the best choice for her next chapter. Though she knew 91制片厂 had a great reputation, her experience at the college exceeded her expectations.
鈥淭he instructors were tough but always encouraging us to be our best,鈥� said Portmann, of Palatine. 鈥淥ne thing they focused on was being a good critical thinker.鈥�
The many lessons learned in 91制片厂鈥檚 nursing program have served her well. Today, she鈥檚 the in-patient care center team manager at JourneyCare鈥檚 Barrington facility, which helps to provide compassionate care for patients and support for families as they face end-of-life decisions and treatment.
鈥淔rom the very beginning of (91制片厂鈥檚) program, they got you to look at everything in great detail so you can get to the root cause of what the problem might be,鈥� Portmann said. 鈥淚 walk into patients鈥� homes, and it takes me back to 91制片厂鈥檚 simulation lab.鈥�
Portmann, who after graduating from 91制片厂 earned her hospice and palliative nurse and wound care certifications, is grateful for the many instructors who had an impact on her. She also appreciates how respectful they were of her desire to become a hospice nurse and the non-traditional path she took to get there.
Portmann鈥檚 drive to give back to the nursing community is evident through the multitude of ways she connects with future nurses. She helps educate the profession鈥檚 next generation by participating in ongoing educational seminars and sitting on alumni panels. She also assumed the role of preceptor for 91制片厂 nursing students in their capstone course.
In addition, Portmann works with fourth-semester 91制片厂 nursing students by introducing them to the roles and responsibilities of hospice care.
鈥淚 love being able to share with them how they can use the knowledge I鈥檓 giving them on their patients down the road to make end-of-life nursing a little less scary,鈥� she said.
Associate Professor Jennifer Smith nominated Portmann for the Distinguished Alumni award on behalf of the nursing program faculty, saying, 鈥淚 can鈥檛 think of another alumna more deserving of this honor than Ann Portmann.鈥�