Her Story
About Catherine
Catherine Stull is an Advanced Practice Nurse who is ANCC board certified in both Family Practice and Psychiatric-Mental Health, bringing more than four decades of healthcare experience to her patients, students, and colleagues. Since beginning her nursing career in 1985, she has built a diverse clinical background spanning critical care, recovery, pain management, cardiology, long-term care, and outpatient mental health. She currently serves as a Family Nurse Practitioner in cardiology at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, where she has practiced for the past decade, while also providing mental health and family practice medical services in nursing homes through Health Drive. In addition, Ms Stull operates a private psychiatric practice in Downers Grove, Illinois, offering medication management and counseling through Headway and Growth Therapy. Throughout her career, Ms Stull has remained deeply committed to education and lifelong learning. After transitioning from an early interest in chemical engineering to nursing, she earned three associate degrees in arts, science, and nursing, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Illinois, a master's degree in nursing management and informatics from Loyolla University, Chicago, Family Practice Nurse Practitioner certificate from Saint Louis University (Missouri) and a certificate as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from University of St Francis (Joliet , IL). She also serves as a dedicated preceptor for nurse practitioner students at Loyola University, the University of Illinois, and other nursing programs, helping prepare the next generation of advanced practice clinicians. Her commitment to mentorship has earned her the Loyola Outstanding Preceptor Award in 2022 and the University of Illinois Outstanding Preceptor Award in 2024. Currently, she is furthering her education in integrative psychiatry, exploring how mindfulness, nutrition, and vitamin optimization can complement evidence-based pharmaceutical treatments. Ms Stull is passionate about delivering compassionate, whole-person care that recognizes the close connection between physical and mental health. She believes effective healthcare extends beyond treating symptoms to addressing the underlying factors that influence wellness, while always emphasizing ethical practice, kindness, and evidence-based decision-making. An advocate for mentorship and expanding access to care, she encourages aspiring healthcare professionals to embrace lifelong learning, remain resilient through challenges, and pursue opportunities to serve underserved communities. Whether caring for veterans, supporting nursing home residents, counseling patients in private practice, or mentoring future nurse practitioners, Catherine Stull is dedicated to improving lives through clinical excellence, education, and compassionate service.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Catherine
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Throughout my career, I have continued to push forward despite challenges and skepticism from those who doubted what I could achieve. I have also been fortunate to learn from exceptional teachers, mentors, including Susan Penckofer, and dedicated colleagues whose integrity, expertise, and commitment to excellence have shaped both my personal and professional growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received was to never stop learning. Early in my career, my teachers and mentors encouraged me to continue my education beyond my initial nursing training. Their belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to pursue advanced study and continue growing professionally.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Take the time to learn about yourself, develop your skills, and build financial literacy. Continue investing in your education, even when life becomes busy with family or other responsibilities. Keep pursuing your goals because time will pass regardless, and don't be afraid to pivot when necessary. Your career journey doesn't have to be linear—there are always opportunities to grow and move forward.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges is addressing educational stratification within nursing, navigating professional and gender-related barriers, and increasing recognition of the value that Advanced Practice Registered Nurses bring to healthcare. At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities to expand access to care, embrace entrepreneurship, and continue developing innovative models that strengthen and advance the nurse practitioner profession.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are kindness, integrity, ethical practice, mentorship, and a commitment to evidence-based care. I believe in being honest, even when conversations are difficult, and in supporting others while always striving to provide compassionate, high-quality care.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.