Nicole “Nikki” Fernandez, DNP, MS, RN, NEA-BC, serves as President of Endeavor Health Highland Park Hospital and Chief Nursing Officer for Endeavor Health Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park and Skokie Hospitals.
Since joining the organization in 1998 as part of NorthShore University HealthSystem, Fernandez has served in various nursing and operational leadership roles beginning at Skokie Hospital and later serving as Vice President of Nursing at Glenbrook Hospital and Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Evanston Hospital. She has been instrumental in elevating nursing collaboration, streamlining care delivery and fostering an environment where safety, compassion, and innovation thrive.
Her leadership has also supported nurse retention and engagement, fostering an inclusive and empowering culture to advance nursing practice and clinical excellence throughout the organization. Through her decades of service, she has helped shape a healthcare environment that values both expertise and personal connection.
Fernandez began her nursing career at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where she worked for nearly a decade before relocating to South Florida. While in Florida, she helped launch a private home health agency, serving as its director, and also worked as a legal nurse consultant for a medical malpractice defense firm. In 1998, Fernandez moved to Chicago with her husband of 29 years, John, making the city their permanent home.
Nikki serves on the Healthcare Foundation board for Highland Park and is an active member of the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders.
A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Fernandez earned her Associate's Degree in Nursing from the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, PA and a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from Carlow University. She pursued her Master of Science in leadership and management from North Park University and later earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Leadership from Chamberlain University and is board certified as an Advanced Nurse Executive.
While Chicago is now home, Nikki remains a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys an active lifestyle with her family. Whether working out, playing pickleball or spending time with their three sons — Maximo, Enzo, and Rocco — and three dogs — Peaches, Lola and Lucy — Nikki values the balance between family, fitness and career.
