CHICAGO – Just three weeks before getting married, Annesley Clark (they/them/theirs) had to cancel their wedding. The 33-year-old from Chicago, Ill., had a life-threatening infection and a mass growing on their heart. Clark needed open-heart surgery right away.  

Because of the infection, the risks from surgery increased significantly and their outcome was uncertain. Clark and their partner, Christine Corso (they/them/theirs), were determined to say their vows before it was too late. 

The nursing staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital had formed a special bond with the couple and despite not having much time, they pulled together a wedding in less than 24 hours.   

“Annesley is one of the most positive people I have ever met and constantly uplifts others,” said Tien Mai, a clinical nurse on 11W Feinberg at Northwestern Memorial. “They asked if it was possible to have a wedding the next day before surgery, and the moment I heard that, I made all the calls necessary. From blowing up balloons at the nurses' station to safely preparing them to walk down the aisle, my whole team made all the details perfect. Seeing Annesley smile as they walked down the aisle was the best feeling.” 

On October 9, one day before heart surgery, the nurses transformed the hospital waiting room into a wedding venue with balloons, decorations, flowers, and a makeshift altar. Clark’s close family, friends, and dozens of hospital staff gathered to celebrate their big day. 

“I am so grateful for the care that I’ve received from these doctors and nurses,” said Clark. “I have spent more than a third of the past 15 months at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Many of the nurses at our hospital wedding were invited to our planned wedding in November. We’ve built such a great relationship with these people, and I have come to feel so cared for and seen by them. They’ve seen me in times that are really rough and scary, and I’m so glad they got to witness the enormity of the joy today.” 

A race against the clock 

The wedding allowed Clark and Corso to enjoy a few hours of bliss during an otherwise unnerving time. While most couples look ahead to a honeymoon on their wedding night, Clark was preparing for open heart surgery.  

Benjamin Bryner, MD, a cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, says he normally opts for a minimally invasive way to operate, but in Clark’s case, the mass on their heart was too big. Despite the infection and a suppressed immune system making Clark a poor candidate, open heart surgery was the only option.  

“We wanted to get this mass out as quickly as we could because we were worried about a bloodstream infection,” said Dr. Bryner. “The infection was not going to go away until we got the mass out. We have to try not to disturb other structures, and we don’t want pieces of the mass to break off and get sent to other parts of the body. So, we settled on opening the heart up and taking the mass out directly. The safest way to do that was through cardiopulmonary bypass, which is like a safety net that cardiac surgeons build for themselves. That allowed us to open the heart and salvage all of the blood that was coming out. We could then see this mass really clearly, lift it out of the heart, and then close it back up. Everything went very smoothly just like we had hoped.” 

Clark underwent surgery on October 10 and the mass was successfully removed. They spent a few weeks recovering in the hospital and are now enjoying their new married life with a healing heart.

The newlyweds are looking forward to their first holiday season as a married couple, with a lot to be thankful for.

To learn more about heart surgery and other cardiac treatments, visit nm.org.  

Palos Heights, IL - Trinity Christian College and Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital are proud to announce an innovative and mutually beneficial nursing program that creates a pipeline for future nursing employment at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital and furthers Trinity’s commitment to alleviating student debt. At the official signing event on November 14, 2024, at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, leaders from both institutions and the inaugural cohort of three current junior students in the Trinity nursing program were present.

“We are honored and excited to collaborate with Northwestern Medicine. It demonstrates powerfully the way that cooperation across sectors can have compelling and positive outcomes for students, two anchor institutions, and for the educational and healthcare outcomes of the communities we serve,” said President of Trinity Christian College, Dr. Aaron Kuecker. “I am grateful for the vision and commitment of our colleagues at Northwestern Medicine for their incredible collaboration – and I am eager to see the ways we can deepen this shared work.”

“The department of nursing at Trinity Christian is excited to be able to directly connect Trinity students with NM Palos Hospital to provide excellent care right here in Palos Heights,” said Dr. Tina Decker, professor or nursing and chair of the nursing department, Trinity Christian College.  “We are proud of the care our nursing students and graduates provide and are thrilled about the new and expanded opportunities this sponsored degree program offers.”

The collaboration, which launched in the fall of 2024, secures Northwestern Medicine and Trinity’s commitments to enhancing their local communities. This foundational collaboration includes Northwestern Medicine funding the final two years of tuition for this initial cohort of students and hosting all available clinical rotations for the students at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. This unique opportunity offers Trinity students extensive experience in a world-class health system. In exchange, upon degree completion, Trinity-sponsored nurses will commit to three years of employment at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital in any available inpatient unit.

“Northwestern Medicine is committed to deepening relationships within our community, and it is an honor to collaborate with Trinity Christian College to provide clinical and financial support for local students pursuing a career in nursing,” said Mike Vivoda, president, Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital. “Nursing plays such a critical role in our health system, and we look forward to continuing to find innovative ways to offer opportunities for those interested in nursing to pursue their dreams.”  

Alongside the benefits of ending reliance on student debt for Trinity students and the commitment to mutual good in the community, this collaboration creates a sustainable pipeline of top talent for Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital.  Through this forward-thinking approach to nursing education and workforce development, Trinity Christian College and Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital are fostering unique collaboration in higher education and healthcare.

“Our commitment to deepening workforce pipelines for nursing through enhanced community relationships is a high priority for Northwestern Medicine,” said Kristin Ramsey, MSN, MPPM, RN, chief nursing officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare.  “These efforts in conjunction with providing thoughtful, innovative nursing education models is helping to create a very strong future for our nurses, who are essential in serving our patients with the highest level of care.”

By investing in the future of healthcare professionals while alleviating the financial burden on students, both institutions are setting a precedent for innovative educational models that prioritize community needs and professional growth. Together, they are addressing the urgent demand for skilled nurses and cultivating a generation of healthcare leaders dedicated to serving their community with excellence and compassion.

About Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital

With 425 licensed beds and more than 600 affiliated physicians, Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, located in Palos Heights, Illinois, serves the city’s south and southwest suburbs. Palos Hospital offers advanced technology in a scenic, healing environment. Accredited by The Joint Commission, Palos Hospital is continually recognized as a premier healthcare provider by healthcare rating systems.

For more information, please go to nm.org.

About Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College, based in Palos Heights, Ill., is an accredited Christian liberal arts college offering more than 70 programs through bachelor's, master's, and adult degree completion courses of study. Founded in 1959, the College is a community of Christian scholarship committed to shaping lives and transforming culture. U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Trinity among the Top Regional Colleges—Midwest and named a Top Value in the Midwest.

To learn more, visit trnty.edu.

CHICAGO – MAY 6, 2024 – Patient care technicians (PCTs) are essential health care workers who assist and support registered nurses in all aspects of patient care activities such as personal hygiene, transporting, taking vital signs, answering call buttons, and more. In August 2021, with health care workers facing burn out and exhaustion from the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwestern Medicine had a large number of PCT job openings, leading to a shortage of qualified professionals to provide nursing care support. At Northwestern Medicine, PCTs are required to have a certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification upon hire. To address the internal vacancies, the organization needed a creative solution. What if they created, offered and taught their own CNA training program accessible to all employees at no cost?

The Basic Nursing Assistant Training Program was launched in 2022 not only to help fill the PCT vacancies, but to bridge training gaps for employees interested in health care careers. Northwestern Medicine created the program for employees who may be working in nonclinical roles such as food services, EVS/housekeeping, and security – but want a path to nursing. It’s available to all Northwestern Medicine employees with tuition supported by the organization. For the first time, external candidates are also welcome to apply with a payment plan available.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for nursing assistants and registered nurses will continue to increase as Baby Boomers age and the need for health care grows. From 2022-2032, employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 4% with 209,400 openings each year, and employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% with 193,100 openings each year. Illinois will face a shortage of nearly 15,000 registered nurses by 2025, according to a 2020 workforce report prepared by the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center.

Tacora Love, a Northwestern Medicine program director and nurse educator who helped create the Basic Nursing Assistant (BNA) Training Program curriculum, says the program can serve as an introduction to a variety of careers in health care to help address the nursing shortage.

 “What’s really great about this program is that once you get your CNA certification, it can help you become a patient care technician at Northwestern Medicine and even set you up for a nursing education in the long run. On top of that, most students don’t have to worry about the financial or time barriers that might come with programs like this outside of Northwestern Medicine,” said Love. “I’m really proud of the program we’ve built, and I truly believe it can be replicated at health systems across the country to help create a pipeline to nursing that will assist with the impending nursing shortage.” 

The 16-week training program takes place on Fridays at Northwestern Memorial Hospital with instruction in classroom, lab, and clinical settings. The instruction team works with the students’ managers to accommodate student schedules.

For employees like Kiana Smith, the BNA Training Program has been life-changing. Two years ago, she walked into Northwestern Memorial to make sandwiches at Panera Bread, then took a job as a security guard in the emergency department. Being around patients made Smith realize she wanted to work on the clinical side, and she enrolled in the BNA Training Program. After graduating in February, Smith passed the CNA exam and now works as a patient care tech on a general medicine floor at Northwestern Memorial.

“I have a passion for caring for people and my next step is nursing school,” said Smith. “I’ve always had plenty of jobs, but never a career. I’m here today thanks to hard work, determination, and this amazing program through Northwestern Medicine. My career is just getting started and I’m excited for the future.”

The BNA Training Program is approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health and is part of the NM Academy & NM Clinical Schools and Programs. Upon program completion, students are then eligible to take the Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Certification Exam and once they pass the exam, they can get hired as a patient care technician and even go on to nursing school. Most nursing programs require students to have a CNA certificate. 

For more information or to register for the program, visit clinicalschools.nm.org.

Recent graduate stories:

Kiana Smith – She started making sandwiches at the Panera Bread inside Northwestern Memorial Hospital, then transitioned to security services and enrolled in the BNA Training Program. After graduating in February, she now works as a patient care technician on a general medicine floor at Northwestern Memorial, and her next step is nursing school. Smith is a single mom who told her 7-year-old son at February’s graduation ceremony, “Allow no one to limit you by putting you in a box. If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.”

Austin Garcia – He started his career as a health unit coordinator in the ICU at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and after graduating from the BNA Training Program in February, Garcia’s now working on the same floor – but as a patient care technician. At graduation, Garcia told his classmates, “It’s not about the speed, it’s about the direction. I knew this program was the catalyst to the career I deserved.”

Katie O’Neill – She’s a member of Project SEARCH at NM, which helps young people with disabilities make successful transitions to adult life, and she volunteers with the Special Olympics. While the BNA Training Program was challenging for O’Neill, it reflects the inclusivity of the class. After graduating in February, she passed the CNA exam on her first attempt and is currently working as a nursing support specialist at Central DuPage Hospital. O’Neill hopes to go to nursing school and ultimately work with children and infants. “My advice for future BNA students is to make friends with your classmates and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Fight through the hard days and you’ll be glad you did.”  

Isaac Woodson – He started working in housekeeping at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, but his goal was to eventually work in a clinical position. Isaac wanted to provide a better life for his wife and their new baby, so he enrolled in the BNA Training Program and graduated in February. Isaac recently started working as a patient care technician at Lake Forest.

Kaiya Person – She specifically came to Northwestern Medicine for the BNA Training Program. Person wants to become a nurse but wasn’t sure how to pay for it, so she took a job as a patient service representative with Northwestern Medicine’s immediate care centers. After graduating in February, Kaiya accepted a job as a patient care technician with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and is taking her final prerequisites for nursing school which she plans to enroll in for the fall semester. “To my knowledge, there isn’t another CNA program in Chicago that is free for employees and only meets one day per week. While the class itself can be challenging, enrolling in the program allowed me to continue my education, gain knowledge and build skills in a clinical role while making lasting connections across the Northwestern Medicine system.”

CHICAGO, IL – February 13, 2024 – February is Heart Month, a time when people are encouraged to focus on heart health. But what happens when the heart stops? Inside the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the nurses are going above and beyond with a simple gesture that involves a “heartbeat in a bottle.”

In the summer of 2023, Northwestern Medicine clinical nurses Hira Malik and Lydia Hillary were caring for a patient who was actively dying. The patient had been in the MICU for several days, and the patient’s family was extremely grateful for everything the nurses were doing. As the patient was nearing their final breath, Malik remembered something she learned in nursing school called “heartbeat in a bottle,” where the patient’s last few steady heartbeats from the EKG machine are printed off, placed in a glass bottle, and a name tag is attached with ribbon.

“In the ICU, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw death much more frequently, and a lot of the deaths were lonely due to visitor restrictions at the time,” said Malik. “I remember thinking, now that family is able to come and be with loved ones, is there anything we can give them to remember them by?”

At the time, Malik and Hillary didn’t have a glass bottle or ribbon on hand, so they improvised and used a clean, empty pill bottle, along with the strings from a surgical mask to attach a name tag. They gave the “heartbeat in a bottle” to the patient’s spouse who was extremely grateful for the gesture, and it offered closure to the patient’s family. 

“The family really enjoyed it and gave Hira a hug when she presented it to them,” said Hillary. “A lot of times, the ICU can be a scary place for patients and their loved ones. That’s one of our main roles as ICU nurses, is to help walk our patients and their families through this transition.”

Khalilah Gates, MD, a pulmonary and critical care specialist in the MICU, noticed Malik and Hillary’s kind gesture. Dr. Gates spoke with other physicians on the unit, and they agreed to purchase the necessary supplies for “heartbeat in a bottle” so the nurses could continue doing it for families in the future.

“Our nurses are really the heart and soul of what we do here in the MICU, in fact, they’re what critical care medicine is all about,” said Dr. Gates, who is part of the Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute. “The nurses are always at the bedside, taking care of patients and interacting with families during some of the darkest moments. ‘Heartbeat in a bottle’ demonstrates the empathy and sympathy our nurses have during the transition from life to death, which is very important.”

To date, the MICU nurses have created approximately three dozen “heartbeat in a bottle” keepsakes with the new supplies, which includes glass bottles, purple name tags and string. 

“There have been so many beautiful memories, but one that stands out, is when we presented a ‘heartbeat in a bottle’ to a patient’s family, and they were so moved by the keepsake that they requested ten more bottles for the rest of their family,” said Hillary. “It helps me to know that the family of my patient will remember the care their loved one received during those final moments.”

“No two deaths are ever the same, and from an ICU nursing perspective, we want each patient to die with dignity, in the most painless manner, surrounded by familiar voices and family. It’s one of the greatest comforts we can offer them,” added Malik. “My hope is that when families look at that little keepsake, it reminds them of all the precious, happy memories that define their loved one.”

For more than 40 years, Kathy Trimble, of Winfield, has been dedicated to the most vulnerable patients – children with complex care needs. In recognition of her contributions to the nursing profession, Trimble is being honored as the National Magnet Nurse of the Year® by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

A seasoned Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Trimble was honored in the category of Exemplary Professional Practice. She helped pioneer the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Program at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital. Colleagues and patients alike laud Trimble for her compassion, integrity, and wisdom.

“We have been continuously inspired by Kathy’s dedication to maintaining close, trusting bonds with every child and family member like they were her own,” said Laura Petrando, APRN, director, outpatient pediatrics, Lurie Children’s at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital. “Her genuine passion for treating the most complex and vulnerable patients is evident in the work she does every day.”

Stacy Lazzara, of South Elgin, met Trimble on the worst day of her life. Trimble was in the room with Stacy’s family in 2018 when they learned their then two-year-old daughter Averie had cancer.

“The diagnosis was devastating, but Kathy’s eyes were warm, her experience was evident, and the tone in her voice gave us hope that maybe, somehow, we could do this,” said Stacy Lazzara. “In the five years since then, Kathy has been many things to our family: a fearless leader, a compassionate friend, a steady hand, a warm embrace, even a summer camp counselor!”

Trimble was there to celebrate alongside the Lazzara family when Averie rang the bell in 2020 to mark the end of chemotherapy treatment. Today, she plays a key role in helping Averie and her family navigate long-term survivorship.

“Kathy is not just a fantastic nurse, she’s a fantastic person. We’re endlessly grateful to know her,” said Stacy.

In addition to her compassion, Trimble has played a critical role in enhancing quality and safe patient care. She developed and continues to lead a multidisciplinary Pediatric Oncology Quality Committee. One of her efforts involved leading the implementation of an electronic chemotherapy ordering system that allows for a personalized treatment plan using evidence-based protocols.

Thanks to Trimble’s collaboration with the Emergency Department through education and execution of an algorithmic approach, excellent outcomes have been maintained for patients presenting with presumed sepsis. Another crucial responsibility has been Trimble’s regular review of all adverse events, especially encompassing chemotherapy safety.

Additionally, Trimble committed herself to successfully educating every pediatric oncology nurse at Central DuPage Hospital in providing chemotherapy while championing equal access to treatment opportunities for patients. She sits on the Internal Review Board and was instrumental in the hospital’s journey to become a Children’s Oncology Group (COG) Affiliate Member institution.

“Kathy has always demonstrated our patient’s first mission and goes above and beyond to assure the patient receives holistic care throughout their journey,” said Suzanne T. McCoy, DNP, vice president and Flinn Family Chief Nursing Executive at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital. “This strong commitment to quality, safety and our patients makes Kathy a Magnet nurse!”

The National Magnet Nurse of the Year® awards recognize the outstanding contributions of clinical nurses in each of the five Magnet® Model components: Transformational Leadership; Structural Empowerment; Exemplary Professional Practice; New Knowledge, Innovations, and Improvements; and Empirical Outcomes.  The Exemplary Professional Practice award is sponsored by EBSCO.

The award was presented during the 2023 co-located ANCC National Magnet Conference® and ANCC Pathway to Excellence Conference® in Chicago.

Recognized for nursing excellence for twenty years, Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital joins an elite group of hospitals in earning Magnet® designation for the fifth time. Fewer than 1% of the more than 6,000 hospitals in the United States have earned the designation five times or more from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Magnet recognition is the gold standard for nursing and the highest honor given by the ANCC. The Magnet program recognizes healthcare organizations for quality patient care, interprofessional collaborative practice and innovation in nursing.

“Today was certainly a highlight in my nursing career. To hear the ANCC Magnet Commissioner recognize not only our nurses, but all of our physician and ancillary partners for the patient lives they have saved because of their commitment to safety, quality, and service was truly humbling,” said Gina Reid Tinio, PhD, MPH, vice president and Flinn Family Chief Nurse Executive at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. “I am grateful for having the opportunity to work with the best caregivers on the planet.”

Hospitals voluntarily go through the ANCC’s rigorous review process to demonstrate their commitment to their patients and nurses. Each designation lasts for four years.

Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital received 10 exemplars, or examples of best practice, in areas that highlight excellence in patient satisfaction and preventing patient harm. The appraisal team highlighted initiatives to provide rapid stroke treatment and sepsis recognition.

Research demonstrates that Magnet Recognition provides specific benefits to health care organizations and their communities, including higher patient satisfaction, lower mortality risk and higher job satisfaction among nurses.

In 2004, Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital was the first non-academic facility in Illinois and the first Northwestern Medicine facility to receive Magnet designation. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital, and Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital have also received this prestigious recognition.

Learn more about the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®. 

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - The Department of Nursing at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital launched a new program for graduates of North Chicago High School attending the College of Lake County in a health care career track. The Directing Youth Navigating a Medical Career in the Community (DYNAMIC) program was created to assist graduates to pursue a degree in health sciences, receive mentoring and guidance throughout their studies, and procure employment with Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital upon graduation. Selected students receive financial assistance at the College of Lake County in one of several pre-approved health science degrees. Throughout the student’s tenure at the college, they are provided professional mentorship and exposure to the hospital. Upon graduation, the student will interview and be eligible to be hired by Northwestern Medicine. Students in the program must plan to pursue one of seven approved health sciences degrees at the College of Lake County. Those include:

• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Emergency Medical Technology
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Imaging
• Nursing
• Phlebotomy Technician
• Surgical Technology

“Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital believes that investing in local talent is critical, and a structured mentorship program helps connect individuals to build relationships, develop professionally, build skills and expertise and prepare for a legacy of strong performance and leadership,” said Karen Mahnke, Bernthal Family Chief Nurse Executive at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. “Mentorship is proven to yield benefits for mentors and mentees on both sides of the table.”

Benefits of the program include:

• Building relationships and improving collaboration
• Expanding awareness of health system
• Developing professional skills and competencies
• Advancing career potential
• Enhancing individual and organizational performance

Edgar Vergara, 19, of North Chicago, knew he wanted to join the healthcare field, so immediately applied when he learned about the opportunity at school. “I knew that I would receive more than just financial backing for college,” Vegara said. “Getting paired with a mentor in the field you want to be in is so valuable. They take you through what an average day looks like for them, and gives you an in-depth look at what they work on day-to-day. Receiving job security once school is completed also takes a huge stress off of my shoulders, and I can just focus on the actual experience, which is fantastic.”

Mark Bon, RN, of Waukegan, served as Vegara’s mentor, and works in the medical oncology unit at the hospital. He was pleased to see that there were opportunities in his community encouraging students to pursue their careers in healthcare. “I really enjoyed working with Edgar, and introducing him to what it is like to be a working nurse in a hospital setting,” said Bon. “I was able to share some of my personal experiences in both school and the workplace, and hope I’ve inspired him to seek a successful nursing career in the near future.”