By: Lauren McRae

Nurses Week, which traditionally runs from May 6-12, looks a little different this year as NorthShore and other healthcare providers respond to COVID-19. This unusually challenging time, however, underscores the expert and compassionate care provided by nurses every day at NorthShore.

In fact, the World Health Organization declared 2020 to be the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife” in celebration of the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale (1820–1910). Additionally, the American Nurses Association will celebrate nurses for the entire month of May.

One particularly moving story of extraordinary nursing in the time of COVID-19 recently came from Rochel Cutler, whose 80-year-old sister, Marilyn Cloch, was cared for at Glenbrook Hospital by a nursing team that included Mary Elizabeth McDonough.

“Marilyn was only alive for 24 hours after being admitted to Glenbrook in critical condition, and Mary Elizabeth made sure Marilyn’s sons and I were able to talk with her on the phone and say goodbye. We had the chance to tell her how much we love her,” recalled Cutler. “Mary Elizabeth stayed with Marilyn, holding her hand until she passed away. It was heartbreaking for us, but so beautiful and comforting to know that she had a caring person by her side as she passed. We will be forever grateful to Mary Elizabeth and NorthShore nurses.”

“As we respond to COVID-19, this is truly an exceptional time in nursing. However, it’s important to note that every day, NorthShore nurses across our system provide exceptional and compassionate care to our patients, whom we are all privileged to serve,” said NorthShore’s Chief Nursing Officer John Tressa. “To all of our nurses at NorthShore, we say thank you!”