Recent Nursing School Grad Works On COVID-19 Unit: Patch Hero

ORLAND PARK, IL — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Karen Cook of Orland Park, who nominated her daughter, Emily Cook:

Where the nominee lives:
Recently moved to Chicago from Orland Park

Where the person who nominated the hero lives:
Orland Park

Name of the nominee:
Emily Cook

Name of the person who nominated the hero:
Karen Cook

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:
Yes

What does the nominee do for work?:
RN working the COVID-19 floor at Rush Hospital

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?
Emily graduated from nursing school last year with her BSN, and has had a whirlwind career so far. She was hired out of nursing school to work the cardiac ICU floor, overnights at Rush Hospital in Chicago. She was brought to the COVID-19 floor about one month ago, where she presently works fearlessly. She was a little nervous when she first was placed there, but she has learned so much, and loves to tell patient recovery stories. The entire COVID-19 unit at Rush works as a team. Bells are rung when patients are discharged, and the nurses dance when patients come off ventilators. She is thankful for this wonderful opportunity to offer patient care, wherever it is needed, and she does it with a completely caring attitude.

What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:
Emily has received recognition from Rush Hospital for her exemplary friendly, caring attitude and hard work. She is someone to be proud to know.

Thank you for all you do, Emily!

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.