Two generations of OSF nurses side by side

They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. For Tammy and Kelly Butler, this expression remains true. Tammy and her daughter Kelly are both nurses at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center.

Tammy has been a nurse for 25 years and has worked as the first assist in the OR at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center for the last eight. As a child, Kelly was with her most of the time.

“Being a single mom I couldn’t always afford a babysitter,” Tammy said. “Kelly grew up in the hospitals and nursing homes I worked at.”

Kelly helped her mother serve patients by passing out trays and wrapping silverware. Taking care of people came natural to her, and she knew she wanted to grow up and be a nurse just like her mom.

“I spent so much time at Saint Anthony’s with my mom,” Kelly said. “Whether I was coming in for a sports physical or just visiting her, I loved the feel of this hospital from the moment I walked in.”

The next generation

In 2017, Kelly graduated from the Lewis and Clark Community College nursing program, just as her mother had done years before. She now works in the Emergency Department at OSF Saint Anthony’s.

“Saint Anthony’s was the only place I wanted to be,” Kelly said. “For me, it felt like home. I didn’t apply for any other nursing jobs – I never had a second thought.”

After working here for eight years, OSF Saint Anthony’s feels like home for Tammy as well – now more than ever.

“Not only do I get to see my daughter at work, I also work with Mission Partners and doctors that I consider family,” Tammy said. “Everyone feels respected here – we are part of a team.”

OSF HealthCare believes in recognizing employees as “Mission Partners” in order to honor each person for their commitment and dedication to the Sister’s Mission of serving with the greatest care and love.

“OSF Mission Partners are the kind of people who are willing to help anyone that walks in the door at any time,” Kelly added. “To us, the patients always come first. I always want people to get that feeling of warmth that I once felt walking into this hospital as a little girl.”

Tammy was the first nurse in the Butler family, but she certainly won’t be the last.

“My youngest daughter also plans on attending nursing school at Lewis and Clark Community College just like Kelly and I,” Tammy explained. “I guess we really are a nursing family.”

Joining the team

If you are interested in joining our OSF family, nursing might be the career for you. According to national data published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for registered nurses is expected to increase 16 percent by 2024, which is faster than the national average for all other occupations.

The OSF HealthCare culture encourages growth and supports educational endeavors. Not only does OSF HealthCare provide financial support in the classroom, it offers superior on-the-job education. On-site training occurs at medical center locations and the state-of-the-art Jump Simulation & Education Center in Peoria, Illinois.

OSF HealthCare values nurses and their passion to serve those in need. When you work at OSF HealthCare, we work with you to achieve your goals.

To learn more about a nursing career at OSF HealthCare, visit osfcareers.org/nursing.

Last Updated: May 24, 2019

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