I Am an OSF Nurse Testimonials
Why I Give: Joseph Cook
Position: Patient Safety Program Manager
Department: Nursing Quality and Safety
Location: Ministry Headquarters
I have been a Mission Partner for 21 years, starting as a patient care technician in 2003 and becoming a registered nurse in 2008. I currently work as the nursing patient safety program manager in the Nursing Quality and Safety department, where I help develop, implement and monitor ministrywide nursing patient safety initiatives.
I give back to the OSF HealthCare Foundation because I believe in the OSF Mission of serving with the greatest care and love. I have been in situations in my life where I was in need and benefited from the kindness of loved ones, friends and strangers. As soon as I was in a place where I could give back and be that person others could rely on for help, it was a no-brainer for me.
Giving back means being a part of something bigger than myself. It means being a steward of the resources and gifts that God has entrusted to me. It means being a role model and an inspiration to others who may want to join the OSF family or support our Mission.
I hope my generosity will lead others to give by showing them the impact and value of their contributions. I hope they will see how giving can enrich their lives and the lives of those they serve. I hope they will feel joy and fulfillment in being a part of the OSF community.
Giving back is important because it fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility. It allows individuals to contribute to the greater good and can create a ripple effect of generosity and kindness.
The OSF Mission means so much to me. It is why I chose to work at OSF HealthCare and continue to serve with dedication and enthusiasm. The Mission shapes my decisions and actions as a nurse and a leader. It is the source of my strength and motivation in times of challenge and change. It is the expression of my faith and my commitment to serve God and His people.
I enjoy and love working at OSF HealthCare because of its culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration. I am constantly learning and growing as a professional and as a person. I am surrounded by amazing colleagues who share the same values and goals. I am empowered to make a difference and contribute meaningfully to the Mission.
Being an OSF nurse is a privilege and a responsibility. It is more than a profession; it is a calling. I am proud and honored to be an OSF nurse and to have the opportunity to serve patients and Mission Partners with the greatest care and love in many different ways.
Why I Give: Beth Carson, EdD, RN, CNE
Position: Dean for Undergraduate Affairs
Location: Saint Anthony College of Nursing
I have taught at Saint Anthony College of Nursing since January 1993. Before that, I worked at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center from October 1987 to June 1991. I am the dean for Undergraduate Affairs
I have educated a number of nurses who now work at OSF Saint Anthony. I know the value of education and also the value of being a nurse. Nursing is a great profession with so many opportunities.
OSF has been very good to me. Through tuition reimbursement, OSF paid for my Master of Science and Doctor of Education degrees many years ago.
I hope to be a role model for others wanting to give back. The size of the gift is not what matters. Small gifts from many add up to big gifts.
The OSF Mission to serve others with the greatest care and love is evident in our everyday work. It is a way I try to live in my interactions with students, faculty, staff and patients.
I love seeing brand new students blossom into confident graduates that are ready to explore the profession.
Why I Give: Jennifer Croland
Position: Chief Nursing Officer, Vice President Patient Care Services
Department: Hospital Administration
Location: OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center
I’ve been a Mission Partner for 26 years. I started volunteering in high school as a candy striper and then went to college at the Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing. If I count those years, I am at 34 years of service. However, I joke that my connection to OSF HealthCare started long before that because my parents met in the cafeteria at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center. My mom was a nurse, and my dad worked in maintenance. I likely wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for OSF.
I give to the I Am an OSF Nurse fund because of the investment that OSF has made in my career and professional development over the years. Thanks to educational benefits, such as tuition reimbursement, I was able to return to school to get both my master’s and my doctorate in nursing. However, I have also been mentored by hundreds of amazing OSF nurses over the years, and I wouldn’t be where I am if not for all of them who helped influence and shape me as a nurse.
I come from a family with many OSF nurses, and all of us have excelled in our careers at OSF because of the support of our Ministry. Four of us have a combined total of nearly 150 years of nursing experience at OSF. I want to continue to provide opportunities to other OSF nurses to grow both personally and professionally in their nursing careers while at OSF just as my family has done.
Knowing that OSF nurses are supporting other OSF nurses’ passions may fuel your desire to help others’ dreams to come true as their dreams have.
Donating to the I Am an OSF Nurse fund provides OSF nurses with the opportunity to make a difference in our community, which only benefits myself and my family both now and in the future.
Our Mission provides me the reason for coming to work every day as it is my true north. Everyone deserves to receive exceptional health care at the time they need it. Providing that care with compassion and love allows our Mission Partners to show God’s love to our patients.
The health care and nursing landscape is constantly evolving, and there are new challenges constantly. I love solving problems, so it is a great fit!
Several OSF Saint Francis nurses doing amazing things in the community have had their passions supported because of donations like mine. I love to see those people and find out how the funds have helped take their passion and commitment to the nursing profession to the next level.