Nursing at Loyola Medicine

Loyola Medicine is a regional, academic health system based in Chicago’s western suburbs and a member of Trinity Health, one of nation’s largest Catholic health systems. Our system includes Loyola University Medical Center, a nationally ranked academic medical center with 547 licensed beds in Maywood; Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, a 254-bed community hospital in Melrose Park; MacNeal Hospital, a 374-bed community hospital in Berwyn.

Loyola University Medical Center offers nursing experiences in cardiac care and vascular medicine, digestive health, oncology, neurosciences, pediatrics, neonatology, burn and trauma, surgery, urology, orthopaedics and many other specialties. Gottlieb Memorial Hospital is a Level II Trauma Center that offers nursing experiences in acute inpatient rehab, hematology/oncology, orthoaedics, urology, general surgery, and more. MacNeal Hospital is a Level II Trauma Center and a fully accredited teaching hospital offering nursing experiences in behavioral health, oncology, heart and vascular, orthopaedics, stroke, urology, rehabilitation services and more.

Nurses who prefer the outpatient setting can choose to work at one of our 22 off-campus health centers, at either of our two ambulatory surgery centers or our imaging center, all located throughout the Chicago’s western suburbs.

At Loyola, all of our nurses have advancement opportunities; we provide professional development opportunities and promote leaders from within. Loyola offers competitive salaries and benefits, including tuition reimbursement for degreed programs at Loyola University Chicago, including the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing.

We invite you to discover the Loyola culture. Loyola is a place where we value respect and cooperation and treat patients and each other with care and concern. Because of this, we have one of the lowest turnover rates for nursing in the United States.

ANCC Magnet® Designation

Loyola University Medical Center has received a three-time Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This distinction is the highest honor for nursing excellence and a testament to the quality of care nurses provide to patients every day. MacNeal and Gottlieb are on the Magnet® Journey. MacNeal will submit for a first time designation in February 2024 and Gottlieb will submit for a first time designation in early 2025.

The Magnet application process is a true team effort involving extensive preparation and involvement from staff in all areas of the health system. Congratulations to our nurses on this tremendous accomplishment!

In support of nursing excellence, all three Loyola Medicine hospitals have nursing professional governance structures. This is an evidence-based professional practice process designed to promote shared decision-making and foster a culture of accountability to support excellence in patient care.

New Graduate Program

The New Graduate Nurse Residency Program at Loyola Medicine gives new nurses the opportunity to expand their knowledge base in a nurturing environment and receive support during the first year in their profession. Our new graduate nursing residency is a 12-month, cohort-based, program for nurses with under 12 months nursing experience.

The program uses evidence-based criteria to create a framework for helping new nurses develop the knowledge, skills and competency to be successful in practice. It provides the foundation for professional development for nurses early in their career. The program also enables the hospital to illustrate its commitment to helping graduates succeed in their careers and retain them as long-term employees.

We are pleased to announce Loyola Medicine's New Graduate Nurse Residency Program received accreditation as a Practice Transition Program by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Program in May 2023.

Clinical Advancement Program

The Clinical Ladder program at Loyola Medicine is inclusive of clinical nurses at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, Loyola University Medical Center, MacNeal Hospital, and our Ambulatory settings. The Clinical Ladder recognizes and rewards nurses for ongoing learning and development, a contribution to nursing practice and a commitment to improving the professional performance of nursing as a profession.

The limitless growth potential of every nurse is valued and supported. MacNeal Hospital recruits and retains professional nurses who contribute to the achievement of quality patient outcomes.

LUMC Nursing Executive Team

Timothy M. Carrigan, PhD, RN, Regional Chief Nursing Officer

Dr. Timothy Carrigan is the Regional Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Loyola Medicine. Loyola University Medical Center is a 547 bed, three time designated Magnet® designated, academic medical center, located in Maywood IL just west of Chicago. The medical center serves as a regional academic health system, and is home to Illinois' largest burn center, the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, a Level I Trauma Center, and the William G. and Mary A. Ryan Center for Heart & Vascular Medicine. Additionally, Dr. Carrigan is a clinical assistant professor of nursing at Loyola University's Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing.

Prior to serving at Loyola, Tim was the chief administrative officer (CAO) for the Rush University System for Health’s Heart & Vascular Institutes. As the CAO Tim was accountable and responsible for the system level executive leadership of heart and vascular strategy, program development, finances, and daily operations. Additionally, Tim served as the associate vice president (AVP) of nursing at Rush University Medical Center. Earlier in his career, Tim held leadership roles at both Advocate Aurora Health and the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System.

Tim has presented and published on a variety of topics, including leadership talent management and development, as well as the connection between quality, safety, and the patient experience. Tim is the immediate past-president of the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders and an active member of both the American Organization of Nurse Leaders and the American College of Healthcare Executives. He was also a board member for Heartland Alliance Health from 2017 to 2021.

Tim holds national certification as a nurse executive (NEA-BC) and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). Tim has received the Chicago Health Executive Forum (ACHE Chapter) Early Career Healthcare Executive award, the Illinois Nurses Foundation Top 40 under 40 nurse leader award, and is a Chicago Crain's Notable LGBTQ Executive. Tim received a PhD in nursing sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a BSN in nursing from Millikin University.

Teresa Rasmussen, Executive Director Clinical Operations Inpatient Services

Teresa R. Rasmussen, DNP, RN, SCRN, CNML, Executive Director Clinical Operations Inpatient Services has 20+ years of progressive health care experience, and is skilled at leadership, program management, process streamlining, and resource coordination. She has a strong drive to enhance the quality of health care delivery across diverse environments and a particular interest in developing methods to improve patient safety while increasing efficiency. Teresa has presented locally, nationally, and internationally on topics such as simulation-based education, in-hospital fall prevention strategies, and ethical challenges in the neurosciences patient population.

Teresa earned her DNP degree at Georgetown University, has an MSN in Health Systems Management with a subspecialty in Outcomes Performance Management from Loyola University Chicago, and has earned three Nursing Excellence Awards in the categories of Coach/Mentor, Nurse Leader, and Leading to Excellence.

Tracie Shelton, Executive Director of Clinical Operations Women's and Children's Services

Tracie Shelton Executive Director of Clinical Operations Women's and Children's Services has a wide array of experiences in perinatal services. Clinical experience includes level 2 and level 3 bedside care at community, teaching and academic organizations, providing labor support and post- partum care.

Leadership experiences includes oversight of obstetrical units, neonatal intensive care units, general pediatrics and pediatric intensive care units. Positions held are manager, director and system director prior to current role as executive director. Currently pursuing a doctoral degree in ethical leadership.

Previous member of the Northwest Indiana Fetal-Infant Mortality Review Committee established to target high infant mortality rates in the geographical area. Participation on Trauma informed care workshop in Indiana and in Illinois.

Tommy Starr, Executive Director of Clinical Operations for Inpatient Services

Tommy Starr is an Executive Director of Clinical Operations for Inpatient Services at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. Starr is Adjunct Faculty at the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing at Loyola University Chicago. He has been a nurse for over 18 years in various nursing roles from Critical-Care to formal leadership (at Rush University Medical Center and NorthShore University Health System).

He has completed his Doctor of Nursing Practice in Transformative Systems Leadership and his Master of Science in Nursing with a Clinical Nurse Leadership focus at Rush University. Dr. Starr holds his board certifications as a Nurse Executive Advanced, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Critical Care Registered Nurse.

Chad Thompson, Executive Director of Perioperative and Procedural Services

Chad Thompson, Executive Director of Perioperative and Procedural Services 20+ year nursing career includes progressive leadership over multiple areas, such as emergency, cardiovascular, and procedural services, as well as ambulatory operations, care management, and utilization review. Chad has led programmatic growth, nurse engagement and retention, and charge capture.

In addition to his role, he also serves as the current president of the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders and as an adjunct faculty member at Northern Illinois University. He holds national board certifications as a nurse executive and as a Fellow through the American College of Healthcare Executives. Chad earned his undergraduate nursing degree (BSN) from Mennonite College of Nursing, and a doctoral degree (DNP) from Capella University.

Nicole Wynn, Manager of Nursing Excellence & Magnet Program Director

Nicole Wynn, DNP, RN-BC, Manager of Nursing Excellence and Magnet Program Director, has over 10 years of health care experience, with the last 5 in nursing leadership. She has been with Loyola University Medical Center since March 2020. She graduated with her DNP from Rush University's System Leadership program.

Dr. Wynn is passionate about working with nurses to advance their careers, develop professionally and recognizing nurses for their dedication and hard-work. Dr. Wynn is also the co-founder of The Surplus Project.

Tara Yurinich, Executive Director of Emergency & Patient Care Services

Tara Yurinich, Executive Director of Emergency & Patient Care Services has a nursing career that spans over 20 years with leadership roles over a variety of areas, which include the Emergency Department, Observation Unit, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant. In addition, ancillary areas that include EMS and Trauma Programs, Regional Bed Placement, Nursing Supervisors, PICC Services, and Ambulatory Care. Tara has managed high volume areas and has implemented effective plans aimed at improving quality and patient experience.

Tara has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Loyola University. She received her Associate Degree in Nursing from the College of DuPage and her Master of Science from Aurora University.

Gottlieb Nursing Executive Team

Claire Hitchcock, MSN, RN, CMSRN, Director of Inpatient Nursing and Emergency Services

Claire Hitchcock, MSN, RN, CMSRN – Director of Inpatient Nursing and Emergency Services at Loyola Gottlieb Memorial Hospital (GMH). Claire completed her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and her Masters of Science in Nursing with a leadership and management focus from Olivet Nazarene University. Claire started her role at GMH in August of 2022. As a nurse leader, she believes in servant leadership and prioritizes the growth and well-being of her colleagues and organization. Claire is dedicated to quality patient care and serving her communities.

Jessica Brown MSN, RN, Director of Perioperative Services and Procedural Areas

Jessica graduated from Lewis University in May of 2022 with my Master's in Healthcare Systems Leadership. Jessica has been a nurse since October 2003. She started in leadership roles in 2009, starting as a charge/assistant manager at a small community hospital in Sonoma County, Ca. Since then, she has worked in a few different acute care settings as a staff nurse, then as a patient care leader, and finally as assistant clinical manager for a float pool. In November 2020, Jessica returned to Loyola Medicine as manager of SDS, PACU, and PAT for Gottlieb. Jessica is now the director of perioperative services and procedural areas.

Kristi Werth, MSN, RN, NE-BC, OCN, Manager of Nursing Excellence and Magnet Program Director

Kris completed her BSN from Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN and her MSN with an education focus from Chamberlain College of Nursing. Kris began her career at Loyola Medicine in 2016 as a hospital educator at LUMC, and transitioned in to her current position in 2021. Kris believes in empowering our nurses to work at the top scope of their license(s), and one way she strives to do this is by always encouraging professional development and participation in shared governance opportunities.

MacNeal Nursing Executive Team

Jennifer Scheeringa MSN, RN-BC, ACM, CENP, Chief Nursing Officer, Regional Vice President Case Management & Utilization Management

Jennifer has a passion for nursing practice that addresses both the heart and science of care delivery. She believes in creating an environment that promotes nursing autonomy and professional practice and a great place for patients to receive care. Jennifer spent the first 20 years of her career as a bedside nurse and has been in progressive leadership positions over the past 15 years. Jennifer joined Loyola Medicine in March of 2020 and is currently serving as the Chief Nursing Officer for Loyola MacNeal Hospital and the Regional VP for Care Management. She is a graduate of Joliet Jr. College, received her BSN from Elmhurst College, and her MSN from Benedictine University. She holds specialty nursing certifications as CENP (Certified Executive Nursing Practice) and as an ACM-RN (Accredited Nurse Case Manager).

Jennifer Greneier, DNP, RN, CENP, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, Regional Executive Director of Behavioral Health Services

Jennifer graduated with her Doctorate in System Leadership from Rush University in 2017. She is board certified in executive nursing practice from the American Organization of Nurse Leaders. Jennifer presides over the strategic planning, care coordination and staff oversight for clinicians in Women's and Children's Services, Rehab Services and Behavioral Health regionally. She is passionate about addressing food insecurity in our community and is the founder of The Surplus project, packaging surplus food from hospital cafeterias and donating to local homeless shelters.

Sandra Oestmann, MSN, RN, CNML, Director of Inpatient Nursing

Sandy graduated with her Master's Degree in Nursing Administration and Leadership from Aspen University. She is a board certified nurse leader through the American Organization of Nurse Leaders. She has held a variety of nursing leadership roles over the past decade and is currently leading the growth and development of the inpatient acute care units. Her passion is mentoring nurse leaders to achieve their full potential. She is committed to serving in the community hospital setting and focuses on creating teams that represent and reflect the community it serves to ensure that all people have access to quality healthcare.

Blaine Stringer, MSN, RN, NE-BC, CEN, Director of ER and Cardio-Diagnostic Services

In his 27-year career, Blaine has had a variety of career experiences from staff nurse, Administrative Nurse Manager of an Emergency and Level-I Trauma Center; Trauma and Burn Coordinator, Unit Director of a Medical Intensive Care Unit and Director of Inpatient Services. As a graduate of University of St. Francis in Joliet Illinois with his MSN in Nursing Administration, Blaine has combined his education and experience to best support the staff and patients on the Emergency Center at MacNeal Hospital.

Renee Scheier, MSN, RN, CMSRN, Manager of Nursing Excellence and Magnet Program Director

Renee graduated with a Master's Degree in Healthcare Systems Leadership from Lewis University in 2021. She is board certified in medical-surgical nursing from the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses. Her nursing background includes a variety a practice settings and leadership roles. She is passionate about nursing professional governance and promoting excellence and autonomy among clinical nurses.

Julie Knowles, MSN, RN, CENP, Director of Perioperative Services, Cath Lab and Interventional Radiology

Julie has been a nurse for over forty years. She started her career as a diploma graduate and now holds a Master's Degree in the Science of Nursing (MSN). She is board certified in executive nursing practice from the American Organization of Nurse Leaders. Julie's love is the operating room. Presently she is the director of all things surgery and recently added the Cath Lab and IR to her repertoire.

Nursing Roles at Loyola Medicine

Loyola Medicine is an employer of choice for nurses in the Chicagoland area. As the recipient of Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), we strive to offer compassionate care in a variety of support service fields.

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