By Lauren Cook
As the Community Nurse for SSND at Marian Village in Homer Glen, IL, I care for Sisters in Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care. I love it!
My mom was very happy when I got this job. She said, “Working so closely with Sisters will bring you closer to God because they will pray for you!”
It's true. One Sister even told me that every time I saw her. That meant a lot to me. One day, I was pulled over for speeding. I got a warning instead of a ticket. Even that I attribute to the prayers of the Sisters!
My whole family loves the Sisters. My 5-year-old daughter, Harlow, calls them “her nuns"! Her little sister is due July 4 of this year. They treat us all like family. If Harlow is sick, they understand.
They even allowed us to baptize her in the Marian Village Chapel!
The Sisters are kind and compassionate toward each other and the other residents. I have happily given my private number to them in case they need help when I am away or after regular business hours.
To me, being a nurse means “being a helper.” For example, I feel I have, in some way, helped Sister Jeanne McGue get to be 101 years old.
I do the most I can to keep our Sisters healthy. If a Sister goes to the hospital, I ask myself, “Is there something I missed?”
I take my role as seriously as I would if a family member was sick. Even on my days off, I welcome Sisters to call me and ask for my opinion. I'm also happy to call their doctor for them.
As the community ages, I see an increasing need to be more of an advocate for them. It is always a priority to see that each Sister gets the best care possible.
It is a pleasure working for Sisters. My whole family appreciates how blessed I am getting!
Lauren Cook's daughter, Harlow, with "her nuns" at Marian Village, Homer Glen, IL. Standing, L-R: Sisters Barb Bowers, Jean Phelan, Marlene Panko, Julice Bots, Lucy Giacchetti, Emily Wollschlager. Seated, L-R: Sisters Mary Margaret Murphy (now deceased), Dorothy Young, Mary Lou Henderson, Rose Cecile Espinos.
