As we stand here today to recognize Jorlyn for her remarkable contribution to West Suburban Medical Center, I am at a loss for words. Not because she is moving on to a new adventure, but because we are losing someone who has endlessly contributed to the success and growth of the ICU. A leader, a teacher, a mentor, a guide; someone who cares with every ounce of her heart. As I round on the unit, I often stop to witness Jorlyn caring for her patients. The care and compassion she puts into every case; passion, determination, drive, quality, critical thinking; the desire to heal, it’s awe-inspiring. To know this occurred for every single patient on every single shift for 42 years is beyond extraordinary. Knowing she did it every shift for 42 years at West Suburban Medical Center is incredible.

“Our fingerprints don’t fade from the lives we touch.” – Judy Blume

The lives Jorlyn has touched go way beyond her patients and families. Everyone here today can easily say that she has touched their life in one way or another. As a mentor, a teacher, a leader, a friend, and a member of our family. The family that is built around our guiding principles of nursing.

“Let whoever is in charge keep this simple question in her head (not, how can I always do this right thing myself, but) how can I provide for this right thing to be always done?”-Florence Nightingale

Jorlyn has led our ship for 42 years and although today is our final voyage, we will continue to model that of which she has taught to us all; the true meaning of nursing. I’d like to take a moment now to share some of the thoughts of Jorlyn’s peers.

“The character of the nurse is as important as the knowledge she possesses” and these words couldn’t be any truer about Jorlyn. I have learned so much from her about nursing and how to be a nurse. Still to this day, I find myself in awe of how wonderful of a nurse she is. She was truly meant to be a nurse and anyone who has been cared for by her is so lucky. In my years working beside her, I do not think I have ever heard a patient or family have anything bad to say about her, in fact on days that she is not there I hear them asking for her or if she is there that day. Her hands have cared for so many patients over the years, and her hands speak the truth of the words: strength, love, hardworking and caring.

She is also a GREAT charge nurse. She is always fair and always there to help you when you need it. She is a leader and has taught me how to lead as a charge nurse following her footsteps. Most times than not when I get in a bind or days are crazy/hectic as charge, I always take a breather and say to myself  “what would Jorlyn do? Or how would she handle this?”

 Jorlyn is a DAISY Nurse for all her years of dedication and hard work as a nurse. She has always stayed true to herself. She has always remembered why she became a nurse and never steered away from that, especially during the pandemic. She cares so much for her patients. She is the first one to get them up from bed if they can and get them moving. I have seen her assess and lotion up the backs of many of her patients, which is something so small to us but them it means a lot, laying around and being uncomfortable. That simple act speaks volumes, especially during this time when all the simple nursing tasks/cares aren’t at the top of the list. She always advocates for patients and does whatever she can for them. She also stands up and supports her fellow co-workers and working beside her has been an honor. She is the definition of a DAISY Nurse. 

For many reasons, I have always aspired to be like Jorlyn. She is one of the most dedicated nurses I have ever met. She has a wealth of knowledge and is always willing to help. She was the one we looked up to because she was keen on doing things right, there was no slacking with her, no shortcuts. If ever I had a family member ill in the ICU, I would hope it would be someone like her taking care of them. She will be missed, and I am very grateful for all of her help throughout the years and wish her the very best.

I have worked with Jorlyn for over a year now and I feel that she is a spectacular nurse. Knowledgeable, caring, and considerate. Jorlyn represents nursing at its finest. There are no one or two examples that I can give to explain how great of a co-worker she is. This is because EVERY shift that I have worked with Jorlyn she has gone above and beyond in her role as charge nurse, patient advocate, and educator. I think that the most impressive quality about Jorlyn is that she never appears angry, anxious, or easily agitated by the many stressors that we face daily. So, hats off to Jorlyn for being an awesome RN, co-worker, and just a beautiful person.

I have known Jorlyn Raichart for the past 15+ years but had the opportunity to work more closely with her in 2020 as I had oversight of ICU during the Covid pandemic. Jorlyn is a true "gem", one that was treasured and brought great value to the department. She exemplifies the best characteristics of nursing, in terms of her demeanor, strong leadership skills, caring and compassionate care to all she encountered, especially patients and their families, and last but not least a true, genuine commitment to the nursing profession. She has touched many lives here at West Suburban and will be truly missed. She welcomed me into the "ICU" family despite me having little knowledge of ICU patient care. She made my job easier, and I knew that patient care would not suffer, nor quality be jeopardized while under her supervision. Jorlyn had an unwavering commitment to her department and West Suburban Medical Center. She gave 200% when it came to patient care whether it was her patient or patients in other departments where her expertise or knowledge was required. It is an honor to recognize her accomplishments over the past 40 years and submit her for this DAISY Award as we bid her farewell on her next nursing endeavor.