Message from the CNE

A Message From the Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital Vice President of Operations and Bernthal Family Chief Nurse Executive

I am speaking for all Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital nurses when I say we are so proud to have received Magnet® designation three times from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which recognizes nursing excellence. Our interprofessional practice model depicts our commitment to both the values of Northwestern Medicine and the central tenets of Relationship-Based Care®. Lake Forest Hospital nurses sustain an engaged culture and have authority to drive change and influence innovation. Nursing collaboration with the entire healthcare team improves care delivery and enhances professional nursing practice.

Lake Forest Hospital nurses partner with local and regional community members when fulfilling our mission to put patients first, which continues to improve the health of the communities we serve. We aim to exceed the expectations of our patients by providing exceptional patient experience while achieving exemplary quality and safety outcomes. We are patient advocates and work to impact healthcare policy by educating our legislators and representatives in local and national government.

Nurses of all levels at Lake Forest Hospital share an aligned vision of using our robust shared decision-making model to create a caring healthy environment, foster high nurse satisfaction and promote the attributes expected from our nurses: Collaborative, Compassionate, Knowledgeable, Patient Advocate and Professional. We provide opportunities for professional and academic growth and an active voice in determining current and future nursing needs.

I see our nurses putting patients first and demonstrating the values of Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence on every shift. If you are looking to be professionally and personally challenged, valued and supported by all your leaders, consider becoming a Lake Forest Hospital nurse. I invite you to learn more about the exciting nursing opportunities at Northwestern Medicine.

I believe that our nurses are the best in Lake County, and I truly appreciate their outstanding work and dedication to the profession of nursing and patient care delivery.

Warm regards,

Karen Mahnke, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Vice President of Operations/Bernthal Family Chief Nurse Executive
Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital