Morris Hospital nurse honored for Care and Compassion

MORRIS – Shortly after starting her new role as a registered nurse on the 2 South nursing unit, Jen Terry of Channahon was named Morris Hospital’s Fire Starter of the Month for August for being a standout, role model employee.

Described by co-workers as an individual with incredible work ethic, Terry began her career at Morris Hospital in 2002 as a transporter. It was during her time as a transporter that she realized how much she enjoys taking care of people. From there, Terry became Imaging Service’s department secretary, where she was the first person outpatients encountered when they arrived in the department for testing. In 2009, she transferred to the Morris Hospital Ridge Road Campus where she really made her mark.

“Patients are so appreciative of the way Jen goes above and beyond,” wrote Mammography Technologist Gretchen Davis in nominating Terry as Fire Starter. “It is so important to her to make sure our patients have a great experience. She also works hard to make sure patients are comfortable. Even when she’s busy, she always takes the time to show a personal interest in each of our patients.”

“Jen is very caring and can read patients very well,” added Ultrasound Technologist Gina Schmidt. “Patients are so thankful that someone cares so much about their health. She is very inspiring with her caring and loving personality that shows in her daily actions at work.”

Terry, who graduated this past May from Joliet Junior College with her RN degree, says she has always had a compassion for people. She can usually tell who’s having a good day and who’s having a not so good day.

“When I was in Imaging, I knew that some of the patients who came in were scared,” Terry said. “I wanted them to know that was OK. I understand when people aren’t feeling well. I can tell when people just need someone to talk to.”

Now as a registered nurse on 2 South, Terry is having the opportunity to spread her compassion and commitment to a whole new group of co-workers and patients.

“I hope whoever gets Jen Terry next at Morris Hospital in an RN position knows that they have a loving human being who will give 200 percent at whatever task she is given,” added Schmidt. “All of her patients will always feel cared for and satisfied.”

In early civilizations, fire starters were the individuals who had the important job of keeping the flame alive. As Fire Starter of the Month, Terry received a Grundy County Chamber of Commerce gift certificate, a Morris Hospital logoed clothing item of her choice, a special “Fire Starter” lapel pin, and a designated parking spot for the month.