After five decades of unwavering dedication to the nursing profession, Lanetta Whitlock, RN is celebrating a milestone few achieve: 50 years as a nurse, including 43 years at KSB Hospital, now OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center.
Whitlock’s journey began at age five, inspired by a neighbor who was a nurse. “She let me play with her bandage scissors, and that was it — I was hooked,” Whitlock said.
Her career started in 1968 as a candy striper at KSB. She later worked as a nurse’s aide in the OB department while attending college, and in 1975, transitioned into her role as a graduate nurse. Over the years, Whitlock served in various capacities including education, public health, surgery and outpatient care.
She launched KSB Hospital’s La Maze Program, trained nurse’s aides at Sauk Valley Community College and spent 25 years as a surgical nurse. In 2010, she returned to her roots in the OBGYN clinic, where she continues to serve.
“Nurses used to do it all,” Whitlock said, reflecting on changes in the profession. “Now, specialization and technology have transformed the field. When I started, we had paper charts, and you wrote in red, green or black ink according to your shift.”
Whitlock credits her long tenure to the sense of community within the hospital. “I grew up in these hallways. The people I worked with and cared for were often friends and neighbors,” she said.
She continues to find fulfillment in women’s health. “It’s an honor to be part of such a special time when families are welcoming new life,” she said.
To new nurses, Whitlock offers this advice: “Nursing is a labor of love where you can care for and support people in some of the best and worst times of their lives. You have the chance to make a real difference.”
For Whitlock, serving with the greatest care and love, the OSF Mission, is simple: it means treating every patient like family. “I’m honored to have done that for over 50 years,” she said.