Catherine Cooke, MSN, RN, CPN
For Catherine Cooke, nursing has always been about making a difference through compassionate care, meaningful leadership, and unwavering advocacy. From caring for children with complex medical conditions at the bedside to leading pediatric nursing teams, she has embraced every opportunity to support patients, families, and fellow nurses. As a 2026 Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Awardee, Catherine continues to lead with empathy, believing that when nurses feel empowered, children and families receive the very best care.
Caring for the Most Courageous Patients
After earning both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from Lewis University, Catherine began her career in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, caring for children with congenital heart defects. Her passion for pediatric nursing led her to broaden her clinical experience by serving on a general pediatric unit and later in pediatric hematology and oncology.
These experiences provided Catherine with the opportunity to care for children and families during some of their most challenging moments while strengthening her clinical expertise and deepening her commitment to compassionate, family-centered care.
Leading Through Advocacy
Today, Catherine serves as Assistant Clinical Manager, overseeing two general pediatric units specializing in oncology and cardiac care. This role has allowed her to combine the knowledge and experience she gained throughout her clinical career while continuing to grow as a nurse leader.
Coming from a family of nurses, Catherine has always understood that nursing offers countless opportunities to make a meaningful impact. What has remained constant throughout her journey is her belief that every nurse, regardless of role or years of experience, has the ability to advocate for patients and improve the care they receive.
Paying Leadership Forward
Throughout her career, Catherine has been inspired by the patients, colleagues, mentors, and nurse leaders who invested in her growth. Their encouragement not only shaped the nurse she has become but also inspired her leadership philosophy: support others the way you were once supported.
She is passionate about creating an environment where nurses feel encouraged, valued, and empowered to succeed. Catherine believes that investing in the professional growth of nurses ultimately strengthens patient care and helps build healthier teams. By mentoring others and fostering collaboration, she hopes to have the same lasting influence on future nurses that her own leaders had on her.
The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly recognizes Catherine Cooke as a 2026 40 Under 40 Awardee for her dedication to pediatric nursing, compassionate leadership, and unwavering advocacy for both patients and nurses. Through her commitment to empowering others and fostering excellence in pediatric care, she continues to make a lasting impact on the nursing profession and the families she serves.
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