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.
