(June 15, 2020) Angela Cooper, DNP, RN, CNL, associate vice president of nursing, has accepted the position of associate vice president of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Rush Oak Park Hospital effective June 30.
Cooper will replace Karen Mayer, PhD, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, who spent 14 years at the position. Mayer is leaving to continue her passion for teaching as an associate professor at Rush University College of Nursing and to serve as a Rush system consultant for obtaining high-profile nursing designations. Under Mayer’s leadership the nursing staff at ROPH earned Magnet designation, the most prestigious honor a health care organization can achieve for nursing excellence and high-quality patient care. She’ll continue to be a Magnet advisor for Rush.
“Among many of her impressive achievements over the years was Karen’s guidance in empowering nurses and fostering their innovations that have led to the clinical nurse leader (CNL) model of care, a foundation of Rush Oak Park Hospital’s excellence in nursing,” said Bruce Elegant, president and CEO of the hospital. “We wish Karen all the best in her future endeavors and thank her for all the great work over the years.”
Cooper, who played a pivotal role in Rush Oak Park Hospital’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak acting as primary incident commander, is no stranger to Rush. She began her career at Rush Copley Medical Center in 1992 and spent 10 years as a nurse in the surgical intensive care unit at Rush University Medical Center. Over the last 10 years at Rush Oak Park Hospital Cooper has held several leadership positions, including unit director of the intensive care unit, director of nursing and associate vice president of patient care services.
“During my time at Rush Oak Park Hospital, Karen Mayer has mentored me in every aspect of her role,” said Cooper, who resides in Oak Park with her husband and two sons. “I feel honored to be following in her footsteps and leading the nursing staff at Rush Oak Park Hospital into the future.”
