Swedish Hospital

Healthcare Heroes: Treating Patients Like Family

At the core, Angela Montejo’s work as a nurse remains the same: to care for patients and help them return to health. But Montejo, on staff at Swedish Hospital in Chicago, has gone above and beyond as the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the care needed for the sickest patients.

The biggest difference? For her patients, it’s making sure they have her work cell phone number and their room phone nearby. Montejo encourages her patients to call her for whatever they need and checks in on them regularly during her 12-hour shift.

“Angela treats patients as if they are family by providing care that promotes healing, trust and empathy,” said Nurse Manager Ruth Orozco. “She is a great example of the continued selflessness we’ve seen from healthcare workers everywhere.”

Montejo has worked at Swedish Hospital for three years and enjoys helping people, along with the hands-on aspect of nursing. She credits her coworkers and support from friends, family and community to keep her smiling during this challenging time.

“I cannot explain how amazing my coworkers are,” she said. “It takes a village, and everyone is doing their part to help, including picking up extra shifts.”

The dedication of Montejo and other Swedish Hospital healthcare heroes hasn’t gone unnoticed: On May 6, first responders staged a parade in their honor. Chicago police officers and firefighters, along with MedEx ambulance teams and the hospital’s own security team, drove past the hospital as hundreds of staff, community members and patients watched and cheered.

“We greatly appreciate this salute from our fellow heroes,” said Kathy Donofrio, the hospital’s chief nursing officer. “Your courage in the face of the unknown and commitment to our patients is an inspiration to all of us.”