Teresa Rasmussen Named Chief Nursing Officer at Loyola University Medical Center after 24 Years with Loyola

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Allison Peters
Phone: 708-216-6140
allison.peters@luhs.org

MAYWOOD, IL – Loyola Medicine has named Teresa Rasmussen, DNP, RN, SCRN, CNML, NE-BC, chief nursing officer (CNO) & vice president at Loyola University Medical Center (LUMC). Rasmussen’s journey to this leadership position is a testament to her professional dedication and a heartfelt tribute to her family’s legacy within the organization.

Rasmussen has a long-standing connection to Loyola Medicine through her mother, a floor nurse at Loyola for nearly three decades. "My mom would come home from work and tell stories about her day and I wanted to be a Loyola nurse just like her," said Rasmussen.

Rasmussen began her Loyola career in 2001 as a library assistant. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) she worked in the neuroscience intensive care unit, where she had the unique experience of working on the same floor as her mother. “I remember transporting our neuro ICU patients to CT scans in the middle of the night and waving at my mom as I turned the corner," said Rasmussen. "It gave me such a profound feeling of pride that I hope my mom felt too.”

Throughout the next two decades, Rasmussen progressed through every level of nursing. She continued to advance her education while caring for her patients and supporting her colleagues. While working as the nurse manager of the neuroscience ICU, she earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Loyola University Chicago as well as a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from Georgetown University focusing on ethical and systems leadership and health care policy. She is also board-certified as a nurse executive (NE-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

"After reviewing numerous applicants from across the country, it was clear that Rasmussen’s 24-year career at LUMC has prepared her well for the role of CNO," said Timothy M. Carrigan, PhD, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC, regional chief nursing officer of the Illinois/Indiana Region for Trinity Health. "Her extensive tenure, along with her deep understanding of the unique nursing practice at an academic medical center, will be a significant asset to the LUMC senior leadership team."

Throughout her career, Rasmussen has made significant contributions to nursing science, as evidenced by numerous presentations and publications. She currently serves as a manuscript reviewer for the Journal of Stroke & Cerebrovascular Diseases and as an abstract reviewer for the International Stroke Conference. 

In collaboration with Loyola Medicine’s academic partnership with the Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing at Loyola University Chicago, Rasmussen holds a position as an affiliate assistant professor. In this role, she has actively supported many students in completing their graduate programs (MSN and DNP). 

Over the past four months, Rasmussen has served as the interim chief nursing officer, contributing to numerous workgroups and projects. She is frequently recognized for her collaborative and innovative approach to problem solving along with her highly transparent leadership style, which positively influences colleague engagement and retention. In this new role, Rasmussen will be responsible for nursing professional practice and inpatient operations across Loyola Medicine’s four-time Magnet© designated academic medical center.

“I'm beyond honored to be the chief nursing officer at LUMC and am looking forward to the endless possibilities. Words can't express how humbled I am for this opportunity and for the incredible support I've received from all areas of the organization,” she says.