Holding considerable expertise in infection control and procedural nursing, Pamela M. Kelly attributes much of her success to her decades of hard work and her innate passion for what she does. Since 2020, she has excelled as a school nurse with Saint Viator High School. Initially coming on as a consultant for the COVID-19 pandemic, she transitioned into the role of full-time nurse, becoming the school’s first dedicated school nurse. Her day-to-day duties include immunizations, vision and dental care, and general health care for faculty, staff and students. Prior to this, she served as the digital communications director for the athletic board of the St. James School from 2019 to 2020, a substitute school nurse for Township High School District 214 in 2020 and as a billing specialist for Bennett & Bangser, LLC in 2019.
From 2009 to 2018, Ms. Kelly worked as a registered nurse at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Illinois. A nurse in the department of radiology from 2009 to 2011, she also spent time as an infection prevention practitioner in the department of infection prevention and control from 2011 to 2013 before returning to the role of registered nurse. During this time, she completed a Master of Science in nursing and leadership from Benedictine University in 2011. Earlier in her career, she was the clinical account manager for Kinetic Concepts Inc. from 2008 to 2009, having begun her professional journey as a clinical nurse, level two, at Rush University Medical Center in 2005 following the completion of her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Saint Mary’s College earlier that year.
Always knowing that she wanted a career in medicine, Ms. Kelly was encouraged by her aunt to try nursing after being initially inspired in high school by the student athletic trainer. In order to keep abreast of developments in her field, she has maintained affiliation with a number of professional organizations, including the National Association of School Nurses, the Illinois Association of School Nurses, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Sigma Theta Tau International, the National Association of Neonatal Nurses and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses. Furthermore, she has also been active as a school presenter and neonatal intensive care unit nurse.
Ms. Kelly has involved herself in a number of community endeavors as well. With her children’s schools, she has done work with a variety of fundraisers, notably serving as chair for three of their largest fundraisers. She also contributes to the outreach program of her husband’s company, where she helps to provide winter clothing and Christmas toys to children in need. Since 2017, Ms. Kelly has owned and operated Harper Marie Photography in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
For excellence in her career, Ms. Kelly has been the recipient of a number of honors and accolades. During her education she received not only the president’s scholarship, but also the Spirit of Nursing Award from Saint Mary’s College. She went on to receive the WOW Award from Rush University Medical Center and the MAGIS Star Award from Loyola University Medical Center. During her tenure at the Loyola University Medical Center, she set the record for most organs transplanted with the cardiovascular, thoracic, liver and kidney transplant team, transplanting 10 organs in 22 hours. In light of all these accomplishments, Ms. Kelly has been named a Marquis Who’s Who Top Professional and featured among Who’s Who of Professional Women.
Happily married to her husband, David, Ms. Kelly is the proud mother of three children, Harper, Jackson and Grayson. Her goals the future include continuing on in her current position and doing what is best for her community and her family. In her free time, she enjoys reading; spending time with her family, particularly with her children; and living her life by the motto, “Just keep doing what you’re doing. Put one foot in front of the other no matter what. If it’s something that you truly believe and think is right, just keep working toward your goals.” For more information on Ms. Kelly, you can read about her work here and here.