Article updated: 10/26/2012 8:35 AM

Prospect Heights woman reflects on 40 years as neonatal nurse

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Ann Skwarek, left, of Prospect Heights is retiring after working as a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital for 40 years. Wishing her well is another 40-year veteran, Cora Reidl of Chicago.

Bill Zars | Staff Photographer

Ann Skwarek of Prospect Heights is joined by sons David Skwarek, left, and Bob Skwarek at a retirement lunch at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Skwarek started working in the neonatal intensive care unit shortly after it first opened at the hospital 40 years ago.

Bill Zars | Staff Photographer

Gallery Image

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital nurses Lucia Arenas, left, and Ann Skwarek of Prospect Heights, look at photos of Skwarek's 40 years of service at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Skwarek started working in the neonatal intensive care unit shortly after it opened.

Bill Zars | Staff Photographer

Ann Skwarek of Prospect Heights in her earlier years as a nurse. She is retiring after working for 40 years in the neonatal intensive care unit at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital.

Bill Zars | Staff Photographer

About this Article

Ann Skwarek has seen a lot change in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Advocate Lutheran General Hospital since she started working there as a nurse a few weeks after it opened 40 years ago. The Prospect Heights resident said she can't imagine doing anything else. "You come in every day knowing you can make a difference in somebody's life," Skwarek said at her retirement party Thursday.