North Shore Health, Cook County

04/10/2026

NSH was proud to participate in the Cook County ISD 166 Career Fair today, sharing the wide range of career pathways available within our hospital.

Students stopped by our booth to try balance boards, test their strength, practice CPR compressions, tackle healthcare trivia, and, of course, enjoy some snacks. Their curiosity and enthusiasm made the day truly energizing.

Many thanks to the organizers for bringing together so many inspiring future professionals. We’re grateful for the opportunity to connect with the next generation of healthcare leaders.

04/10/2026

Advancing Care, Right Here at Home

Over the past year, North Shore Health EMS has been working to thoughtfully expand our clinical capabilities in ways that align with our organization’s mission, vision, and values - ensuring we can continue to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

This has included the implementation of:
-Butterfly iQ Portable Ultrasound System for prehospital ultrasound applications such as FAST exams and ultrasound-guided vascular access
- GlideScope Go 2 Portable Video Laryngoscope to support advanced airway management and improve first-pass intubation success
- Ongoing training in advanced procedures such as surgical cricothyrotomy, point-of-care ultrasound, and video-assisted airway management in collaboration with our medical director, Dr. Taleb

In a rural, critical access environment, these tools and skills help support more informed decision-making, improve procedural success, and enhance patient safety - particularly when transport times are extended.

This work reflects a continued commitment across North Shore Health to service excellence, quality, and collaboration, and to providing thoughtful, patient-centered care close to home.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to continue learning, growing, and serving our community together.

-Karla, Director of EMS

04/10/2026

April is Occupational Therapy (OT) Month! Occupational therapy empowers people to participate in the everyday activities that bring meaning, purpose, and independence to their lives. Join us in celebrating the impact of and the professionals who help our community. Do you know your OTs?! Get to know them and show them some love!

Katelyn Rice

Happy Occupational Therapy Month! My name is Katelyn, and my specialty areas include hand therapy, lymphedema management, cognitive rehabilitation, and working with individuals in hospital and care center settings. I enjoy helping people regain strength and function in their hands so they can return to everyday tasks like dressing, cooking, writing, and hobbies that are meaningful to them. As a certified lymphedema therapist, I also work with patients to reduce swelling, manage discomfort, and improve mobility so they can move more comfortably and confidently throughout their day. I am passionate about supporting patients with cognitive changes by helping them, or their caregivers, develop strategies that improve safety, independence, and daily routines.

Working in the Cook County community makes this work especially meaningful to me, as my patients often share their favorite recipes, crafts, sports, and local activities as they regain the skills to return to them - helping both them and myself stay active and connected to the community we all love.

I moved to Grand Marais from Ely one year ago. I love to help coach youth athletics and be outside. I also enjoy cross country skiing, hiking, biking, running, crafting, and reading!

Dan Ryan

Hi, I’m Dan Ryan, an Occupational Therapist with a little over four years of experience working with patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, care centers, and home healthcare. I’m passionate about helping people return to the activities that are meaningful to them—what we in OT call “occupations.” That can mean anything from relearning daily routines like getting dressed to getting back out fishing or on the golf course.

Occupational Therapists bring a unique skill set, combining physical and cognitive strategies to help individuals regain independence and confidence in their everyday lives. It’s very rewarding to support people as they work toward their goals and improve their quality of life.

Although I’m new to Grand Marais and Cook County, it’s already clear what a special and welcoming community this is. Everyone we have met has been very kind and helpful. My wife and I are originally from the Chicagoland area and spent the last 2 years in St. Paul but we have found a home here in Grand Marais and are excited to become a part of the community.

In my free time, I enjoy staying active—whether that’s playing or watching sports, hiking, camping, running, and mountain biking. We’ve loved exploring the area’s beautiful state parks (Cascade has been a favorite so far), and you’ll often find us up the trail, canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing depending on the season. We’re always looking for new places to explore, so if you see us out and about, don’t hesitate to say hello and share your recommendations!

Anna Sorensen

Hi! My name is Anna, and I have been an occupational therapist for 30 years. Throughout my career, I have primarily specialized in pediatrics, while also pursuing additional training in dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care.

When working with children and their caregivers, I focus on supporting participation in meaningful, everyday activities. This includes self-care skills (such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and organization), motor skills (including handwriting, coordination, ball skills, and sensory processing), and play skills (like social interaction, problem-solving, and emotional regulation).
I find it incredibly rewarding to partner with children and their families, and it is truly an honor to be a part of their lives.

I graduated from St. Catherine University and have called Grand Marais home for the past 23 years, where my husband and I raised our two children. I love spending time outdoors with my dogs—especially skiing, hiking, and exploring—along with enjoying art, dancing, live music and lifelong learning.

04/09/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

North Shore Health Laboratory Open House, April 25th 2026

GRAND MARAIS, MN – North Shore Health’s Laboratory will host an Open House on April 25th 2026 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in the located in NSH multi-purpose room. The event is free, open to the public, and offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the science that supports patient care every day.

The open house celebrates National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, a time dedicated to recognizing the vital role laboratory professionals play in modern healthcare. Community members are invited to stop by, learn more about the work happening in their local hospital lab, and enjoy hands‑on activities including:
- Free Testing: Blood typing and glucose screenings. 12-14 hours of fasting recommended.
- Meet & Greet: Get to know your local medical laboratory professionals.
- Treats & Swag: Enjoy cookies and small gifts.
- Grand Raffle: Enter for a chance to win!

We invite the community to join us, connect with our laboratory team, and discover how their expertise keeps our community healthy.

04/09/2026

Huge congratulations to our 5th EMT cohort on successfully passing the NREMT Psychomotor Exam - a major milestone on the path to becoming an EMT.

This group represents the heart of our region, with responders from Grand Portage, the Gunflint Trail, Lutsen, and Hovland - stepping up to serve their communities when it matters most.

The psychomotor exam isn’t easy. It tests real-world skills under pressure (medical and trauma-based patient assessments, airway management, CPR/AED use, and critical stabilization techniques). These students showed up, put in the work, and proved they’re ready for that next level of their training.

As an instructor, it’s incredibly rewarding to watch this group grow in confidence, skill, and teamwork.

Next stop: the National Registry written exam.

Keep pushing — you’re closer than you think.

Proud of each and every one of you.

-Karla, Director of EMS

04/08/2026

We're Hiring! Full or Part-Time Paramedic position available.

Check out more below and apply on our website: https://www.northshorehealthgm.org/careers

04/02/2026

Our EMS and Ambulance team is proud to participate in this event! The Annual Cook County Emergency Services Conference is coming up- this free event is open to the public. See more details below and register!

03/31/2026

Check out WTIP's interview with NSH CEO, Kimber Wraalstad, and Board Chair, Randy Wiitala, discussing the a handful of March Board meeting topics:
-How NSH goes about acquiring new large equipment
-Hospital finances and reimbursement
-Partnerships & new EMR decisions

North Shore Health is exploring options for a new electronic health record system while also considering adding another partnership to its existing network. The hospital currently uses MEDITECH for its electronic health record system. However, Epic Systems, based in Madison, Wisconsin, has become in...

03/27/2026

Check out the most recent Getting to Know North Shore Health article! A behind the scenes look at how your laboratory results get to you.

The Journey of a Vial: The Dedicated Hands Behind Your Laboratory Results

Written by: Muain Haseeb, Director of Laboratory
Edited by: Jeanne Irland, Lab Technical Specialist

Have you ever wondered what happens after a phlebotomist labels your blood sample and walks it away? While it may seem like a simple "draw and test," each vial undergoes a journey of precision and expertise, powered by the dedicated professionals in North Shore Health’s hospital laboratory. In 2026, while technology continues to evolve, it is the careful hands and sharp eyes of our staff that remain the heartbeat of patient care.

1. The Digital Handshake (Collection & Barcoding)
The journey begins with some of your blood being collected into a small vial. Once the blood is drawn, it is immediately labeled with a unique barcode linked to your Electronic Medical Record (EMR). This "digital fingerprint" ensures that every person who handles your sample can verify it is correctly matched to you, maintaining the highest standards of patient safety.

2. The Personal Touch (Staff Transport)
Our samples are moved with a human touch. Laboratory staff, nurses, and EMS staff personally transport your vials from the bedside or phlebotomy area directly to our receiving and processing area. This manual oversight ensures that delicate samples are handled with care and that any specialized transport requirements, such as keeping a sample at a specific temperature, are strictly managed by trained personnel.

3. The "Spin" Cycle (Processing)
Once your vial reaches the laboratory, a laboratory technician/scientist prepares it for analysis. Many samples are placed into a centrifuge, which spins the blood at high speeds. This process uses gravity to separate the solid red blood cells from the liquid plasma or serum. It is often this clear liquid that our scientists use to detect chemical changes in your body.

4. The Science of Analysis (Testing)
Our laboratory relies on the expertise of Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) who hold associate degrees, and Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) who hold bachelor’s degrees. These professionals personally load your samples into sophisticated analyzers and monitor the testing in real-time. Whether they are using light-based chemical reactions to measure substances like glucose or cholesterol, or examining cells under a microscope for signs of infection, these highly trained individuals interpret complex data and ensure the accuracy and reliability of your results. Their expert oversight is crucial, as they correlate findings with patient symptoms and historical data to ensure a complete and accurate picture for your physician. Our staff are actively involved in every "run."

5. The Expert Eye (Validation)
The most critical part of the journey is the final review. Our scientists don't just take a machine’s word for it; they review every "flagged" or unusual result. They use their years of clinical training to ensure that the data aligns with your medical history before the result is ever finalized.

6. The Final Transmission (Results and Diagnosis)
Once our team is confident in the accuracy of the data, the results are released to your doctor’s / provider’s portal. Because our staff works around the clock, this journey- from your vein to our lab and back to the ordering clinician- provides the essential answers needed for your treatment plan. All this, can be completed in as little as 60 minutes for urgent or STAT testing.

The next time you see a small vial of blood, remember: it’s not just a sample. It represents a carefully guided process by a team of dedicated experts working behind the scenes to give you and your doctor / provider the answers you need to ensure your health and safety.

North Shore Health operates a full-service certified laboratory in Grand Marais, offering various in-house tests including Blood bank, Chemistry, Coagulation, Hematology, Microbiology, Urinalysis, and Molecular Diagnostics. Patients can utilize these local services by asking their provider to fax lab orders to the North Shore Health Registration Desk at 218-387-3292 or by bringing a paper referral during their visit.

To learn more about their laboratory services, visit North Shore Health website: https://northshorehealthgm.org.

03/27/2026

During National Physicians Week we can show doctors we appreciate them. Doctors deal with years of school, grueling shifts, and emotionally difficult decisions, and still manage to care for our community with focus and kindness. Physicians drastically improve the duration and quality of life for everyone, and use cutting-edge science to care for others.

We are incredibly grateful to the ER doctors and virtual hospitalists that provide care to patients at NSH. And we wouldn't be able to provide the care we do without the dedicated physicians at Sawtooth Mountain Clinic that provide referrals to patients for NSH services.

We celebrate the diversity and dedication of physicians in both their professional and personal lives, and we appreciate the unity and collaborative spirit within the medical community.

https://www.northshorehealthgm.org

03/25/2026

North Shore Health Board members and community visitors got a first look at our brand‑new radiology equipment during the March 19 board meeting- and the upgrades are impressive.

The new tech delivers faster scans, sharper images, and a more comfortable experience for patients. With reduced scan times and lower radiation use, it boosts safety for both patients and staff while producing higher‑quality results. Much of this equipment was made possible through grant funding, helping bring essential services closer to home in Cook County.

Check out a recent WTIP interview with Brian Hady, Director of Radiology at NSH, going into more detail on the equipment's capabilities. https://wtip.org/north-shore-health-adds-advanced-radiology-equipment-ai-assisted-imaging/

It’s exciting to see innovation at work, and we’re proud to bring these advancements to our care team and community at NSH!

03/24/2026

Start you health care career at North Shore Health with our Certified Nursing Assistant Education Program!

NSH CNA Education Program provides a comprehensive, Minnesota Department of Health-approved curriculum designed to prepare learners for safe, person-centered care in long-term care, assisted living, and healthcare settings.

Deadline for applications is Monday April 6th.

Apply online at https://www.northshorehealthgm.org/careers

Reach out to Meghan Flynn, Education Coordinator at NSH, for questions: Meghan.Flynn@northshorehealthgm.org or 218-387-3295