Impact - Labor of Love

Elgin Community College alum Carly Corcoran has emerged as a transformative force in the field of labor and delivery, working as the lead nurse at the Birth Center of Chicago for the past two years. Finding her passion and purpose in the field of nursing didn’t come easily for Corcoran. Beginning at ECC in 2011, Corcoran took the next five years to figure out her path, something she says she has never regretted.

“ECC helped me explore with all the classes they offered,” she said. “I would take a class and realize 'this is not what I want to do.' This allowed me to narrow [my career] down to nursing. I may not have found it if I had rushed through to figure out what I wanted to do.”

As a first-generation college student, Corcoran juggled a full course load with a full-time job. For months, she wrestled with uncertainty and self-doubt, questioning her choices and ability to afford her education.

Attending the birth of a friend's baby provided clarity; she finally realized her calling in life.

Already interested in her ECC biology courses, Corcoran began pursuing the prerequisites for nursing.

“At ECC, I really started to form amazing connections and was influenced by my biology professors. More importantly, though, ECC truly taught me how to persevere and find balance in my life,” she said.

After ECC, Corcoran enrolled in the nursing program at Aurora University, where she excelled. She even became president of the nursing club. After graduation, Corcoran began working in labor and delivery at St. Alexius Hospital in Hoffman Estates.

She then took her passion for labor and delivery and transitioned into a position as the current lead nurse at the Birth Center of Chicago. Corcoran tirelessly strives to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment for her patients.

“I honor and recognize the holistic experience of labor and delivery because it’s a moment bigger than yourself,” Corcoran said. “It’s physical, mental, emotional, even spiritual. I step back and realize I have to care for these people and think about how they would like to be treated, and I’ve learned to do that by looking at the bigger picture. I am helping nurture these families in building their families. It’s so humbling for me.”

This past year, Corcoran experienced a significant shift as she became the one being nurtured. Welcoming her first baby, Caiden, marked what she described as a full-circle moment for her. Corcoran said this allowed her to truly put the importance of her work into perspective, fueling her desire to care for her future patients even more. Her commitment to being a lifelong learner continues as she dedicates herself to remaining up-to-date with the latest research, trends, and best practices.

“This is such a special field. It will always be fulfilling for me to help families the best way I can during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. It’s very special that I found this.”