Cori Steede, LPN, a nurse in the Specialty Clinics at UP Health System – Marquette.

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?
I am a nurse at the Specialty Clinics at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I actually started out in college as a music major, then switched to business, earning a BS in Marketing. I worked full-time in that field before I decided I didn’t quite feel fulfilled. My mother was an RN – a graduate of St. Luke’s School of Nursing – and although she always encouraged me to explore other careers, nursing remained in the back of my mind. My mother didn’t expect me to become a nurse, yet I know she is proud of the work I’m doing.

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
In the Specialty Clinics, we are coordinating 13 different clinics with over 25 local and visiting specialists, so we rarely have typical days. I work with the scheduled clinic for the day, taking patient vitals, updating electronic charts, and helping patients navigate our multidisciplinary clinics. Our goal is to provide specialty care locally, as opposed to driving several hours away.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I have been employed here since May 2002 – right after graduating from nursing school. I started out in our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for 6 years and absolutely loved my time there. I learned so many important lessons, like how to handle difficult situations and how to support a healthcare team.

I have been in my current position for 13 years and I love my job, my co-workers, my amazing supervisor, and especially my patients.

What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
A few of our clinics have been around for 20 plus years, but some of them are new. We are constantly looking to fulfill the specialty care needs in our community so newer clinics can be added as the need arises and providers are available. Moving to a new building has presented its challenges, but together we rise to those challenges and provide the best care we can to our patients.

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
My family keeps me busy outside of work. I have two teenagers who are involved in several extracurricular activities – and I love to support their interests. I can be found cheering loudly at track meets, soccer games, swim meets, band concerts, and even the occasional quiz bowl tournament. My favorite local gem has to be searching for beach glass or Yooperlites with my husband along the shores of our beautiful lake.

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
I love that I have a small part to play in improving the lives of children. The days can be long and challenging, but there’s no better feeling than knowing that I did my best to make someone else’s life better.