What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?
I am the Director of Quality and the Patient Safety Officer.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
In high school, I knew I loved science and helping people. I explored becoming a physician and physical therapist... and then my mom suggested nursing. She worked in Human Resources at our local health system, and she set up a meeting with a nurse manager on the Oncology Unit so I could learn more. I loved the idea and came up to NMU, graduating with my BSN in 2000.

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
No day is ever the same. I love that I get to work with everyone in the hospital – every person here plays a role in providing safe and quality care and I enjoy helping to facilitate making that happen. So many people are working in the background to help bedside nursing staff care for patients (like IT, Respiratory, Pharmacy, Facilities EVS, Nutrition... the list keeps going!).

Every day, I am able to learn about best practices and theories, figuring out how to apply them in real life to improve the lives of our patients and employees.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I've been a nurse for 22 years, and I've been at UP Health System - Marquette for 7 years this August.

When I was a new RN grad, I worked here on the Oncology floor in 2000. My family then relocated and I spent the next part of my career in various nursing roles in the Grand Rapids area before returning to UP Health System - Marquette in 2015 as the Patient Safety Officer. In 2017, my role expanded to take on the Quality Director position.

What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
It seems like every year, there is something new to work through. I have now been through multiple regulatory surveys, a hospital move, a pandemic, and more. I have learned so much!

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. In the winter, you can usually find us out at Marquette Mountain or the Highlands where we are members of the National Ski Patrol. If we aren't skiing, we are cheering on kids at their sporting events.

In the summer, we do all the activities – bike, hike, boat, camp, beach. We tend to play tour guide for visiting family and friends, showing off all our favorite spots. We love just being outside – the UP is an amazing place to live and play!

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
I love helping our teams ensure they are providing the best care for our patients. We have so many people who do amazing things every day and I enjoy helping them make a positive difference.