What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?

I am a registered nurse in the neonatal ICU at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

When I was in high school, I really enjoyed anatomy and physiology classes and thought I wanted to become a doctor. My senior year, I had an internship on the cardiac unit here and was really drawn to the care and compassion of bedside nursing.   

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?

Every day at work is a little bit different. I take care of sick and premature newborns ranging from 23 weeks up to term/post-term, born not just on the Family Birthing Unit here, but all over the UP. We are the only Level III NICU in the entire Upper Peninsula. I have the privilege of being a NICU transport nurse, meaning I work closely with respiratory therapy and EMS to travel throughout the Upper Peninsula to safely stabilize babies born at outlying hospitals and to transport them safely to our NICU. Since our patients can’t speak for themselves, NICU nurses are very adept at noticing subtle changes in our patients and advocating for them. I work with parents to teach them how to care for their baby, answer questions, offer support, and help celebrate their baby’s accomplishments. This job is very challenging but so rewarding.   

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?

I’ve worked here for a little over ten years. I was lucky enough to be hired in the NICU as a new grad.

What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?  

I think the biggest change was moving from the old hospital. We used to have a cozy little NICU that still holds a very special place in my heart. We now have a lot more space and equipment and are able to care for more babies.   

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem? 

When I’m not at work, I enjoy baking, reading, relaxing at home with my dog, and snowshoeing the RAMBA trails in Negaunee. 

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?

I enjoy helping care for some of my community’s smallest members. I also really enjoy learning new things every day and working with so many talented and knowledgeable people.