UPHS – Marquette Heroes | Lauren Zerbel, RN

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?

I am a clinical manager of the Medical-Surgical Unit at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

My goal when choosing a profession was always a degree where I could be of service to others. I originally leaned toward teaching, but I had close family and friends who encouraged me toward a nursing degree. My senior year of high school, I received direct admission into a nursing program in Madison, WI, and the rest is history. It was the best decision I have ever made.

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

It is difficult to describe any of my days as typical. I have been blessed to be in a position where I lead a group of amazing nurses, care aides, and unit clerks. I attend meetings where I get to collaborate with other leaders on matters of best practice and quality initiatives that we roll out to our staff as ways to help better serve the patient populations who come to our unit. I assist the 6th floor staff with scheduling and payroll, as well as developing weekly and monthly updates and meetings to keep them up to date on the ever-changing world that is healthcare. My favorite part of my day is when I get to round on our patients and staff one-on-one to see where I can better serve them or help problem-solve any obstacles they may have. Working in this field is extremely rewarding. Like any job, there are bumps along the way, but I enjoy getting to offer a helping hand wherever possible.

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

I have been an employee here since April 2022, when I started as a Staffing Pool nurse. That role allowed me to work in multiple units across the hospital, where I was able to care for many different patient populations as well as get to know so many members of the different care teams across the hospital. I find immense joy in getting to know the people I work alongside and learning what makes every individual unique in the care they provide. In January of this year, I took a position as the advanced charge nurse for the Medical-Surgical Unit, and it sparked a new interest in nursing leadership. I transitioned into the clinical manager position for the 6th floor as of June 21. I am excited to see what I can continue to learn through this role and how I can continue to serve those around me.

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

Personally, my biggest change was coming from a prior job in a hospital in Wisconsin, where I was a step-down COVID nurse and every patient I cared for was battling a COVID diagnosis, to coming here as a staffing pool nurse where I had a new group of patients with different diagnoses every shift. My staffing pool job helped make me a very flexible and adaptable nurse and gave me a wide range of new nursing skills. Another recent change for me has been transitioning from direct patient care to a more leadership-driven position as clinical manager. I will certainly miss the one-on-one patient care I had the ability to provide in prior roles, but I am excited to see how I can better assist our patient populations through my new role.

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

I enjoy steelhead fishing in the spring with my husband, taking sunrise dips in Lake Superior during the summer, color tours at camp in the fall, and hiking as many trails in the area as I can find. I also try to visit my family in Wisconsin as often as possible. I have many favorite local gems. Beach days and trail walks at Little Presque are certainly a summer favorite of mine.

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

When I first moved to Marquette, I was unsure of what to expect. I quickly learned that this is a very tight-knit community that I am now blessed to be a part of. The people at this hospital are what drive me to return day after day. I have personally had friends and family cared for here, and I never doubted they would get the care they deserved. UP Health System is a team of people who want the best for their community, and they prove that daily.