UPHS — Marquette Hero Spotlight | Colleen Granato

What is your official title?

I am a Registered Nurse for the Outpatient Surgery and Prep and Recovery Unit at UPHS-Marquette. 

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

I never remember wanting to do anything else. When I was really young I was visiting my aunt, who is a nurse, and I was unable to get home due to a snowstorm. She had to bring me to work with her, so I’ve always thought maybe that time I spent sitting with those nurses sparked something from within. 

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

My typical day starts off by getting the first operating room cases of the day in as safely and efficiently as possible. That could be mean getting report and prepping a patient from an inpatient unit, assisting anesthesia with lines, or doing an admission. Throughout the day, my goal is to make sure that OPS and PACU run as smoothly as possible, assuring my co-workers and the physicians have what they need when they need it. I love the variety that my job allows me to have.

Working in this field is great. I’ve always been a people person so it allows me to be there for patients at some of their scariest, most vulnerable times. 

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

I have been employed here for 15 years! When I started I was part of the float pool so I was initially trained in 10 departments. I did that for about 2 years before accepting a position on OPS/PACU. I loved the variety the float pool offered (especially as a new nurse) and soon found that OPS offered the same and more variety.  

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

The biggest change our department has experienced recently was the combining of OPS and the pre-op holding area. Patients are now admitted to the same room as they receive all their final preps for the operating room. The flow was drastically changed and overall I think we adapted pretty well.   

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

Most of what I do outside of work is done with my 3 amazing kids and husband. We try to keep them as active as possible and enjoy biking, hiking, camping, beach days, and of course skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. I also really enjoy gardening and crafting. 
My favorite local gem would have to be Wetmore beach, peaceful and off the beaten path

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

My coworkers! I work with a really amazing group of people, and no matter how busy the day is, we always come together to provide really great care.