UPHS – Marquette Heroes | Bonnie Aho

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette? 

I am the clinical education coordinator at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare? 

When I was in high school, I participated in the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) program and that gave me a better insight into the medical world. We assisted at our local skilled nursing facility, and I also had the opportunity to job shadow in a doctor’s office to see what family medicine care looked like. Ultimately, I feel joy in helping others. I get a sense of pride and accomplishment to know that the interactions I have with others have a positive impact on their life.

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

Each day is a little different. Of course, I check emails and correspond daily with my many coworkers. I organize the orientation process for newly hired RNs, LPNs, care aides, unit clerks, and patient safety companions. I instruct the care aide class to prepare those hired for performing patient care. I organize and instruct the "handle with care" classes. I am a basic life support instructor. I assist staff with LifeTalent questions. Plus, all kinds of other tasks and projects that come up. A lot of what I do is ORGANIZATION. I love a good, color-coded spreadsheet! Working in the Education department can be stressful when we have big projects to work on, but it can also be exciting to learn about new products or new innovative ways to care for our patients and then teach our findings to the floor staff.

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

I have worked for UPHS – Marquette for about eight-and-a-half years. I started as a care aide/unit clerk in the Staffing Pool. After a couple of years, I felt like I had more to contribute. I moved into Education so I could give others the tools I had developed to provide high-quality patient care.

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

Of course, moving to our new facility was big. And moving to our new electronic medical record system is big. But since I had a very involved role in both of those things, it probably doesn’t feel as big to me as it is to others. For me, I think the biggest change in my position is becoming the veteran employee of our department. My educator partners look to me for direction and that is definitely a change I am adapting to.

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

Outside of work, I like to be with my family and in the outdoors, whether it’s fishing, riding in the side-by-side, or relaxing in a hammock. I’m a happy girl if I’m anywhere with sunshine and water. I grew up in Manistique on Indian Lake, and while that isn’t super local, it’s my favorite UP gem. It’s my happy place.

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

My favorite part about working here is the family-like dynamic that develops with my coworkers. We are required to work very closely and therefore develop really tight bonds. All for one, and one for all.