UPHS – Marquette Heroes | Jen Heyrman, RN

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette? 

I am a registered nurse (RN) and clinical educator at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare? 

My mom. She is a nurse here on the cardiac floor and is an amazing role model. I wanted to follow in her footsteps of helping others.

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

No day is the same. I start my day rounding in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), answering questions and participating in bedside shift reporting. Depending on the day, I teach many classes — a few examples are Emergency Nursing Pediatric Care certification classes and Strictly Rhythms (a class for interpreting heart rhythms). I also teach new hires and travel nurses; coordinate and match preceptors and new hires; build new hire schedules; work on new product rollouts; and generally, just help to set staff up for success. As new needs or items arise, I jump in and help with any new training or education for staff.

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

I have been with the hospital since 2004. I started as a care aide on the Cardiac/Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) unit and transitioned to the unit clerk role while going to school. I worked as a licensed practical nurse in the ICU for eight years prior to getting my RN. I was an RN in the ICU for six years before transitioning to the educator role in October of 2022.

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

There have been many big changes in the past few years. The move to the new hospital was a big change and it was nice to be a part of that process. Transitioning our intravenous (IV) pumps from the medical brand Alaris to Baxter was a large project. Then, of course, most recently, transitioned our electronic medical record system to Cerner.

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

I enjoy spending time outside with my husband and three children. We have a little hobby farm with goats, pigs, chickens, quail, and three dogs that keep us busy. We enjoy camping, especially during the Alger and Marquette fairs for the kids' 4H animal market projects.

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

I enjoy being able to help our community members and helping to train our nurses to give the best care possible to our patients. I enjoy the sense of family we have.