UPHS — Marquette Heroes | Therese Wood

What is your official title?
I am a Care Aide-Unit Clerk at UP Health System – Marquette. 

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I love helping people. When I was in high school I would get off the bus at the nursing home to help my grandma who had Alzheimer’s. That was the start of me wanting to help others as a career.

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field? 
My typical day is getting vitals and then helping with ADL’s and assisting with whatever our patients may need. Because I work on the Neuro/Ortho/Peds floor, this means I also assist with pediatric care.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position? 
I have been here for about four and a half years. Until about a year or so ago, I was a Care Aide, then I became a Unit Clerk too.

What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
The biggest change for me was being a Super User and assisting our team when we were planning and moving to our new facility.

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
When I’m not at work I love to hike, walk along the beach (even in winter) and bake. One of my favorite places is Presque Isle and the beach near it.

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette? 
Quite honestly it is the people. I absolutely have the most amazing coworkers. I feel like we are all a big family and I am so lucky to get to work with them. We can laugh even on the hardest days.