UP Health System – Bell Heroes | Laurie Collins, RN, BSN

What is your role at UPHS – Bell?

I am a Registered nurse on the Obstetrics (OB) Unit.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

Since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a nurse. My “auntie” was a nurse and I loved to listen to stories about how she helped her patients—I really looked up to her. When I became a nurse, I found helping people was very rewarding. It makes my heart happy! Being able to make a difference in someone’s life—whether through advocating for their wants and needs, relieving their pain or just sitting and listening—is what I hope to give my patients.

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

Working on the OB Unit is rewarding. OB nurses are taking care of two lives during the labor and delivery process. There is nothing like helping a mother through labor and delivery. Being able to acquire rapport and trust with a mother at her most vulnerable time is truly humbling. And every delivery is a miracle no matter how many times you have seen it. At times, the OB Unit can be one of sadness as well, and during those times my focus is on helping the parents and family through the grieving process—being there to answer questions, listening and lending a shoulder to cry on. I truly love my job and the patients I care for.

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

I have been employed at UPHS – Bell for 21 years. I initially started working on the Acute Care Unit and after a year, I transferred to OB.

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

The biggest change I have seen in this position is technology. When I first started at Bell, everything was on paper. We did all of our charting on paper. Physician orders were paper-driven. We now have central monitoring and all charting, fetal monitoring and orders are done on the computer.

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

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, loving my animals Luna and Kiva, reading, walking, running, and anything outdoors in the sunshine.

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

I love that my coworkers are family to me. We are there for each other in good times and in bad! And I love that UPHS – Bell is a small hospital that is very community-oriented.