UPHS — Marquette Heroes | Denise Elizondo

Denise Elizondo, Linen Director at UP Health System — Marquette.

What is your official title?
Linen Director at UP Health System — Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I moved to Marquette in 2007 and immediately fell in love with this community and the way this hospital cares for our community. When I was able to jump into a position to help support the staff that works very hard to keep our patients safe and healthy, I knew it was the place for me to be!

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
A typical day for me includes supporting my team, counting and checking our linen orders, sorting scrubs, and making sure I’m aware of hospital census, how the floors are doing, etc. I always wish for typical days.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I’ve been working in the hospital in this position since May of 2019, which was right before the big move! It was a crazy time to come in but I honestly loved being a small part of the whirlwind of such an amazing and successful feat.

What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
Other than the move, COVID-19 has obviously affected every single department including ours. Our department has helped distribute community masks, added scrubs in many departments, changed routes, added linen carts, and things can change daily! I’m extremely thankful for my linen team – they take everything with stride and are very flexible.

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
I love hiking and being in the woods – rain, shine, or snow! Other than that, I’m kind of a homebody, I love to cook, or just enjoy a bonfire in my backyard.  My favorite local gems include anywhere along Lake Superior, Blackrocks Brewery and DIGS! 

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
They always say it takes a village to raise a child… well it also takes a village to get people back on their feet after illness, trauma, surgery, etc. A lot of people make up this “village” here in this hospital and I most enjoy seeing how hard they all work to get our patients healthy and back to their lives.