UPHS — Marquette Heroes | Jim Lund

What is your role at UP Health System – Marquette?
I am a Maintenance Worker at UP Health System – Doctor’s Park in Escanaba. I primarily do basic repairs or preventative maintenance, but I’m a jack-of-all-trades of sorts, so I do my best to fill in where I’m needed.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
When my wife, Monica, and I got married, she was an RN and had a job offer at a hospital in Green Bay. I took an opening at the same hospital as an ECG Tech. My wife’s knowledge and passion for the health and wellbeing of others inspired me to join the healthcare field.

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
Typical? Sure there are things that are scheduled and tasks that are timely, but every day new tasks arise and while working on one, I usually get a call about another. I also help the patients and staff with any issue they may have. Working in this position reminds me that every day has variety. 

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
This will be my ninth year at UPHS in my current role. I did previously work as the driver for the UPHS Regional Blood Center Bloodmobile alongside an awesome group of people. I enjoyed talking with the donors and had a great rapport with many of them.

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
I was born in the UP and grew up in Flint, Michigan. My brother and I would spend summer vacations at my grandparents’ farm. That’s why I would have to say the entire UP is my favorite local gem. Outside of work, I enjoy making wine and building my retirement hobby farm.

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
What I enjoy most about UPHS is the people – both the staff and the patients. Each one is a different, interactive story. If there is anything I can do to improve their story I gladly will because every day they improve mine.