UPHS – Marquette Heroes | Olivia, RN

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?
I am a Registered Nurse on the Adult Behavioral Unit at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I had been cycling through different college majors while working a retail job when my mom suggested that I apply at her work, which at the time was a Memory Care Unit. I worked in Memory Care for five years and realized caring for others is something that gives me a lot of pride, so I applied to Northern Michigan University's LPN program to see if nursing was for me.

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
My role as a nurse on Behavioral Health is to make my patients feel safe and supported. It is a unique specialty area of nursing and requires a lot of intuition, patience and interpersonal skills. My very favorite thing about my job is building trust with people who are feeling scared – either due to a physical health issue or simply because they are in the inpatient hospital environment for the very first time. That trust carries on for years – when a patient sees you as their safe person it is truly special.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I have worked here for six years. I started as an LPN on Behavioral Health in 2016 and graduated with my BSN in 2020. There is some pressure in nursing school to not go into a specialty area right away – but I chose to listen to the people who said, "if you love it, then go for it!" And I do love it. I feel really fortunate to have found a career that I enjoy and am passionate about.

What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
Our department has undergone some changes since I started in my role – a few colleagues have retired or accepted new opportunities. I have grown in my leadership skills and particularly on the evening shift, my coworkers often look to me for support and answers. It has been a time of personal growth for me, as I take inventory of what qualities make a good leader. I've tried my best to rise to the challenge by becoming more involved in my unit and in the hospital more generally. This year, I became certified to teach the hospital's crisis intervention program, Handle With Care. I am also a Nurse Mentor for new employees in the hospital's new Guiding Lights program.

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
I have two super lazy and snuggly pit bulls, so we enjoy cuddling up on the couch with a good TV series. In the summer, I like to take road trips with my husband and spend time with friends out on a patio somewhere. I love food – my favorite local gems are the Delft, 231 West Patisserie, and Rotations Deli.

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
Everyone says this but I have the BEST coworkers on the evening shift! They make things bright on days that are frustrating or challenging. I also really enjoy when I am able to work together with nurses across departments in the hospital. There are some really kind nurses in the ICU who have come down to help with difficult tasks. And call me when you need help de-escalating your stressed patients – I will always happily come to help!