UP Health System – Marquette Heroes | William Parkkonen, PMHNP
October 27, 2022
What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?
I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit and Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic at UP Health System – Marquette.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
After completing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Northern Michigan University, with the intent to become a Clinical Psychologist, I decided to enter the Nursing program instead of graduate school because the job opportunities were plentiful, and remaining at NMU allowed me to remain in the Upper Peninsula with my fiancée.
What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
I treat patients both in the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit and Outpatient Behavioral Health clinic settings with varying psychiatric diagnoses such as Depression, ADHD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.
How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
In 1996, I started my employment as an RN in the Oncology Unit. I began working as an RN in the Psychiatric Unit in 1997. In 2005, I completed my Master’s in Nursing from NMU and began my role as a Nurse Practitioner in the Inpatient Unit. In 2013, I completed an Advanced Certification as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner from Wayne State.
What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
One of the biggest changes I have experienced was moving from paper charting to electronic medical records. I was also involved as a staff member, consolidating two psychiatric units, stress and depression and psych ICU, into one unit, as well as the recent move into the new hospital.
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
Outside of work, you can often see me walking around in Marquette listening to Outlaw Country music, like Waylon Jennings, with my Yorkie, Spike, or Shih Tzu, Buster.
I enjoy hiking in nature, reading, spending time with my family, and practicing Zen meditation.
I enjoy the Northern Lights, Cuong Nhu dojo, and their marital arts classes that l take weekly there with my son and daughter.
What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
In the past 26 years, I have always enjoyed interacting with other department employees, the clients we serve, and the interactions with other community mental health staff.