Juggling Career and Family, Marcellene Trask, RN

As an ER nurse and mother of four active boys, Marcellene Trask has mastered the art of juggling career and family. She credits Beaufort Memorial with her success at achieving a well-balanced life.

“I feel very fortunate to work in an institution that recognizes the importance of having a life outside your job,” the 44-year-old RN said. “I have a lot of flexibility with my schedule and am able to switch my hours to find what fits best for my family.”

Marcellene currently works three 12-hour shifts a week, giving her plenty of time to spend with her sons, ages 9, 10, 13 and 14, and do the things she enjoys, like cooking, exercising and taking long walks with her husband. 

And it’s not just hospital administrators who are accommodating.

“We’re a family,” she said of her nursing colleagues. “We take turns working holidays, and everyone is really good about trading off. If I need to leave at 5 p.m. to go to a soccer game, I can always find someone to cover my shift.” 

Marcellene also appreciates the hospital’s team approach to patient care. Support staff is available to transport patients and perform EKGs, phlebotomies and respiratory treatments.

“It takes the pressure off the nursing staff,” she said. “And it’s better for the patients. Not only do they have another set of eyes evaluating them, but the technicians are specialists in their areas of care and may catch something I miss.”

When Marcellene decided to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, BMH was there to help. The hospital’s $4,000-a-year tuition reimbursement program paid for almost all of her education. 

“It was tough working and going to school at the same time, but they made it as easy as possible,” she said. “If I had an exam, they worked with me on scheduling time off so I could study.”

Hospital administrators also supported her decision to move from the adult and pediatric patient care unit on the Third Floor to the Emergency Department.

“They want you to find the job that suits your personality and interests,” Marcellene said. “They value you as an employee. That’s why I work here. I can’t imagine working anywhere else.”