My fiancé, Adam Baumes, RT, and I are originally from central Illinois. Adam is a respiratory therapist and I am an RN. We lived in Illinois for many years and moved to St. Louis to experience urban life and enjoy the Mississippi River.
Unfortunately, it wasn't the fit we hoped for, but we realized how important recreational water access is to us. We considered going to the Gulf Coast, but we both love the four seasons and dislike humidity.
Adam had vacationed in the St. Joseph and Warren Dunes areas of southern Michigan. I already knew I loved Lake Michigan, so we decided to explore what the communities on the Lake Michigan coastline had to offer.
We were looking for a good-sized town — not too small — with close access to larger cities and wonderful opportunities for outdoor activities. As we discussed communities on the lakeshore, Muskegon seemed the best fit, especially with Muskegon Lake, Muskegon State Park, and the fantastic Lake Michigan waterfront and beaches!
I worked in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in St. Louis. I hoped to find a health care facility around the same size as my hospital in Central Illinois and to move from working in the NICU to working in adult care.
Although it is a bit larger than my hometown hospital, Trinity Health Muskegon hospital, offers similar health care services — not only to Muskegon, but to surrounding communities.
As I went through the application and interview process, everyone I encountered was friendly and made me feel welcome. I was satisfied with the wage offer and the really good benefit package. I was hired by Trinity Health Muskegon to work in the Intensive Care Unit in November 2023, and Adam was hired as a respiratory therapist in December 2023.
I very much appreciated the onboarding week. Human Resources did an excellent job with general orientation and were very caring and helpful. As I moved through the orientation process, I was impressed with everyone I have interacted with. I feel our staff genuinely care for the individuals who enter our hospital, whether they are patients or family members.
All in all, we were lucky to find the combination of a health care facility the size of Trinity Health Muskegon in a city the size of Muskegon. We have the best of both.
If you’re thinking of moving to West Michigan, come check out Muskegon. It might be just the right fit for you too.