Every nurse has a reason for choosing a career to serve and care for others who are hurting, afraid and in pain. Nursing is not just what they do, it is who they are. For Marques Scott, RN, the year was 2009 when he and his wife welcomed their first child – a boy. “I saw the care the nurses provided,” Marques recalls. “That opened my eyes. I saw that nursing was a true career.”
Two momentous events happened that day – Marques became a father and found a career in which he believed he could grow and develop. Though mesmerized by the experience of becoming a father, Marques realized that moment in labor and delivery was an opportunity to learn more about nursing. “I had plenty of questions,” he adds. “There were labor and delivery nurses, nurse anesthetist and advanced practice providers. There were so many different paths in nursing.”
Coming from a career path that jogged between retail to HVAC installation, a small window washing business and restoring computers for resale in his father-in-law’s pawn shop, Marques recognized the stability and opportunities nursing offered. “I never thought about nursing for myself,” he admits. “I never had a bias against it either.”
Marques’ first step into health care began with phlebotomy school. Upon graduation he found, however, there were too few positions for too many phlebotomists. This narrow field of opportunity motivated Marques to stay on the path to nursing. “It was going to be an investment in time and energy,” he adds. After completing prerequisites for nursing school, Marques learned of the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program provided by the Department of Human Services. Offering tuition to the University of Portland to complete his bachelor’s of science in nursing, the program allowed Marques to pursue his goal. His wife worked while he attended school. They also welcomed a second child during that time. “It took a lot of work, but it was definitely worth it in the end.”
Following graduation in 2014, Marques had a commitment to the Nurse Corps to provide two years of service in an area in need of nurses. “They told me there was a need in Tulsa, Oklahoma,” he recalls. “When I interviewed, I told them honestly that my plan was to go into labor and delivery. They were really encouraging and appreciated that I had goals to continue in my career.”
Moving his young family across the country, Marques found a home at Hillcrest Medical Center on 5 Tower in med/surg. “We had complicated patients with co-morbidities,” he explains. “Neil Orr, RN, was my manager. He has a really big smile and jovial attitude. He gave practical advice, like on managing time. That helped give me confidence as a new nurse on a challenging floor.”
The next year, Marques had an opportunity to apply for a transfer to labor and delivery. At 6’6”, he can’t help but stand out on the labor and delivery floor. Along with his tall stature, he’s also the only male nurse on the floor. “Presence is really important,” he shares. “Malary Scott, RN, was my preceptor. She has really good bedside manner, knows how to communicate and has a really good presence. That was very helpful having her as a role model.”
For more than two years, Marques has helped patients with childbirth and has cared for parents as they welcomed new members into the family. “This can be the most joyful and also the most painful event for patients,” he shares. “I get a lot of satisfaction in what I do, especially when I have a patient who really needs someone there for them. They may not have a lot of family support. I do everything I can to make it a positive experience for them.”
Marques not only cares for patients, he cares for the labor and delivery team whose compassion had such a profound impact on him that he chose to join them. “Every day I make sure that I do my best to make it the best experience for everyone – patients and my co-workers. I feel fulfilled in my work when I can help my other nurses feel supported.”
Are you an experienced Labor and Delivery nurse interested in opportunities at Hillcrest? Please click here to learn about a $10,000 sign-on bonus available.
