When Marcus started working at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, he wasn’t a licensed respiratory therapist—yet. He was fresh out of college, unsure of his direction, and working on the Lift Team thanks to a family friend who nudged him to apply.

“She kicked my butt and put me in the right direction,” Marcus laughs. “I really wasn’t doing the most, and she helped me gain a sense of independence. Providence has been here to see me through all my growth.”

From uncertainty to purpose

It wasn’t long before Marcus started exploring new opportunities and created an impressive career trajectory with Providence. He transitioned from the Lift Team to a nurse’s aide while studying respiratory care, and eventually became a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner. He’s been with Providence for over 15 years now.

“I did an online program to become a respiratory therapist, and it was crucial to have the support of management. They allowed me to shadow other RTs and do my clinical work here,” he says.

And it wasn’t just professional growth that Providence supported. Providence’s nonprofit status allowed Marcus to qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, a program that has helped many healthcare workers reduce the burden of student loans. 

Making an impact through Respiratory Care

As a licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner, Marcus works with patients of all ages—from newborns to those receiving end-of-life care. “We help people breathe better. We can help manage people’s medications for asthma or COPD,” he says. “It’s also teaching patients how they can more effectively live their lives, so they don’t need to be in the hospital as much. If we can help them take care of themselves, the whole community is better for it.”

He emphasizes that his team plays a big role in that impact. “We’re an eclectic group, and that’s awesome because we all have strengths that are beneficial to the patients. Some of my coworkers connect with patients on a spiritual level. Others are like personal trainers—encouraging and pushing people forward. Every patient responds differently, and together we can arrive at a great outcome.”

Off the clock in Humboldt County

Born and raised in Eureka, Marcus has built a life centered around the tight-knit charm of Humboldt County. His home, his parents’ house, and his daughter’s school are all just a few blocks from the hospital. “I ride my bike or walk to work—unless it rains,” he shares with a grin.

Living in Eureka suits him well. “It’s 55 degrees, plus or minus a few, year-round. We have a long growing season, and I like gardening,” he says. When he’s not working, Marcus is usually outside. “We have a lot of great trails. I hike and play basketball and disc golf. There’s a really big disc golf community here—one of the annual tournaments recently had over 400 people.”

He says Eureka is ideal for families, too. “It’s a great place to raise kids. I grew up riding my bike for hours, checking in with my parents. Now, I push my daughter outside—away from the iPad,” he laughs, “And she has a good time.”

Marcus treasures the sense of belonging he feels in his community. His colleagues at Providence contribute to that. “The hospital is great. I love my coworkers. But more than all that, I love the community.”

A hospital that feels like home

Marcus describes Providence as a place where compassion and inclusion are deeply embedded in the culture. “It’s felt more and more like home the longer I’ve been here. Not just because of time, but the culture has become more inclusive.”

Leadership is a key driver of this positive culture shift. Marcus speaks highly of his manager, saying, “Our boss is patient and compassionate. People like him are implementing what departments need, and that’s infectious.”

This sense of connection extends to outings and shared experiences with coworkers. “It’s a great place to work, with great people. We plan trips together, like the ICU team’s annual camping trip. We bring our families, our kids play together. It becomes a large family.”

Explore open roles in Eureka to discover a workplace—and a community—that feels like home.