Paul Marglin never pictured himself as a nurse. Then again, he never thought he’d start a new career in his 40s. Both happened, however, and Marglin believes he was given a second chance to find a career that he loves.

Marglin, 41, was a six-year employee of General Tire in Mayfield when the plant announced it was closing nearly three years ago. Marglin, like hundreds of other employees, was forced to find another job. After much consideration, he decided to pursue nursing.

“I thought back over jobs I had in the past, and one that really stood out was one I held while still in high school,” said Marglin. “I worked part-time as an orderly at Livingston County Hospital, and I really enjoyed it.”

Marglin decided to give healthcare another try. Because their jobs left the country, displaced General Tire employees, like Marglin, could receive paid training to pursue other jobs.

Marglin enrolled in the nursing program at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. He completed his R.N. degree and began working on Western Baptist’s Orthopedic and Urology unit in late June.
 
Director Susan Wurth, R.N., M.S.N., said Marglin is a welcome addition to the nursing staff at Baptist.

“I’ve received many patient compliments on Paul because he shares such a compassionate attitude when caring for his patients,” said Wurth. “He is an asset to the nursing profession, and I look forward to watching him grow as a professional.”

Marglin said the most rewarding part of his new career is touching the lives of his patients.

“I like doing things for people and making them feel better,” said Marglin. “If you can do something good for someone, it makes you feel better, even if it’s just for a few minutes. I tell everyone that getting into nursing was one of the wisest decisions I’ve ever made.”

Keith Thorpe, a coworker of Marglin’s at General Tire, also discovered a new career path in nursing. Thorpe, 44, worked at the Mayfield plant for 18 years. He decided to explore nursing because it offered increased job security and flexibility.

“As I considered job possibilities, I wanted something secure and something that offered me greater variety,” said Thorpe. “Nursing seemed to fit.”

Thorpe is now is a L.P.N. in Baptist’s nursing pool where he works on different floors as needed. He said the variety of experiences everyday is appealing.

“I enjoy the variety of working on different floors,” said Thorpe. “It’s definitely a change from my previous job, but a good one. I think I made a good choice.”

For more than five years, Western Baptist has partnered with West Kentucky Community and Technical College to fund the school’s nursing program. The hospital gives $75,000 to WKCTC’s nursing program annually.

Nola Courtney, vice president of Nursing at Western Baptist, believes the partnership benefits both organizations.

“We’re happy to contribute to WKCTC’s educational efforts,” said Courtney. “It’s a win-win situation. The more prepared and qualified nurses who graduate from their program, the more prepared and qualified nurses we have working at our hospital. We strive to deliver the best in patient care, and realize the value of attracting professional, dedicated nurses.”

To learn more about nursing opportunities at Western Baptist, visit the online career center at westernbaptist.com/career. Or phone Baptist Health Line at (270) 575-2918.