SUNA Spotlight: Jim Plante

 

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This month, we’ve reeled in another SUNA member from the “associates” category.

 

Jim Plante works behind the scenes with our chapter and recently sat down with GLSUNA.com to let us know what he does with the chapter and his background as it loosely relates to nursing.

 

Where do you currently work and in what capacity?

 

I am currently on a medical leave from my position as a Professor at Macomb Community College.  

 

What is your schooling background?

 

Although I was working as an engineer, I completed a Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwood University, and then a Master of Science in Management from Walsh College. I also bought three computers in 1982 (IBM, Apple IIe and an Apple Mac). I was soon teaching computer classes including databases and page layout programs for a large computer chain.

 

You’ve encountered the nursing field in the past. Explain.

 

Macomb has a very strong Nursing program, but the nursing students can’t work in their field without a license. Since I was running the Co-Op Department, I spent a lot of time helping them find jobs, which would help pay their way through school and give them experience. I made a point of attending any seminars that might help me find jobs for these students. I was able to find positions for some in medical offices, etc. 

 

Why did you join SUNA and how do you hope to get involved with our chapter?

 

Since my son and other family members are involved in Nursing, I decided to learn more about it.  I attended a few SUNA meetings, and I gradually began volunteering for tasks, which were computer-related. 

 

Anything you would want to brag about as it pertains to your outside life?

 

My son worked in hospital food-service in Germany while he was in the Army. When he finished his enlistment, he had found a goal and went back to school. He is now an RN in Texas on an Oncology floor. He taught me much of the medical-nursing language which makes attending the GLSUNA meetings less confusing.

 

 

GLSUNA is proud to have Jim along for the ride!