Jen Granstand is a Quality Lead in the Quality Management Department at UP Health System – Marquette.

What is your role at UP Health System – Marquette?
I am a Quality Lead in the Quality Management Department at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
Healthcare is full of many diverse areas and career opportunities!

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
In layman’s terms, I review charts for standards of care, obtain and analyze data from those reviews, identify trends and opportunities for improving patient care, helping to maintain or create facility performance improvement projects based on process needs, changing standards, best practices, regulatory requirements, etc.

In the Quality Management Department, we work behind-the-scenes of healthcare. It can sometimes sound highly technical — like many areas in healthcare, Quality has its own language and acronyms — but our work is far from boring! We get to see the “why” of everything that goes on in the hospital. Why we do what we do, and why we do it a certain way — implementation, actions, and the tangible outcomes — the full spectrum.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I have been employed here since 2008. I started as an LPN in the Medical Unit. Then, I accepted a position as a Clinical Data Abstractor in Quality Management, and have since transitioned to my current position as a Quality Lead.

What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
The expectations and role of the department have changed depending on the need and current priorities of the facility and executive leadership team. We have shifted away from simply being the “keepers of data” to gaining a more hands-on impact. We are leading performance improvement projects and education, along with taking on other things that don’t necessarily fit in any other department. 

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
Outside of work, I feel reenergized by reading, watching TV, or spending time with my husband. Lake Superior is my favorite. It always brings me peace. 

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
My coworkers are some of the most amazing, fascinating, hard-working, and hilarious people! My team and I share challenges, successes, and laughter. UPHS is a place where everyone, no matter their role, can make a positive impact on someone else. I try to make at least one person’s day better every day.