Kristin Vichich, Registered Nurse in the Internal Medicine Suite for UP Health System – Portage.

What is your title and role at UPHS-Portage?

I am a Registered Nurse in the Internal Medicine Suite for UPHS-Portage.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

I started working for a medical insurance company and discovered that I really liked the part of the medical record of my job. When the Affordable Care Act made my position redundant, I knew I wanted to be on the other side of the insurance claims.

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?

On a typical day, I focus on the tasks for Dr. Wright: lab results, patient cases, orders, phone calls, and papers. I room patients and do discharges and patient education as needed. I also administer allergy injections, B12 injections, and vaccinations. Duties may vary on atypical days.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?

I started with Portage in 2014 as a clinic assistant leased to work in the UGL offices. When I went to nursing school, I had to become a direct-hire clinic assistant for UGL. I came back to Portage as a float LPN in January 2019, and became an RN in June of that year, and took this position in Internal Medicine that October.

What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?

There has been lots of changes! In Internal Medicine specifically, we have more providers now, including Dr. Woltmann’s patients are seen in our offices instead of their previous suite. Every week we’re seeing new patients establishing with Internal Med and it is exciting.

What are some of your interests outside of work? What/where is your favorite local gem?

I love reading and listening to music. In the summer I like to swim and work in my garden, although I’m still learning how to not kill my plants. I’m also involved in the community theater, COVID permitting.

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Portage?

Being able to make a positive difference. In a small community like this, I think you can get to really know people and tailor their care more easily than with a big city practice.