Randy Schwemin, LPN, EMT, Clinic LPN at UP Health System – Lakewood Family Medicine.

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?
I am a Clinic LPN at UP Health System – Lakewood Family Medicine.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
I have always known that caring for others is what I was meant to do. Over the past 20 years, I have held positions in hospice/palliative care, emergency services, child and family services, and family medicine.

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
We are fortunate in our clinic to be able to rotate our assignments amongst the nursing staff. One day we are rooming patients, assessing vital signs, obtaining medical history, reviewing medications, administering vaccinations, and assisting with other procedures. Then, the next day we are triaging phone calls, sending medication refills, completing prior authorizations, and addressing all messages. There really is no “typical” day, which is one of the best things about this work.

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I have worked here at Lakewood for about 3 years. I started as a Medical Assistant for the first few months while completing nursing school. After graduating, I transitioned into the LPN position.

What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
Working in any position in healthcare during a pandemic has required major adjustments, which have been uniquely challenging. We also transitioned to a brand new electronic medical record (EMR) system. Together as a team, we have made it all work.

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
Outside of work, I spend a lot of time with family and caring for my mom. I am on call 24/7 for EMS and try to respond to calls as often as possible. I also enjoy reading, cooking, hanging out with friends, fishing, taking road trips, and target shooting.

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Marquette?
Without a doubt, my coworkers! We have an incredible team at Lakewood Family Medicine. The providers are caring and compassionate, the clinical team is knowledgeable and experienced, and the office staff is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for our patients. I couldn’t do this without each and every one of them.