UPHS – Marquette Heroes | Kristi Lemire, LPN

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?

I am the senior clinic licensed practical nurse (LPN) at UP Health System – Marquette Medical Specialists.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

My first job was as a receptionist in a doctor’s office. I really liked the environment and started to feel like I wanted to be more hands-on with the patients.  I decided to become a nurse, and it truly was the right fit for me.

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

On a daily basis, I like to make sure the patients are satisfied and have their needs met, and that the office work flows smoothly. My position consists of a variety of tasks, including maintaining quality metrics, audits, inventory, staff competencies and troubleshooting whatever comes my way.

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

I have worked for UP Health System for 22 years, always in the same clinic. I started as a clinic LPN, then, in 2022, moved into the senior clinic LPN role.

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

Providers change — whether it be retirement or new providers joining our office. It's nice to bring in a new provider or service and be a part of that growth. The change from our paper charting to electronic medical records was a big change too, but now it is just so normal that it is hard to believe we ever used to have huge charts full of papers and handwritten messages.   

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

Outside of work, my favorite hobby is watching my son play hockey on the high school team. I enjoy time with our puppy dog, Milly. In the summers, I love camping, and day trips around the U.P.  I’ve lived in the U.P my whole life, but every summer my husband can find something new for us to explore.  I particularly like the mouth of the Two-Hearted River in the Newberry area.

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

Working as a team with different departments within the organization for the best interest of the patient is the best part of working in healthcare at UP Health System.