UPHS – Portage Heroes | Elias Helppi, CNA
July 10, 2026
What is your role at UP Health System?
I am a certified nurse assistant in the medical/surgical unit.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
My mom. She’s been a nurse all my life and I used to think “Wow, I could never do something like that.” After high school I started delivering trays for the kitchen. Seeing the nurses work on the floor made me understand my mother’s work better. Definitely inspiring.
What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
12 hours of non-stop fun! My main responsibilities are getting vitals and providing basic hygiene care, but I’ll tackle just about whatever comes my way as long as it’s in my scope of practice. Medical/surgical, or "Med/Surg" as we call it, is definitely busy, but that makes the time pass quickly. It’s hard work, and you see all sorts of stuff, but it’s very rewarding.
How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
About four years in total. I worked in the kitchen for about two years before moving upstairs.
What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
The biggest change for me was definitely moving from the kitchen to Med/Surg. Our kitchen staff are friendly, committed, and take on a lot of responsibility when it comes to patient care. You take on a different kind of responsibility as a CNA, and it took some getting used to, but I’m very thankful to work closely with my old coworkers so we can make sure all our patients are well taken care of.
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
I enjoy making art and listening to music outside of work. One of my favorite small businesses in the area is Supernova Yoga in Calumet. Big Annies in Hancock is a favorite as well.
What do you enjoy most about working at UP Health System?
The people. The patients and all of my coworkers. I am truly blessed to work with a team that not only cares about what they do, but enjoys what they do as well, even on the days when it’s hard.