UP Health System - Marquette Heroes | Amy LaMere, RN, BSN, CPHQ

What is your role at UPHS?

I am the Stroke and Sepsis Coordinator at UP Health System – Marquette. I work with multidisciplinary teams to plan, implement and evaluate our clinical programs to achieve high-quality, patient-focused outcomes.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

I switched from being an iron ore miner to nursing because I wanted a career where I could work hard every day and make a difference in people’s lives. I also love science and learning about how the body works as a complete system.

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

A lot of the work I do is in the background, looking through charts to gather data or do reviews. I collaborate with wonderful people from all over the hospital, including our awesome frontline staff. The data I present at meetings tells a story that the team will discuss to develop action plans, policy changes and process improvements. I also do community and EMS outreach, assign stroke education for staff and respond to code strokes when available.

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

I’ve worked at the hospital since 2018. I started as a care aide in the Staffing Pool, worked in the Intensive Care Unit as a registered nurse, moved to the Quality Management Department, and now I recently have taken the stroke and sepsis coordinator role.

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

Moving into my current role has been a huge change for me and I did not realize how far-reaching it can be. I work with a wide variety of people from EMS, the Emergency Department, the inpatient floors, administration and even other hospitals from around the country. I feel like I find a new piece of my job every week and am constantly learning.

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

I love running as many of our local races as I can. I’m not very fast so it’s just for fun. I’m currently training for the Marquette Marathon, which is a beautiful course from Ishpeming to Marquette on the Heritage Trail.

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

I’m a local—born, raised and currently residing in Ishpeming. My family and friends often come here for care. I am honored that I get to be a part of driving improvements throughout our hospital system. It’s important to me that we are able to provide services the community needs at the highest quality.