UP Health System – Portage Heroes | Jamie Klotz
May 2, 2025
What is your role at UPHS – Portage?
I am the Infection Preventionist and Assistant Director of Nursing at our long-term care facility, PortagePointe.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
My grandma. She was in healthcare herself and always expressed that there were so many avenues and opportunities. I enjoyed relating with her as I started out in this career.
What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field?
Every day can look different depending on what is happening in the facility. I serve as an infection prevention and control resource for staff and families. I work with a great team to make sure that there are no gaps in care or communication. As well as ensuring regulatory compliance for infection control and clinical operations.
How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position?
I started at PortagePointe as the evening shift Clinical Manager in 2021. I transitioned to Home Health after a year and then had the opportunity to take on the IP/ADON role.
What are some of the big changes you've experienced in this position?
There has been a regulatory focus on developing the responsibilities of the IP role in LTC. This being for good reason. Some regulations were halted due to the pandemic. Now that has ended, new guidance has come out that is necessary for safer patient care. Our newest being Enhanced Barrier Precautions, an intervention designed to reduce transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).
What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem?
Outside of work I enjoy jogging or hiking with my little family and hitting the farmers markets. We're going to attempt raised garden beds this year, so wish us luck.
What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Portage?
What I enjoy most about working at UPHS-Portage is the collaboration of our team with one goal in mind, that being good outcomes for our elders/ patients. It is rewarding being in a position to help.