UPHS – Marquette Heroes | Skylar Hamilton 

What is your role at UPHS – Marquette?

I am a clinical data abstractor and recipient rights alternate at UP Health System – Marquette.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

I always had an interest in healthcare, but it was a former co-worker of mine who convinced me to take the leap. He told me the following, which really influenced my decision: “You can keep selling people cheese, or you can help people and make a real difference.” Since then, I have never regretted that choice. 

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

A typical day consists of me auditing charts for compliance set by the Hospital, The Joint Commission, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Outside of that, I make phone calls to patients regularly regarding surveys, answering questions as needed and collaborate with coworkers to complete the goals/audits required of us as a team. 

Every day, I feel as though I come across something new, and I am constantly learning new things about the different units, patient care, infection prevention, policies and more. While sometimes challenging, my work is rewarding in the end, because as a ‘keeper of data, ’ you can see trends, patterns and the direction in which things are moving. This allows us to alert the right people to make the changes needed for the best patient experience. The staff is always very passionate about their patients and continues to amaze me with the depth of knowledge they have about their field, charting and how flexible they can be when needing to collaborate with others.

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

I have been with the hospital since 2019. I started as a Unit Clerk/Care Aide on the Behavioral Health Unit and moved to Quality Management three years ago.   

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

Learning the whys and hows of what we do. It’s one thing to be on the front line of patient care, but you don’t always have the full picture of why it is important to do what you do. Since moving to Quality Management, it has been eye-opening to learn more about the regulations, and the reason things are charted, along with the importance of them being documented in a certain way.  

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

I am a rather big Star Wars fan and a local 501st Legion Member, a costuming group dedicated to sharing its love of Star Wars with communities. I also love to cook, read and play games, be it electronically or around a table with good friends and sometimes new ones. My favorite local gem would have to be the bike path. I walk along it daily in the Winter on my way to work, and enjoy my bike rides along it in the Spring through Fall. Nature is a special part of our area, and I love experiencing it. 

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

The people. Be it my luncheons with friends/coworkers, special little celebrations, or just interacting with Staff, Volunteers and Visitors. We are part of the whole that makes up this facility, and I enjoy speaking with them to learn of their experiences, aspirations and inspirations for work and life. Every time, I am amazed at the things people push themselves to complete, endure or to obtain goals that they have, be that professionally or personally.