Uphs – Portage Heroes | Damon Kangas, Rn

What is your role at UPHS – Portage?

I am a registered nurse in the medical, surgical, and ICU areas at UP Health System – Portage.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

My inspiration for getting into health care was likely from my few ER visits from roughhousing as a kid. Having compassionate nurses and doctors made me want to work in a place like that one day.

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

Working in health care is ever-changing. Constantly learning new information, seeing new patients, experiencing new problems. No two days are the same and it makes the days fly by. My typical day consists of getting reports from the night shift, reviewing labs and other pertinent patient data, reporting with the hospitalist, supervisor, pharmacy, and case management, and then carrying out our plan of care for each patient. 

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

I’ve been employed here for almost a year and a half in the same position.

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

I would say the only major change I’ve experienced thus far has been taking care of COVID-positive patients and taking the different precautions that come along with that.

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

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter, living the dream in the copper country. I also spend as much time possible in the woods and on the water, hunting, and fishing. My favorite local gems are low key but anywhere on lake superior is awesome.

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

My coworkers on the second floor are awesome and we help each other out without question, which makes working at Portage very enjoyable.