UPHS – Portage Heroes | Grace Huhta, RN

What is your role at UPHS – Portage?
I am a Registered Nurse in the Labor & Delivery Unit at UP Health System – Portage. 

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
My amazing aunt — her name is Molly and she works as a nurse in Minnesota. I always looked up to her and her caring personality towards others. My older two sisters are also nurses who offer me much guidance and my younger brother Evan is an RN at Portage too. Nursing runs in our family!

What’s a typical day like for you? What is it like working in this field? 
One thing about Labor & Delivery is that there are no two days alike — one reason why I love working in this unit. My responsibilities range from triaging patients, being labor support for mothers and support persons, stabilizing newborns, breastfeeding assistance and so much more. We are also in charge of restocking, prepping patient charts, doing education phone calls and preparing for the next surge of laboring mothers. Working in this field is super exciting and requires a lot of quick thinking and great teamwork! 

How long have you been employed here? Have you always been in the same position? 
I have been here for four years and have always been in the same position. I delivered two of my own babies during that time and it was such an amazing experience. I am due for our fourth baby in October and I know that our family will be in great hands. 

What are some of the big changes you have experienced in this position?
One major change that our unit has experienced is that Tina Huhta became the manager. She was a nurse in our OB unit for many years before becoming our manager and it has been such a great experience for all of us. She has advocated for the unit by ensuring that we have appropriate staffing and are always following Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) standards and safety. It is very important to feel supported by your manager and she has made sure of that. Some positive changes that we have been working on since I first started include encouraging skin-to-skin contact at birth, delayed cord clamping, delaying the newborn bath, and mother-baby rooming in. Thank you for all your hard work, Tina! 

What are some of your interests outside of work? What is your favorite local gem? 
My absolute favorite thing to do during the summer month is picking thimbleberries. My favorite local gem is Lake Superior — I love to pick agates, take the kiddos swimming, and sauna swim! Bete Grise and Big Traverse are my top two beaches to enjoy. 

What do you enjoy most about working at UPHS – Portage?
I enjoy the amazing teamwork that we have at UPHS – Portage. Everyone bands together and does such a great job making sure our patients are safe and cared for.