UPHS – Portage Heroes | Ryan Jurmu, RN

What is your role at UPHS – Portage?

I am the Director of Nursing PortagePointe, our long-term care facility.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

I want to help people. When I was younger, I came upon a car accident and felt helpless. I wanted to make sure that in emergency situations I could help people.

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

I transitioned to the Director of Nursing role in January of 2023. This role is a lot of behind-the-scenes work with staffing and dealing with any problems that arise. It is nice to have awesome staff taking care of the residents at PortagePointe, which makes my job easier.

Before coming over to PortagePointe, I worked as a Nurse Supervisor on the hospital side. It was a very challenging job as well but taught me a lot of the skills needed to do the job I am doing today.

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

I started at UPHS – Portage in 2013 as an Elder Associate at PortagePointe. Eventually, I got my RN degree and transferred to the Respiratory Therapy department, and then to the Emergency Department. I then transitioned to Nurse Supervisor and am now the Director of Nursing.

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

I am used to being hands-on and working with acute patients, so this job has been a change. I'm working to learn all the state regulations and trying to keep PortagePointe as one of the best nursing homes in the area.

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

I really like to golf in the summer and hunt in the fall. We have such a nice area to live in, anything outside is normally enjoyable.

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

I really like the people that I work with. Everyone at Portage is always willing to jump in and help each other out. We live in a small community and we all look out for each other.