UPHS – Portage Heroes | Kristin Vichich, RN

What is your role at UP Health System – Portage?

I am a nurse for the Internal Medicine and Nephrology Clinics.

What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?

After working in insurance for five years, I realized that I really liked working with medical records but I wanted to be on the other side of the insurance claim, helping people.

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

I usually work on-desk — taking and making phone calls, sending orders and refills, and coordinating communication between patients and providers. Off-desk duties include injections, ear flushes, EKGs and visit discharges.

In the Nephrology role, I triage the incoming referrals, prep the clinic charts, make sure labs are done, put in orders and track down records.

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

I’ve been with UPHS – Portage for almost 10 years. I started with Upper Great Lakes as a float clinic assistant in 2014 and moved to the Portage Specialty Clinics in January 2019 as a float nurse. I’ve been with Internal Medicine and Nephrology full time since fall of 2019.

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

The department is much bigger than it was five years ago — more providers, more staff and more specialties, like Rheumatology. Every day there are new patients establishing care with us. It can get complicated at times, but we’ve got good people who always rise to the occasion.

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

I love reading and listening to music. In the summer I like to swim and work in my garden (where many of plants are staying alive now). I’m also one of the song leaders at my church.

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

Being able to make a positive difference. In a small community like this, I think you can get to really know people and tailor their care more easily than with a big city practice.