University of Northern Colorado Athletics
Banner Health Hometown Hero - Khelsie Near
2/8/2021 8:28:00 AM | General
This week's Banner Health Hometown Hero is Medical Assistant Khelsie Near
As the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the world, the medical field stepped into the light for the amazing work they perform day in and day out. UNC Athletics is highlight a Banner Health Hometown Hero for their impact on the community during these unique times.
Khelsie Near, Medical Assistant
What does a Medical Assistant do not during a pandemic?
A Medical Assistant is someone you'd find in a doctor's office. We are the person you see before seeing a doctor and have a lot of different responsibilities. We measure your vitals, verify the information in your chart such as medications, health conditions, allergies etc. While you're seeing your doctor, we help them with the procedures you may have done in the office, give immunizations, run point of care tests such as strep, influenza and many more. We help to make sure your medications stay filled and all your questions get answered.
How has your job changed during the pandemic?
My job has changed quite drastically since the start of the pandemic. Before COVID-19, I had been working in Pediatrics, however, when Banner Health started making changes due to COVID-19 to keep staff and patients as safe as possible, I volunteered to work at a clinic designated to see and test the patients who are ill and unable to be seen in their regular clinic due to having symptoms that could be related to having COVID-19 or patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 but need to be seen by a provider.
How have you seen the medical field adapt and grow with new information and technology for COVID testing?
Things have constantly changed since the start of COVID-19 within the medical field. We have been able to learn about how it is transmitted, how it affects the body, the best ways to keep ourselves safe and so much more. It has been interesting to be able to watch these changes take place and be a part of it all. With each passing day, we get more information and data to know how to best handle the pandemic.
What precautions have you taken to keep yourself and your family safe while working so closely with COVID patients?
I change into scrubs when I arrive at work, which I change out of before leaving work and these get bagged up to sent through the hospital to be cleaned. When I get home, I take off my shoes in the garage before entering my house, I remove my clothes when I get into the house and put them into the washer and go to the shower. I haven't seen my family as much due to the concern of potentially spreading it to my mom and grandparents, but we all stay in touch and talk. I have become more aware of the things I touch and who I am around since before the pandemic.
How do you feel better prepared for future pandemics?
I don't think anyone can ever really be prepared for a pandemic. However, I feel more confident in my ability to take the significant changes in stride. With a pandemic, there is a lot of "unknown" that happens. What you know today can be completely changed and different tomorrow.
Khelsie Near, Medical Assistant
What does a Medical Assistant do not during a pandemic?
A Medical Assistant is someone you'd find in a doctor's office. We are the person you see before seeing a doctor and have a lot of different responsibilities. We measure your vitals, verify the information in your chart such as medications, health conditions, allergies etc. While you're seeing your doctor, we help them with the procedures you may have done in the office, give immunizations, run point of care tests such as strep, influenza and many more. We help to make sure your medications stay filled and all your questions get answered.
How has your job changed during the pandemic?
My job has changed quite drastically since the start of the pandemic. Before COVID-19, I had been working in Pediatrics, however, when Banner Health started making changes due to COVID-19 to keep staff and patients as safe as possible, I volunteered to work at a clinic designated to see and test the patients who are ill and unable to be seen in their regular clinic due to having symptoms that could be related to having COVID-19 or patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 but need to be seen by a provider.
How have you seen the medical field adapt and grow with new information and technology for COVID testing?
Things have constantly changed since the start of COVID-19 within the medical field. We have been able to learn about how it is transmitted, how it affects the body, the best ways to keep ourselves safe and so much more. It has been interesting to be able to watch these changes take place and be a part of it all. With each passing day, we get more information and data to know how to best handle the pandemic.
What precautions have you taken to keep yourself and your family safe while working so closely with COVID patients?
I change into scrubs when I arrive at work, which I change out of before leaving work and these get bagged up to sent through the hospital to be cleaned. When I get home, I take off my shoes in the garage before entering my house, I remove my clothes when I get into the house and put them into the washer and go to the shower. I haven't seen my family as much due to the concern of potentially spreading it to my mom and grandparents, but we all stay in touch and talk. I have become more aware of the things I touch and who I am around since before the pandemic.
How do you feel better prepared for future pandemics?
I don't think anyone can ever really be prepared for a pandemic. However, I feel more confident in my ability to take the significant changes in stride. With a pandemic, there is a lot of "unknown" that happens. What you know today can be completely changed and different tomorrow.
Women's Walk Recap 2025
Wednesday, July 30
