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Sara Hayes, an emergency nurse at UTMB Angleton Danbury Campus, raises bulls when she's not at work.
1. Why did you choose emergency medicine? Did someone or something influence you?
I originally chose
emergency medicine after having
experience in a large-scale
cardiovascular intensive care
unit for multiple years. I thrived
in the fast-paced environment and wanted to get experience in a different area of nursing
while maintaining a similar type
of pace. I chose to start picking
up extra shifts in the ER near my home, and immediately
felt a calling to this type of
nursing. I stepped away from the bedside for about six years
to develop a high school career
and technical education health
science program. However, the
ER continued to call my name. I
left the teaching position three
years ago and became full-time
in emergency medicine.
2. How do you get through a tough shift?
Having a solid team is essential to getting through a tough shift. Another quality I think that makes it somewhat easier is to have a sense of humor. Being able to step away from the trauma, stress, emotions or the feelings of being overwhelmed and be able to find something humorous in a situation is an excellent way to reset your spirit.
3. What do you do to relax when you are not at work? And why do you do that?
I raise and train bucking bulls for competition. I also haul bulls to compete in bucking events across the country such as Professional Bull Riding. I do not ride the bulls, I leave that to the young, rubber-bodied bull riders! That takes a large chunk of my personal time; however, I love the bulls and the adrenaline rush from competing. I also enjoy fishing and spending time with friends and family.
4. What can you tell us about a recent EMS-related case that was a success? Was there a medic who made a difference?
Recently, we had a 60-year- old male who arrived with an allergic reaction to a bee sting. The medics were Diana Villasana and Trevlynn Scott (with Angleton Area Emergency Medical Corps). They were first on scene. The patient received IV Benadryl and IV Solu-medrol enroute to the emergency department. The patient also received an Albuterol and Atrovent nebulizer to assist with the wheezing. When the patient arrived, additional medications were given along with racemic epinephrine. Their quick work and IV access prior to arrival, along with first-line medications, prevented the patient from losing his airway and provided a positive outcome for the patient.
5. What is your favorite type of food? Do you have a recipe for that?
My absolute favorite type of food is crawfish! I don’t have a recipe that I can share since it is top secret! But I can say that my favorite thing to add to the boiling pot with the crawfish is fresh green beans!
6. What’s something you want people to know about you?
I really care about patients and their families, and even if the outcome for the patient is poor, I try to focus on providing the best care possible to all involved. I am constantly seeking out learning opportunities, and I ask lots of questions to the EMS that I encounter each shift. I recognize and appreciate the knowledge that they can bring to the ER staff to help continue to improve our skills, knowledge and overall patient care.