Her Story
About Sarah
I originally wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon, but by the time I got into med school, it was too expensive, so I ended up becoming a nurse instead. I kind of fell into critical care, and I loved trauma - being there for people on one of the worst days of their lives, whether it's a gunshot, car accident, heart attack, or stroke. Being that calming voice to say 'hey, it's okay, we know what we're doing, just take a deep breath, and we're gonna get you through it.' After about 9 years in critical care working in ICU and ER, I was at a crossroads about what to do next. I was given the opportunity to work in oncology about 3 years ago, and now I don't think I would ever go back. It's the same principle - meeting patients on one of the worst days of their life when they're told they have cancer, and being able to say 'it's okay, we know what we're doing, there's a plan, and we're just gonna take it one step at a time, and you're gonna be okay.' My master's degree in Emergency Management really helped bridge the gap because every patient who gets diagnosed with cancer feels like it is a personal emergency. Being able to coordinate amongst all the different professions to get them a complete picture of their care and help all those different physicians communicate about this one patient so there aren't any gaps - that's what I do. Cancer is a horrible disease, so to be part of making that even a tiny bit easier for a patient is really, really important to me.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sarah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I work best under pressure - external pressure doesn't bother me. I think communication is something that I've always excelled at. Personally, I think being a faith-filled person has always been really helpful to me, to be like, I know that no matter what happens, it's gonna be okay either on this side or the other. Being able to pray with patients and be there for them spiritually, if they're a spiritual person, has been really influential.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
If you don't like what you're doing, find something that you do like. Don't become bitter, especially with nursing. It really is such a versatile career - it's just incredible. There's so many different types of nurses that you can do. If you're unhappy, don't let your unhappiness overflow to the patient population that you serve. Find something that suits you, and you will do better in turn for your patients.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You can't fix everything, and you can't take on everyone's problems. Have thick skin and let it just roll off your back, because you can't take it home. It's such a rewarding career, but it's so emotionally draining.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is definitely money. In oncology, there's a lot of trials that are ongoing, and patients' financial experiences are all different. Some drugs that are not FDA approved may be the best drug for your cancer, but since it is currently still in trials, your insurance is very likely not going to pay for it. Other things that are coupled with chemotherapy - you have to have chemo to get the other drug, and if you're not healthy enough or a good candidate for the chemotherapy, then you don't qualify for coverage. When somebody's life hangs on a dollar sign, it's very difficult. Bureaucracy and medicine in general is really challenging, just being that it's now run as such a business instead of a unique, remarkable experience for each person. But on the positive side, there are patients that do remarkably well with what we are able to provide them. Cancer patients in general are the most lovely, thankful, genuine people I've ever met, and it's really a joy to be able to work for and with them.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, loyalty, love, and caring are most important to me. I value openness and being able to understand any point of view, so empathy or sympathy to some extent. A good sense of humor is always good to throw in - if you can laugh at yourself, it's always a good day.
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