Nurse practitioner (NP) Heidi Fairbanks-Smith knows lives can change instantly in a medical emergency and uses that mantra to focus on what she values most in her work.
“I’ve learned so much from just being part of people’s lives and being able to relate to other people,” says Heidi, who works at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, near Amherst.
“As healthcare providers, we have intimate details of people’s lives and we’re strangers to them. People tell me things that are very private and that’s kind of special to be allowed to hear those very vulnerable moments. That helps you to look at your own life and be a bit introspective. What would I have done in that situation? How would I have gotten through that?”
Heidi worked in primary health care before becoming a NP. She considers herself independent - enjoying solo work - but embraces being part of a collaborative team.
“We have mutual respect; we’re all there for the same reason: we all want patients to have good outcomes,” Heidi says. “We all want each other to have a positive work-life balance. It’s a really stressful environment and sometimes we’re not at our best emotionally.” It’s important to “be easy on each other,” she says.
The emergency department team values Heidi as much as she values them. Heidi's “presence in the emergency department has transformed it into a more effective, compassionate and welcoming environment for both staff and patients,” says Emily Hudson, interim clinical practice leader.
“Heidi’s dedication to her work is evident in her daily interactions with patients and colleagues alike. She approaches every situation with empathy, passion and an unwavering positive attitude, no matter how challenging the circumstances. Her professionalism and work ethic are second to none, and she consistently goes above and beyond to provide exceptional care.”
For the most part, Heidi cares for patients with non-acute illnesses and injuries, assessing and treating them and consulting with physicians and other health care providers as needed. While progress in health care can often feel frustratingly slow, Heidi says the expansion of emergency department healthcare teams to include paramedics, physician assistants and NPs is a huge gain.
“We’ve had a lot of challenges in our department and in healthcare in general. Sometimes things don’t move as fast as we want them to move,” she says. “I look at it the same way I look at challenges in my life: focus on progress, not perfection.”
Ultimately, the rewards of the role make it worthwhile.
“People come in and they’re maybe having their worst day and I’m able to help in some small way to make that a little easier for them. When they leave, you can see that stress settles somewhat and they feel better, or they have a plan to feel better,” Heidi adds. “Sometimes it’s the really small things you have to hang on to.”
Heidi's impact on the emergency department is profound, says Emily. “Her skill set, commitment to professional growth, positive demeanor and dedication to patient care make her an indispensable asset to the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre. I believe she exemplifies the very best in nursing practice.”
Photo of Heidi Fairbanks-Smith.
