Jalina Ingram

Elizabeth Cantu

4/27/26

I interviewed Lauren Baker. She is an RN Emergency Room Nurse from Pheonix, Arizona. I wanted to interview her about nursing, stress management, burnout, and resilience. I wanted to focus on real experiences in healthcare. She has been working in the field for seven years.

Interview Questions and Answers

Q: What inspired you to become a nurse?

A: I’ve always wanted to help people in a meaningful way. Nursing allows me to make a direct impact on patients’ lives every day.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?

A: In the ER, no day is typical. We handle emergencies ranging from minor injuries to life threatening situations. It’s fast paced and unpredictable.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about your job?

A: Helping patients recover and seeing them leave in better condition is very fulfilling. Also, supporting families during difficult times.

Q: What are the biggest sources of stress in your job?

A: High patient volume, emotional situations, and long hours. Sometimes we don’t even get breaks.

Q: How do you manage stress and avoid burnout?

A: I make sure to take time off, talk with coworkers, exercise, and separate work from home life as much as possible.

Q: Have you experienced burnout? If so, what did it look like?

A: Yes, I felt emotionally drained and less motivated. Recognizing it early helped me take steps to recover.

Q: What advice would you give students considering nursing?

A: Be prepared for both the emotional and physical demands. But if you’re passionate, it’s incredibly rewarding.

Q: What skills are most important for a nurse?

A: Communication, critical thinking, empathy, and teamwork.

Q: How has nursing changed your perspective on health and life?

A: I appreciate life more and focus on preventive care and staying healthy.

Reflection

The most interesting part of the interview was learning how emotionally demanding nursing can be. I was surprised by how often nurses skip breaks due to workload. This interview helped me understand the importance of resilience and self-care in healthcare professions. I think others should know how hard it is to do what these nurses do. I think students wanting to become a nurse would benefit from this interview.

Comm 100-11054

Dr. Liz Cantù

5/1/26

COM 100 11054

Dr. Cantu

5/5/26

COM100 11054

Dr. Cantu

5/6/26

Com100 11054

Dr. Cantu

5/6/2026