When did you start working at UTMB?
June 2000—technically started in 1999 working for an agency as a tech
Why did you decide to go into burn care?
I worked as a tech for UTMB while I was in nursing school to get an idea of where I wanted to work. Being sent to the burn unit—even though I was scared out of my mind—actually was the best thing that ever happened to me. It was then I knew that burn care was my calling!
I had two older brothers who lived to scare me. I was very young when Freddy Krueger (“Nightmare on Elm Street”) came out. They would scare me, so I always thought of burn people being scary because of Freddy. When I was sent to the burn unit, I was scared out of my mind—I was 20 and still young. There was a patient that happened to be my same age, just nine days older than me. Her picture of what she looked like before the accident was hanging on her door! It took that one picture of her for the lights to click in my brain that all these burn patients are that same person as they were before. That’s when I knew that burn care was my calling.
The patient I’m referring to was named Jacqueline Saburido. She was an exchange student at UT and hit by a drunk driver. Her poster was seen all over for not drinking and driving. She actually became very widely known for her story.
What characteristics do you feel are important for someone in your role?
Patience, a big heart, determination and a strong backbone
What is the best thing about your job?
I get to see the patient from when they first arrive and then get to see them “graduate” (being all healed and not having to follow up any longer).
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
When there is no one for the patient for support as in family or friends. Or when we keep providing care when we shouldn’t because of the family issues. I hate seeing patients suffer more than they already have too.
Who are your heroes?
My heroes are my mother and aunt. My mother, Ann Botik, for making herself a better person and making sure her kids had a great life. She was an art teacher then became a nurse after the age of 40. She worked at UTMB and retired here. I was a candy striper here at UTMB (one of the last to wear the red-and-white candy-striped uniform)! I would go and visit my mother at work and see her in action in the MICU. I knew I wanted to be like her.
Then my aunt, Dr. Nancy Hughes, for being the most caring and affectionate doctor out there. She actually knew her patients and gave them undivided attention no matter how far behind she was or if she herself wasn’t feeling good. She gave 100% to her patients and family. I wanted to be just like my mother and aunt. My grandfather, Dr. Edward Lefeber, passed down some greatness to his daughters, who then, in turn, passed it on as well.
What are three words that describe you?
Funny, lovable, determined
What is the coolest thing (or a fun fact) about you?
I have been with my husband since I was 15. We have two beautiful kids, and I couldn’t be happier.
What is your favorite quote?
"Enjoy each day to the fullest—you never know what tomorrow brings."
Pictured above: Jennifer Haglund with J.R. Martinez—Army veteran, burn survivor, actor, motivational speaker, New York Times best-selling author and Dancing with the Stars season 13 winner