Alicia (Allie) Barren FNP-C
Family NP Urgent Care/Tier 1, Texas City Urgent Care
When did you start working at UTMB?
2005
What is the best thing about your job?
My coworkers and being able to make a positive difference and help people.
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
Since 2020 it would be trying to establish a trust/bond with my patients while wearing so much PPE. It was and is necessary; however, it feels like a barrier between us.
Talk about the value of the patient/provider experience and how you connect with patients.
It is so important to me that even in the short time we have, we connect. I want them to know I have their best interest at heart and to trust me. So, I am honest with them and make sure to make eye contact, so they know they are being heard.
Who are your heroes?
My parents. They have been married 57 years and still hold hands when they are walking together. They are both good people who I would want in my life even if they were not my parents. They have taught me so much.
What is your favorite quote?
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou
Describe your life in six words:
Just need one: Blessed.
What are three words that describe you?
Positive. Empathetic. Caring. (I was not sure how to answer this. I asked a coworker, and this is what they said.)
Describe your life outside of work.
Fishing, spending time with family, reading, cooking
What is your favorite:
Book:
Winnie-the -Pooh by A.A. Milne
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
Color: Sunflower yellow—it just makes me feel happy
Movie: “To Sir with Love” and “Braveheart”
Food: Mexican food—I love it!
Song: "At Last" by Etta James and "Wait a Minute" by Micheal Juarez
What is the coolest thing (or a fun fact) about you?
I am so not cool, LOL
What is a cause you’re passionate about?
A local nonprofit, H.O.M.E. (Helping Our Military Endure). They are answering soldiers' requests and sending care packages all year to our men and women deployed. And ARF—Texas (Animal Rescue Foundation—Texas). It is a Texas nonprofit to rescue, adopt and foster animals.
When have you felt the proudest?
Being there for this community.
Working at John Sealy during Hurricane Katrina, we received many patients from Louisianna. Helping them get in contact with family and registered with the Red Cross so others could find them as well. I was blessed to be a part of reuniting a father with his daughter.
Working through the evacuation of UTMB for Hurricane Rita.
Working through COVID.
What is a favorite memory from childhood?
Working and playing with animals. My great grandfather had a ranch, and my parents would take my cousins and me up there. We bottle fed baby goats. Fed the cows Milk Bones for treats. Rode horses. Fished. Played Marco Polo in the field of corn that was way over our heads. Rode our bikes at night because the stars were so bright.
What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on?
My parents, my husband and I went on an Alaskan cruise. So many beautiful and funny experiences. The landscapes, glaciers and animals left me in awe.
Describe an experience that has had a lasting impact on you.
My mother is disabled and has been in and out of hospitals since I was a child. I learned how important the medical staff were, from the PCTs, nurses, providers, etc. I saw really great care and some not so good—and I wanted to help make it better.
What has been your most meaningful accomplishment so far?
Working as a PCT while getting my BSN from UTMB. Working as an RN while getting my MSN from UTMB. Tough, but so incredibly worth it. (Thank you UTMB for the Work School Program)
What is one thing you can’t live without?
My best friend, my hubby Michol.
If you could pick any superpower, what would it be?
The power to manipulate weather—like Storm from X-men. Why? No more hurricanes, flooding or droughts.
You’re planning a dinner party. What three people would you invite?
My grandparents and my husband because I really think they would like each other—and they never got a chance to meet.
And here she is showing off one of her other greatest catches, husband Michol.