Yolanda Leyva, Nurse Clinician V, Neonatal Nursery
When did you start working at UTMB?
1989. I was part of an on-the-job training program, working as a secretary. I hired on full time with UTMB the same year. I worked at UTMB for three years and then became part of the work-school program. The university paid for my nursing degree, and I agreed to stay at UTMB for two years in return.
What is the best thing about your job?
There are many good things about my job. Probably the best part is watching the babies progress to the point of going home. Helping to plan the annual preemie reunion every year to see our former preemie patients and their families is probably the absolute best thing.
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
The most challenging part is working with babies who are not doing well and not being certain they will survive.
Is there anything about your job that surprised/surprises you?
The thing that surprises me the most is how things in nursing have changed.
Who are your heroes?
My number one hero was my mother. She raised my siblings and myself when my father left her. She had a sixth-grade education, but she managed to support five children alone. My other heroes are the doctors and nurses I work with every day who do everything possible to save every baby who comes into our unit.
What is your favorite quote?
"They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel." (Maya Angelou)
Describe your life in six words:
Growing up with my children
What are three words that describe you?
Dedicated, stubborn, tough
Tell us about your life outside of work.
I have five grown children and four grandchildren. I love family time. I like crafts—some I am good at and some I am not.
What is your favorite:
- Book: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
- Color: Blue
- Movie: Steel Magnolias
- Food: Potatoes
- Song: 'Til You Can't by Cody Johnson
What is the coolest thing (or a fun fact) about you?
I rode in a helicoptor—for the first and only time—to transport a patient on ECMO to Houston.
What is a dream that you want to make come true one day?
I want to be as organized at home as I am at work.
What is a cause you’re passionate about?
American Heart Association—my grandson was born with a congenital heart defect.
When have you felt the proudest and why?
When I realized that all of my children were able to support themselves.
What is a favorite memory from childhood?
Christmas was always my favorite time.
What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on and why?
Last year my husband and I went to Hawaii. We visited before the fires in Lahaina. It was my bucket list trip.
Describe an experience that has had a lasting impact on you.
Meeting a former ECMO patient who was on ECMO for the longest run for my team during COVID. I saw him face to face after he was home with his family. I cried like a baby afterward.
What has been your most meaningful accomplishment so far?
Obtaining both my bachelor's and my master's degree in nursing.
What would you like to be remembered for?
I would like to be remembered for being someone who could be counted on to lend a helping hand.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
Anyone who knows me would say Diet Coke.
Describe a funny or unique experience that you’ve had.
The most unique for me was being interviewed for World News during COVID and seeing the interview on television.
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?
My dream vacation was Hawaii and I did it last year. It has just always been the one place I wanted to go in my lifetime.
If you could pick any superpower, what would it be and why?
If there were a superpower to prevent children from getting cancer, that's the superpower I would want.