Featured Nurse Profile Heidi Haynes CRNP/Neuro-Oncology

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Where do you live? 

Pittsburgh, PA.  I have lived in many cities that all have special places in my memories, but Pittsburgh feels the most like home. Outsiders have a misconception about Pittsburgh being only an industrial city. Pittsburgh's history and origins have made it the great city it is today.  Pittsburgh offers everything a larger city might without making you feel lost in the enormity of it all.  Personal feelings aside, you couldn't ask for a better place to live if your occupation involves healthcare. Pittsburgh's healthcare industry is top notch and is often known for ground breaking innovations.  Not to mention Pittsburgh is placed in the beautiful setting of western Pennsylvania and is very conducive to outdoor activities...which leads me to the next question.

What do you do for fun?  Anything outdoors like hiking and camping, but my primary love is cycling. Cycling is often interwoven into other activities I enjoy. I sit on the steering committee for The American Cancer Society's annual biking event and have helped out with other charity biking events in the past. Many people say that nursing is giving back in itself, but this allows me to be part of the bigger picture that could someday help the patients I care for everyday.

Why did you decide to be a nurse? 

See my answer about the biggest influence in my life (below).

What about your education? 

My undergraduate degree was obtained at West Virginia University. My Masters/ Nurse Practitioner degree was completed at The University of South Carolina.

Where do you work? 

Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Department of Neuro-Oncology

What’s the most important issue facing nursing or healthcare in your mind?

I don't want to see "the art of nursing " lost. Sometimes I worry as technology continues to develop and the trends to other career paths evolve the nurse as a caregiver may diminish. Over the years of my experiences I have learned the personalization of your work as a nurse is what makes the difference with patients and their families.

Who is/was your biggest influence is in life and/or career?

My father was the fire chief for the town where I grew up. At the time the ambulance service was also run by the fire department. He encouraged me to explore different avenues, but I always admired his ability and dedication for helping those in trouble or hurt. Nursing gave me the opportunity emulate my father's values and to pursue the interests his career choice instilled in me.

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