]Congratulations to our SMS standout Haley Anslem. Haley is an EMT/high-risk evaluator and was recently nominated for customer recognition, excellent performance, living the SMS mission and quality of work. Haley has been instrumental in making the BSEE New Orleans District quarantine protocol run smoothly because of her can-do attitude. She even received a compliment from the BSEE regional manager on her skills and personality. Despite being on loan from Hub City operations, she has embraced and exemplifies the Safety Management Systems P.I.V.O.T. work model. Thank you, Haley, for the hard work and dedication. Keep up the amazing job!
We asked Haley to describe what a typical day at work looks like for her.
A.A. Describe a typical day at work.
H.A. I took on the role of routine COVID screening for SMS in April. I’ve been working at the Kenner Airport now for 2 months and my day typically consists of taking temperatures for all of the pilots and inspectors as well as following other screening procedures. Some days I am performing PCR swabs on the guys which they are not the biggest fans of, but I’ve gotten to know everyone over the past two months and they are always good sports! My favorite part of this role is chatting with the guys and seeing how their weekends were! These guys have really taken me in and I love getting to see them every day!
A.A. What was the best vacation you have ever taken?
H.A. I’m a big fan of staycations! Taking a few days off to catch up on rest and then going for bowling or laser tag has been my go-to!
A.A. Describe yourself in one sentence.
H.A. I believe in the good in people.
A.A. What is your favorite thing about your job?
H.A. My favorite part of health care is developing relationships with my patients and constantly being in a position to make someone feel important and cared for.
A.A. What food could you live on for a month?
H.A. Freddy’s fries and spicy fry sauce!
A.A. Do you have a side hustle, hobby, or volunteer group that you’re involved in outside of work? What else do you spend your time doing?
H.A. Outside of work, I am constantly doing improv with various groups in Lafayette! It’s a lot of fun and definitely helps me stay on my toes for work!
A.A. How do you stay motivated at work?
H.A. Always keep the patient first. Everything else that can weigh you down disappears when you have a patient in front of you.
A.A. What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far?
H.A. I’ve been recognized outside of work by a woman who said I worked on her family member who unfortunately didn’t make it. I was expecting her to be resentful, but she only expressed gratitude, saying she could see how hard we tried. We were both emotional, and I’m glad to have made an impact on what must be such a tragic moment in her life. That’s what makes this job worth it.
A.A. Who would play you in a movie?
H.A. Flo from progressive… but she has to play it as Flo…. playing me. This is nonnegotiable.
A.A. Tell us about a moment that changed your life.
H.A. When I was first hired, I was blessed to have Christine Bourgeois as my preceptor, and learning from her has made a lasting impact on my career and outlook of EMS. She truly led by example and instilled that in me.
A.A. What would be your advice for future [safety professionals]?
H.A. Do not ever be afraid to ask questions! If you aren’t learning, you aren’t doing your job!
A.A. What is your favorite activity outside of work?
H.A. I recently joined Acadiana Roller Derby and skating has quickly become my favorite past time!
A.A. Name one book that inspired you professionally.
H.A. This may not resonate with most, but Enders Game has inspired me in every aspect of my life. Through every trial Ender went through, he refused to become jaded by life. He never lost sight of the beauty of humanity and life.
A.A. Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why?
H.A. Who doesn’t want to be able to fly? I would love to feel that kind of freedom!
A.A. What was the best advice you were ever given?
H.A. There is something to learn from every person you encounter.
A.A. Do you have a bucket list? What are the top 3 things on it?
H.A. The only thing I have so far is ice skating on a natural lake! (I’m gonna have to leave Louisiana for this one!)
A.A. Do you have any pets? What are their names?
H.A. My sweet and extremely obese cat’s name is Kit Kat. She loves to eat with me!
A.A. A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?
H.A. “Bonjour! Here is your 19th pizza this week!”
