8 Questions with . . .

. . . Lisa Stephens

Job: LifeFlight Nurse

A flight nurse for LifeFlight, Lisa Stephens might have been destined for her current career since the Christmas morning when her mother snapped a picture of her as a 4-year-old, wearing a nurse's cap and clutching a nurse's bag. A Vanderbilt staff member since 1990, Lisa is also a full-time graduate student at Vanderbilt's School of Nursing.

Describe what you do during a typical day.

I either work at Vanderbilt or in Bedford County at the LifeFlight satellite base. We are responsible for patient follow-up and project assignments when we are not flying. I average three patient transports in a regular shift.

What is it about your job that makes you want to go to work each morning?

The people I get to work with highly motivated, intelligent nurses who strive to maintain excellent in-patient care surround me.

Where is your favorite place on Vanderbilt's campus?

Over the last several years, my favorite place has been the Chapel off the Lobby of the Vanderbilt Hospital.

Describe your proudest professional moment.

My pinning ceremony when my father, Dean, placed my nursing pin with my mother, Judy, at his side. Also, the evening Linda Passini called and offered me a position with Vanderbilt LifeFlight.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

I work very hard not to take work home with me, emotionally that is. We see the worst and the sickest, often with poor outcomes. As we talk with the families about what is a traumatic event, I constantly hold back my tears. Because we see so much tragedy, I value every minute of health and life.

What's your life ambition?

My life ambition is to do my best at anything I attempt. I am not in a competition with others, only with myself. I want to be remembered as an easygoing and caring person.

What book are you currently reading?

I had to quickly finish The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve before I started to school. I am now reading Dr. Frank Boehm's book Doctors Cry Too when I have a few minutes.

Name a guilty pleasure.

I am famous for eating the icing off the cake. I can eat my weight in it.

-- Whitney Weeks