Front Lines Stories: Ricky Baker
How one Registered Nurse is protecting his patients from the spread of COVID-19
Ricky Baker is a Registered Nurse currently working in Salt Lake City, UT. Ricky is specialized in Oncology, and each day is different depending on the patient he is treating.
His primary responsibilities include chemotherapy infusion and side effect management, but ultimately his most important responsibilities are his patients.
Ricky is inspired by his patients every day. He admires their strength to carry on and push through each cycle of chemotherapy.
We are thrilled and honored to feature Ricky as one of our leading Heroes in Healthcare. Continue reading to learn more about Ricky and his story from the frontlines of the current pandemic.
Ricky Baker
Registered Nurse, Oncology
Graduate of Eagle Gate College, 2019
What made you choose your current career?
“I kind of just closed my eyes and pointed. It was either medicine or the Navy.”
What are the typical responsibilities for someone in your position?
“Chemotherapy infusion and side effect management. My biggest responsibility is my patient.”
Walk us through a day in your life. What does it look like?
“Each day is different as it’s each patient. My days start with placing an IV or port access, and they end with a smile or high five.”
How has the pandemic affected your work?
“Most of my patients are immunocompromised, so there is an increased fear of becoming ill.”
What do you appreciate most about your job?
“How grateful my patients are and how it makes me feel watching them overcome their fears and cure their cancer. I have been told many times how they love that I treat them as a friend and not a patient.”
Where do you find the inspiration to endure this difficult period? What’s been your greatest source of strength?
“My patients. They feel ill every day as a side effect of their treatment, but still find the strength to carry on and push through each and every cycle.”
How do you find balance? What do you do to maintain your composure during stressful moments at work?
“Listen to music, laugh with co-workers, and spend quality time with my patients.”
Any words of advice or inspiration you’d like to share with other healthcare workers who may be coping with similar challenges and responsibilities?
“Remember your training! My grandfather always said that to me, you had prepared your entire life for this moment. No matter the circumstances, remember your training.”
What advice would you share with the future generations of healthcare professionals, currently in school?
“Knowledge comes with time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
Thank You, Ricky!
We want to thank Ricky for taking the time to share his inspiring story with us during these difficult times. We would also like to express our sincerest gratitude to all our healthcare heroes for their tireless efforts in battling COVID-19.
Thank you all. We are so proud of you!
