In honor of National Nurses Week this week, we have the wonderful pleasure of highlighting on of our very own nurses, Patti Bates. She just so happen to also compete in a TRIATHLON on National Nurses’ Day this past Sunday, May 6th. Patti really couldn’t have timed her winning the Triathlon any better! We sat down with her for a bit and wanted to get to know her better so we could highlight the amazing staff we employ to give excellent care to our patients, but also to encourage you this Spring to do what Patti does, get out there, have fun, and most importantly improve your health.

Here is what Patti had to say:

What is your current relationship with FCER? 

Staff RN Full time at FCER on Louetta, Spring, TX.

With your depth of experience we’re sure that you could work in any ER. Why did you choose FCER?

FCER has been on my mind and in my vision since before I became a RN.  I became a RN in the Woodlands, TX and knew of FCER since its start.  I always thought it would be so cool to work at a freestanding ER in the community.  My background was as an EMT and then Medical Assistant in NY and loved the contact with the public. After over 5 years working at ER’s and getting the skills I needed to work in a freestanding I applied for FCER.  FCER allows me the time with clients to really give top notch, first class care.  I develop trust with them, educate them, assure them and in the end build a relationship with them that makes them want to come back when needed and gives me the fufillment that I need and crave.  I even coined a phrase for FCER… its ‘FIRST CLASS CARE WITH FIRST CHOICE EMERGENCY ROOM”

How long have you been competing in Triathlons?

My first triathlon was when I was 26~27years young, in San Antonio, at Ft. Sam Houston.  I won my age group and was totally hooked!  Been doing all different types since then.  My furthest distance is the half ironman, perhaps someday I will compete in and complete an IRONMAN.

How does your medical training assist you in training for a triathlon?

My medical background has given me an edge on my non-medical competitors for sure.  I understand how the heart works, oxygenation of the blood, core body temperature, muscle memory and healing, nutrition, even psychological things like visualizing!

What is your favorite *not in training* guilty pleasure?

Guilty pleasures are part of my training.  I wouldn’t make it through all the vigorous training without them.  The thing is I do not have them very often.  Good old  fashioned cheeseburger and fries, lots of tabasco ketchup, habanero wings, marble slab creamery…. the list can go on.  Its all about discipline and self control.

For someone interested in pusuing a triathlon, what are a few pointers you would share from your experience?

If you are even remotely interested in doing a triathlon, know that anything is possible, I have trained numerous people to do them.  Most people are petrified of the swim, or believe they couldnt possibly swim for any distance and especially in a lake or open water situation.  I promise you, if you can tread water, swim breaststroke or backstroke, you can eventually swim enough laps in a pool to do a sprint triathlon.  It really just takes the 3 “D’s” Drive, Discipline and Determination!!!  You don’t need a fancy bike or need to be great at any of the three events.  My bike is a 14year old Bianchi and I won my age group!!  Believe in yourself and anything is possible. Just get out there and google triathlons, pick one, sign up and start training.  If you are really interested and want more details you can email me at patti.bates@fcer.com.

As always, read the MyER blog to stay up to date this Spring on staying healthy while you are more outside and active, but to also receive health information and tips for some of life’s more sticker health situations! You can also stay in touch with us on our Facebook Page, send us a Tweet, or Pin a few things with us! Happy National Nurses’ Week all.