Rachel Michelle Hayes, MSN, FNP-C

What is your favorite animated movie or cartoon?

Zootopia

What is your favorite children's book and why?

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein. It has been my favorite since I was a child and I still enjoy reading the poems to my kids at night.

What was your favorite childhood toy?

I played outdoors a lot as a child- my scooter, skates, and bike were my favorite toys.

Who is your greatest inspiration and why?

My mother in law recently passed away, but her life inspires me every day. She was fearless as she faced cancer and all of her treatments. She brought joy to wherever she was. Her life was beautiful. Her example of living life to its fullest will not be forgotten.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

When I am not spending time with family, I am usually reading. I also love traveling.

What inspired you to work in pediatrics?

Kids honestly make the best patients. I love encouraging parents through the, sometimes, nerve-racking process of being a parent. Watching kids grow, teaching them about nutrition and good health habits, and helping kids learn about their bodies is a joy. I continue to work in pediatrics because it doesn't feel like work!

What unique qualities, skills, or services set you apart, and how do you build a positive rapport with patients and their families?

Pediatrics is a unique area of medicine because parents are the ones who generally provide histories. Given this, pediatrics involves teamwork, collaboration, and trust between parents and providers. I truly enjoy building relationships with families and watching children grow and thrive! It's such a privilege.

Special areas of interest for me: caring for special needs children, diagnosing and treating rashes, and nutrition.

How do you accommodate patients with special needs?

I keep sensory toys at my desk to decrease the stimuli for autistic children. I strive to promptly address any resources, aids, and/or referrals that are needed- my goal is to have these things signed the same day to avoid delays.