Texas Health Flower Mound patient care technician shares her love of healthcare
Sandra Sanchez’s passion for healthcare took her on a long and winding path, but she persevered and is continuing her family’s legacy by working as a patient care technician at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Flower Mound.
Sanchez was born in Monterrey, Mexico, to a family that worked in various health-related capacities, so she aspired to a healthcare career. She had her daughter, Danna, at just 15, and at first worked in business administration.
She later started her healthcare career with an environmental services role in Mexico, then gained the education and training needed to become a medical assistant and a unit secretary. She accepted a position administering chemotherapy at a Mexican hospital known for its oncology program and did that work until she moved to Roanoke, Texas, in 2016.
She has been a PCT for seven months.
“Sandra has been a great asset to our medical-surgical unit,” said Sandra Marti, B.S.N., R.N., medical-surgical/observation services manager. “There is not a shift that goes by that she is not helping her peers or providing outstanding care. We are very grateful to have her.”
Sanchez shared more about her journey in patient care and what her days are like as a PCT:
How did you advance your healthcare career after moving to Texas?
I started working at Texas Health Flower Mound in 2022 as a cook after co-workers at the country club where I was a cook suggested it. But the time came when I decided to continue with my dream to continue providing patient care.
One day at a health fair at the hospital, I approached Sandra Marti and asked about becoming a PCT. Without hesitation, she told me positions would open soon and to apply.
What is your workday like?
My job is like getting on a roller coaster – from the beginning, I’m at full speed until it ends with a brake that almost blows me straight to my car.
I arrive at the hospital running, because I drive 40 minutes to get there. I knock softly on the patients’ doors because they are sleeping when I arrive. When I enter their rooms, I ask permission to turn on a low light, then introduce myself and ask them about their night. I usually have 12 patients.
Each patient is different; some need more attention or ask for more help than others. I help them order breakfast if they haven’t yet, take vitals, help them eat and go to the bathroom, pick up breakfast trays and help nurses as needed.
I also change linens and help patients with showers.
Each day is very different, but quality care is my priority.
I make sure they have ordered their dinner before 6:30 p.m., and I always try to keep them awake, sitting on their recliners and active. But some do not want to or do not feel good, and the best thing is to give them their privacy.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is when I open the door and the patient greets me with a smile. Everything I do has a reward and it is to know that they are in a happy place. Another favorite part is that I always want to see our patients leaving healthy and recovered.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
People would be surprised to know I like to go to the movie theater with my blanket, in my pajamas, and fall asleep at the beginning of the movie.
How do you do your life’s best work at Texas Health?
I always do my work with passion, respect, kindness and total dedication to providing the best care to patients and their families. If, from the beginning, you impact their lives, I promise you that they will not forget the attention you gave them. In short, I give everything with a heart to serve.
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