A leader in The University of New Mexico College of Nursing and a former nurse at UNM Children’s Hospital has made history as the first nurse from New Mexico to be inducted into the Academy of Emergency Nursing. This achievement highlights her work and its impact on the Land of Enchantment and beyond.

Sara Daykin, DNP, RN, CPEN, TCRN, serves as the director of the pre-licensure undergraduate BSN program at the UNM College of Nursing. Prior to joining the college, she worked in the pediatric emergency department at UNM Children’s Hospital for more than 20 years. Daykin is also involved in the Emergency Nurses Association; she is the incoming president for the New Mexico ENA chapter and has contributed to numerous national committees, including the pediatric committee. She has also authored a chapter for the Trauma Nursing Core Course, an essential resource for emergency nurses.

According to its website, the Academy of Emergency Nursing was established in 2004 to honor emergency nurses who have made enduring, substantial contributions to emergency nursing and who advance the profession of emergency nursing, including the health care system in which emergency nursing is delivered.

“It’s an amazing honor. There have been so many amazing nurses before me, but it’s nice that New Mexico is finally on the map, and people can see that nurses here are doing amazing things,” said Sara Daykin.

Daykin’s nursing journey began in England, where she graduated from King’s College London. In the mid-90s, she moved to the U.S. as a travel nurse and joined the pediatric emergency room at UNM Children’s Hospital in 1997. Since then, she has made significant contributions to emergency care, particularly in pediatric trauma.

Daykin’s induction ceremony was held on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at the national ENA conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Five other nurses were also inducted for their enduring contributions to emergency nursing.

“National conferences are invigorating and rejuvenating,” she said. “They provide an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and bring new ideas back to our practices and educational institutions.”

Working in New Mexico, Daykin has faced unique challenges providing emergency care in a rural state.

“In emergency care they talk about ‘the golden hour,’ which means receiving care within the first hour of needing it significantly increases your chances of survivability,” Daykin said. “But for most people in New Mexico it’s going to take them over an hour to even get to a clinic.”

Daykin focuses on improving pediatric trauma readiness to bridge those gaps and improve outcomes for young patients.

Daykin sees Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) and its pediatric readiness checklist as crucial for advancing emergency care. She is committed to helping rural facilities improve their readiness and policies through collaboration and shared resources.

“Even just one child in New Mexico having an improved outcome is worth it,” she said.

Daykin encourages nurses to join professional nursing organizations to drive meaningful change and receive support.

“These associations provide invaluable resources, collaboration and networking opportunities, and support for implementing changes and improving care in your practice and at your facility,” she said.

Daykin’s induction into the Academy of Emergency Nursing is a milestone for New Mexico’s nursing community. It not only honors her dedication to transforming emergency care but also highlights her commitment to supporting fellow nurses.