ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico Hospital's emergency department is known for its life-saving work as the state's only Level-I Trauma Center. Among the dedicated staff are nurses Victoria Barner and Matthew Panek, who have worked together in the Emergency Department Resuscitation Unit (EDRU) for a decade.

Barner shared insights into their challenging roles: "Every day is pretty hard. We have to juggle a lot of patients and figure out who needs what. We've lost patients together. We've saved patients together."

Panek described their work environment as "control in the chaos," emphasizing their commitment to patient care: "We do the best we can for our patients."

Barner, an alumna of UNM College of Nursing, expressed her passion for emergency nursing: "I played competitive sports and I like the rush of the ER. Getting to work with the team, to multitask and make quick decisions—I love it."

Panek's career path was influenced by a personal experience after a car crash led him to pursue healthcare. He recalled working closely with Barner: "As a nurse, Victoria and I get to work together even more closely oftentimes on the same patient."

Their bond deepened through shared experiences, such as comforting patients during difficult times. Barner recounted watching Panek support a patient during COVID-19: "He was asked to go into the patient's room with an iPad so the doctor could talk to the patient about end of life."

Panek praised Barner's nursing skills: "She's hands-down the best nurse in the ER. She really is. She just gives the best care."

Their relationship evolved from friendship when Barner became a patient herself after breaking her wrist. Panek stayed by her side, leading him to realize his feelings: "Her nerve block was wearing off and that's when I was just like, 'I kind of want to be here for her forever.'"

In 2021, Panek proposed during a snowy vacation in Taos, expressing his desire to spend his life with Barner: "You're my best friend. I want to spend every second of my life with you." Barner accepted his proposal.

While they haven't rushed into wedding plans, their colleagues humorously suggested UNM Hospital as a venue. Reflecting on their journey together, Barner said: "I just have this fantastic life. I get to share it with him and it's great."

Both nurses remain committed to their roles at UNM Hospital, focusing on providing excellent care: "We're both caregivers by nature," said Barner.