![]() However, we have found ourselves in many states across the Midwest and southeastern regions to include Kansas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas.”Īt the base, Air Evac Lifeteam 26 in Ada, there were seventy-four flights this past month, the most in the state of Oklahoma. “Our service area is 75 nautical miles from the base in Ada, Oklahoma. “I truly experience the best of the nursing world-in air and on the ground.” She works in the trauma bay at the hospital during her week off. Jenna’s flight flies out of Ada, Oklahoma, working 24 hours on, 24 hours off each week. There are four flight nurses, four flight paramedics, and four pilots at each base,” Jenna added. “During those six months, you have to attend and pass three regional intensives which test you on your knowledge and skill set during any quizzes and stimulations. After being accepted into the new role as a flight nurse, there is a six month orientation/training process,” Jenna explained. “You must have 3-5 years of critical care experience, have BLS, ACLS, PALS, PHTLS, PHNRP, an advanced certification such as TNCC and an advanced nursing certification to include either CFRN, CCRN, or CEN. To qualify for a flight nurse, more training is needed. After doing more research about the profession, I never looked back,” Jenna said. I did not realize that nursing had so many specialties and opportunities. I went through the fast track nursing program at Oklahoma City University Kramer School of Nursing. I applied last minute into UCO’s Nursing program after graduation from Baylor. I knew right then that was going to become a nurse. I watched as they worked tirelessly to provide the best care for their patients. During that rotation, I was working alongside other nurses. ![]() During my senior year at Baylor, I was completing my clinical nurse in an inpatient setting for physical therapy school admission. “I initially was going to be a physical therapist. Jenna got her first degree at Baylor University in Health and Human Science. I take care of patients in a helicopter.” The requirements, certifications and education needed are next level and we are expected to know our stuff. We are held to a higher standard as clinicians with an enhanced scope of practice. It is me and my partner making critical life or death decisions. I do not have to ask a physician for orders. ![]() The amount of autonomy that I have in the air. “I don’t just have one favorite thing about my job but the ones that stand out are: 1. “Being a flight nurse is the best job in the whole world,” Jenna said. Stay pay | Flexibility | Profit Sharing | Weekly PayĪpply for a career that feels like HOME: (story continues below) Interim HealthCare Now Hiring CNAs, HHAs, LPNs & RNs! No pun intended,” Jenna said with a smile. I grew up taking care of others, so it is only natural for me to be a nurse. After a traumatic parachuting accident that almost amputated his right leg, I knew for sure that I was supposed to go into trauma and emergency medicine. I would help him in any way that I could. Growing up, my dad, now a 100% disabled combat veteran Navy SEAL, would sometimes come home from deployment with an injury. I truly believe it is a calling for me to serve others. “I always wanted to work in the medical field, ever since I was a child. She has been a nurse for almost six years now and has been flying for a year and seven months. Advanced Certification (FP-C) preferred, required within 24 months from date of hire.Jenna Waddell is a flight nurse, flying out of Air Evac Lifeteam in Ada, Oklahoma. Innovation - We are driven to develop solutions that inspire progress. national, state legislative-elected or appointed. Maintains awareness of current issues related to pre-hospital care through participation in professional activities, i.e.
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