Hometown: Dayton
Job Title: Firefighter/Paramedic/Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Where do you Work: Springfield Fire/Rescue Division and Kettering Health Network Soin Medical Center ER
Describe what your day is like/what you do: I have to first say that I am no hero. I care about people and want to help them. Therefore, because of the career choices I've made to help people, my days are very fast paced. My fire department days, a 24-hour shift will consist of multiple styles and types of training. On the days that I am on the ambulance, we will take care of the simplest needs in basic life support, such as calming a patient down who is suffering from an anxiety attack or placing a Band-Aid on a child's finger. Our day will also include the most advanced life support that includes caring for patients suffering from life altering events such as a heart attack, stroke, motor vehicle accident, gun shot, domestic abuse, broken bones, and the list goes on. The firefighting side of it can be physically exhausting when having to fight fires, but we do so much more than that for the citizens that they get to see. They always show their appreciation toward us through their thanks and smiles. I also recently finished my required ER orientation at Soin and now am continuing on with the rest of my 1-year registered nurse residency. I have learned so much information and gained a lot of experience in this short period, but I have even more to learn. I am blessed to be able to meet new patients, hear their stories, listen to their woes and pains, and work with the interdisciplinary teams to help advocate for the patient in the best way possible.
What inspired you to get into health care? The desire to help someone in need is what inspires me to remain in the health care field. I have been in the health care field for the last 15 years, and still continue in that capacity, as a full-time firefighter/paramedic. In 2016, I made the decision to further my education and experience by going back to school to become a physician's assistant, so I made up my mind to complete that goal by going to nursing school to get my Bachelor's of science in nursing first. Are there frustrating days? I would be a liar if I said no, but the good times outweigh the bad. Those who know me, know that it is not just patients that I want to help, it is anyone and everyone. There are a few memorable mottos that I live by. 1. Hope for the best, but always be prepared for the worst. 2. See a need, fill a need. It is this second motto that keeps me going.
Health Care Hero: ‘I became a nurse to make a difference’
What's a memorable experience you've had in health care? Getting to work right beside my wife, Chasity, also a registered nurse, taking care of people who need help. She has taught me a lot and am so thankful for her. On the fire department side, every major fire we fight leaves a lasting permanent impression on us. A lasting impression that says we don't want to see another destructive fire again.
What do you want readers to know about your job right now? That although the work of a firefighter and an ER nurse is fast paced and sometimes overwhelming, my intentions and efforts are always in the citizen's and patient's best interests.
Health Care Hero: ‘I really love my job’