Beckley nursing student experiences HealthNet ride along

BECKLEY, W. Va. — WVU School of Nursing Beckley Campus nursing student Peydon Smith recently joined a HealthNet team for a ride along experience.

During her Sept. 17 experience, she joined the Base 5 crew and aircraft to observe two interfacility transfers. The crew mentored her through critical care transport teamwork and debriefing back at the Beaver base.

Smith shared the following about her experience:

“I’ve had many meaningful experiences through WVU Tech NSG but today was by far the most unforgettable clinical experience yet. I had the incredible opportunity to ride in a HealthNet helicopter and witness the transfer of two patients. Our first patient was suffering from a critical neurologic condition that required a transport. This was a valuable learning moment for me, because I was able to see first-hand the urgency and precision involved in this type of care.

“Next, we transferred a critically ill patient who was suffering from multiple respiratory conditions, making the transfer especially intense and eye-opening. The experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the level of skill and teamwork required in emergency flight nursing.

“As we returned to Base 5 in Beaver, West Virginia, we were welcomed by a rainbow that was across the sky which symbolized new beginnings and a moment of calm after such a high-energy day. The HealthNet crew I was with (Heidi, Ashton, and Matt) were outstanding. They took the time to explain each step of care, answered my questions, and ensured I walked away with a clearer understanding of what it takes to care for patients in such critical situations. Overall, it was an inspiring, educational, and truly unforgettable day thanks to this HealthNet crew and WVU Tech Nursing.”

-WVU-

MEDIA CONTACT:

Wendy Holdren

Director of Communications and Marketing

WVU School of Nursing

304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu