In this 100th podcast episode we want to introduce you to our BCEN Friend and CEO, Janie Schumaker.

Janie Schumaker is a dedicated healthcare professional whose journey began in a nursing home doing laundry. She furthered her education as a certified nursing assistant to LPN and finally obtaining her RN. Janie quickly recognized her passion for the Emergency Department, where she spent most of her career at the bedside and in nursing leadership. As the CEO of the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing for the past seven years, Janie is a fierce advocate for nurses, emphasizing the importance of professional development and specialty certification. Janie holds multiple degrees, advanced certifications, and is an active member in several nursing organizations.

Outside of her professional life, Janie volunteers for an animal rescue in Kansas City and cherishes time with her family, including her husband, son, daughter-in-law, two granddaughters, four dogs and the occasional foster pet, just because.

Come along as Michael Dexter and Hollye Briggs talk with Janie about her insights on leadership, taking risks, and owning mistakes. This episode is called, Certified Leadership: One life influencing another.

Janie can be reached on LinkedIn and Facebook @JanieSchumaker

BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. We invite you to visit us online at https://bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more.

In this podcast episode we want to introduce you to our BCEN Friends, Sean Elwell and Adam Oliver.

Sean Elwell is the Senior Director of Emergency Services, Critical Care Transport, and the Pediatric Trauma Center at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, where he has dedicated over 21 years of service. Starting his career as an EMT, Sean transitioned to become a registered nurse and earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice from Wilmington University. He holds a master’s degree in nursing leadership and health systems management from Drexel University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. A recognized leader in his field, Sean has published numerous articles and presented at regional and national conferences. He is a Past-President of the Society of Trauma Nurses and currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer on the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing.

In addition to his professional roles, Sean actively contributes to his community as the Mayor of Elsinboro Township, where he has served for 18 years, including 14 years as Mayor. He has held various leadership positions within local government and is currently on the Executive Board for the New Jersey League of Municipalities, set to become First Vice-President this November. Sean also dedicates time to volunteer with the Elsinboro Fire Company, where he serves as Chief. His extensive experience and commitment to both healthcare and public service make him a respected leader in his community.

Adam Oliver is a dedicated healthcare professional with over two decades of experience in the emergency medical field. He resides in Gilliam, Louisiana, located in northern Caddo Parish, approximately 30 miles north of Shreveport. Currently Adam serves as the Director of Integrated Health for LifeNet, Inc. and manages three rotor-wing assets and one fixed-wing asset within the Air Division, while also overseeing the development of community paramedic and telehealth programs.

As a passionate advocate for community service, Adam is the Mayor of Gilliam and has previously served as a town council member. His commitment to public safety is further exemplified by his ten-year service as a Board Commissioner for Caddo Fire District Seven, which operates in a large rural area. Recently appointed to the Hospital Service District board, he plays a vital role in supporting the North Caddo Medical Center, a critical access hospital that includes five rural health clinics, two pharmacies, and a dental clinic. Since a young age, Adam has been committed to serving others in their most vulnerable moments. His diverse experiences as a paramedic, emergency nurse, ICU nurse, and flight nurse have shaped his approach to healthcare and community engagement, reinforcing his belief in the importance of compassion and support in times of need.

Come along as Michael Dexter and Hollye Briggs talk with these dual guests and discuss how their experiences in healthcare have shaped their political roles and community service. This episode is called, Mayor may not be outside the Scope of Nursing.

Sean Elwell can be reached via email at sean@seanelwell.com and Adam Oliver can be reached on Instagram @flyin_fishin.

BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. We invite you to visit us online at https://bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more.

In this podcast episode we want to introduce you to our BCEN Friend, Crystal Bencken.

Crystal Bencken is a Simulation Education Manager at Atrium Health Carolinas Simulation Center, where she leverages 16 years of experience in emergency nursing and trauma to enhance simulation-based education. Her expertise lies in developing projects that emphasize teamwork, communication, systems testing, and process improvement, ensuring that healthcare professionals are well-equipped to deliver optimal patient care. Crystal's commitment to fostering collaborative learning environments makes her a valuable asset in advancing simulation education initiatives.

Come along as Janie Schumaker and Hollye Briggs talk with Crystal about her unexpected entry into nursing, her experiences during 9/11, and her realization that healthcare professionals must practice together to be effective. This episode is called, Simulation Education: Let the wild rumpus begin!

Crystal can be reached on LinkedIn @CrystalBencken and on the Atrium Health website at https://atriumhealth.org/education/carolinas-simulation-center

BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. We invite you to visit us online at https://bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more.

In this podcast episode we want to introduce you to our BCEN Friend, Deborah Spann.

Deborah Spann is a dedicated Registered Nurse with extensive experience in network development aimed at improving trauma and time-sensitive illness responses across the healthcare system. Currently serving as the Education Coordinator for the Louisiana Emergency Response Network, Deb is committed to advancing emergency and medical surgical nursing through education and certification.

Deb holds a degree from Louisiana Tech University and a Masters in Clinical Nurse Leadership from the University of Arizona. Obtaining and maintaining her CEN and being inducted as a Fellow in the Academy of Emergency Nurses, Deb has accomplished many achievements throughout her career and with still more to come. Beyond her professional achievements, Deb is deeply rooted in her family life as the eldest of five siblings, a mother of two, and a grandmother to five, ensuring that her life is both fulfilling and vibrant.

Come along as Michael Dexter and Hollye Briggs talk with Deb about barriers in communication, the importance of professional development, and the value of recognition. This episode is called, Serving up a hot cup of Coffee and Mentoring.

Deb can be reached on LinkedIn @DebSpann and on the LERN website at www.LERN.LA.GOV

BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. We invite you to visit us online at https://bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more.

In this podcast episode we want to introduce you to our BCEN Friend, Adam Sorenson.

Graduating in 2012 with his BSN, Adam Sorenson began his career as a pediatric nurse before transitioning to a role as a pediatric intensive care nurse. After a few years in the PICU, Adam shifted to working in an adult surgical intensive care unit (SICU) at a Level 1 trauma center, where he continues to work today. Adam’s professional development includes advanced training, starting with Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) and Advanced Trauma Care Nursing (ATCN) to obtaining his certification as a Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN).

In 2014, during the Ebola outbreak in Central and West Africa, Adam joined the Highly Infectious Treatment Team (HITeam) at Denver Health Hospital, an all-voluntary group established to handle such crises. Denver Health was designated as an Ebola regional treatment center in 2015. In 2021, Adam took on a part-time role as a Biocontainment Unit Nurse Educator, focusing on training, education, and preparedness for viral hemorrhagic fevers, rare respiratory viruses, and novel viruses. Additionally, Adam has served as a nurse in the Air Force Reserves for the past five years.

Come along as Michael Dexter and Hollye Briggs talk with Adam about his nursing career from pediatrics to trauma care to biocontainment. This episode is called, “Hero Dirt: Collaboration on Emerging Special Pathogens.”

Adam can be reached on the Denver Health website at https://www.denverhealth.org/services/regional-emerging-special-pathogen-treatment-center and also recommends resources through the NETEC website at https://netec.org/

BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. We invite you to visit us online at https://bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more.

In this podcast episode we want to introduce you to our BCEN Friend, Tyler Reeves.

Tyler Reeves started his career at Clara Barton Hospital in Great Bend, KS. He advanced from CNA to LPN and then RN, eventually spending a decade there with an initial start in med-surg then moving to the Emergency Department. While working in the ED, Tyler had the opportunity to join the Barton County Transfer Service as a ground transport nurse for four years.

In 2018, Tyler became a flight nurse with EagleMed, initially stationed in Goodland, KS. Here he obtained his CFRN and CEN credentials. Tyler also furthered his prehospital training becoming a Nationally Registered Paramedic in 2022 and gaining experience at Ellis County EMS.

In August 2022, Tyler transferred to a new rotor base, EagleMed 10 in Great Bend, KS, where he has taken on roles as the QA Coordinator, Clinical Coach, and Base Educator. In addition to his roles at EagleMed, Tyler keeps busy as the founder of KanStaff Nurses LLC, pulling shifts with Ellis County EMS and his favorite role of being a dad. Tyler has grown his career in the past 11 years as a nurse and continues to excel in his diverse and impactful career. It’s no surprise to those that know Tyler that he was the recipient of the 2024 Distinguished CFRN Award.

Come along as Janie Schumaker and Hollye Briggs talk with Tyler about his career in flight nursing. He will discuss his passion for patient care, and what keeps him motivated. This episode is called, “More than My Hometown: Spotlight on the 2024 Distinguished CFRN Award Winner.”

Tyler can be reached on LinkedIn @TylerReeves-316a49215 and on Facebook @EagleMed10-Great Bend, KS and also KanStaff Nurses LLC pages.

BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. We invite you to visit us online at https://bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more.

In this podcast episode we want to introduce you to our BCEN Friend, Lionel Lyde.

Lionel Lyde is a retired Military Nurse with 35 years of service in the armed forces. He holds his MHA MBA, and CEN. Lionel has taken on clinical, leadership and executive leadership positions during his 31-year nursing career, spending most of his clinical time as a critical care and ER/Trauma Nurse. His last position being an Air Force Critical Care Master Clinician and Special Military Consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General for Critical Care Nursing.

He retired from military service 2022 but has certainly not retired from nursing. He’s currently the Director of Nursing for a group home and manages a free clinic. His current professional goal is to network primary care clinics that provide care to low income and indigent patient populations. This goal is part of a greater aspiration to facilitate access to the healthcare system and decompress community emergency departments.

Come along as Michael Dexter and Hollye Briggs talk with Lionel about his career in military nursing and leadership. He will discuss his current focus, improving access to healthcare for low-income populations.

This episode is called, This is the Way Of Nursing.

Lionel can be reached on Facebook and LinkedIn @Lionel Lyde

BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. We invite you to visit us online at https://bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more.

In this podcast episode we want to introduce you to our BCEN Friend, Megan Wood.

Megan Wood is currently a critical care ground transport nurse with AHN LifeFlight and holds the CFRN and Pre-hospital Register Nurse certification. She also works as a nurse intensivist, critical care, and L& D nurse at a PA area hospital.

Megan began her career as a paramedic for over 10 years in a busy 911 based EMS system and also as a flight paramedic. When she became a nurse, she continued to fly with Stat MedEvac in Pittsburgh, and working some shifts in a local hospital.

After a few years, Megan decided to embrace change and jumped into an ICU role in her hometown of Washington, PA, and once she got a few years in the ICU, she changed again to a role in the Labor and Delivery unit. It was here that Megan discovered a great passion for women’s health and has used that knowledge to teach other healthcare providers on the topics of fetal, maternal, and neonatal care as well as transport considerations for this special population.

Come along as Michael Dexter and Hollye Briggs talk with Megan about the journey from paramedic to transport nurse. She speaks to the challenges of ground transport nursing, particularly for high-risk OB care.

This episode is called, Take Care of You on the Go.

Megan can be reached on LinkedIn @MeganWood

BCEN & Friends Podcast is presented by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing. We invite you to visit us online at https://bcen.org for additional information about emergency nursing certification, education, and much more.