Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
C5-A Loadmaster, mother or three grown children, Registered Nurse, Grandmother.
Work Availability
Timeline
Generic
Coleen Kirksmith

Coleen Kirksmith

Decatur,TX

Summary

Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with a progressive career history in direct patient care, triage, and care coordination in a fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude, and excellent customer service.

Aviation is my first love! Traveling and meeting people is my favorite thing to do. Traded my Air Force Loadmaster wings for diaper pins, to become a full-time mom. Knowing in my heart that I was not finished with flying. Nursing is a calling that allowed me to treat people with compassion and make a difference in their best outcomes.

The Flight Attendant has been calling me for the past ten years. I am now ready to don my wings and do what I love and love what I do. Service to others is my soul's desire.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Registered Nurse, Out Patient Wound Care Center

Wise Health System
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
  • Demonstrated dressing techniques to educate and orient in-services nurses.
  • Maintained standard precautions and clean environment for best outcomes for patients during their treatment.
  • Worked with multidiscipline team to provide best outcomes for patient. Hyperbarracks chambers included in select patients wound care needs.
  • Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
  • Identified nutritional deficiencies and coordinated with personnel to solve nutrition problems.
  • Developed treatment plans according to current wound care protocols.
  • Attended wound care education programs to gain knowledge on most recent techniques and procedures available.
  • Identified patients requiring debridement procedures and alerted attending physician.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.

Registered Nurse

Angels Of Care Pediatric Home Health
12.2020 - Current
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
  • Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
  • Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
  • Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
  • Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
  • Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
  • Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
  • Minimized hospital stays with recovery-centered approaches, reducing average in-patient stay length.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
  • Patient attends school. Skilled nursing given in a school setting.

Registered Nurse

At Home Health Care Agency
12.2021 - 09.2022
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
  • Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
  • Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
  • Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
  • Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
  • Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
  • Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
  • Led successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs and ancillary staff.
  • Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
  • Provided didactic and clinical instructions to orient new nurses and potential student nurses to achieve training outcomes.
  • Minimized hospital stays with recovery-centered approaches, reducing average in-patient stay length.
  • Managed the day to day care of a medical fragile child with special needs in family home. Engaged with patients home therapies and attended school with the patient.
  • Maintained Seizure, Aspiration and Oxygen precautions at all times.

Registered Nurse

VIVA Pediatrics
10.2018 - 04.2021
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
  • Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
  • Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
  • Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
  • Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
  • Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
  • Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
  • Led successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs and ancillary staff.
  • Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
  • Minimized hospital stays with recovery-centered approaches, reducing average in-patient stay length.
  • Attended patient in the school setting.

Registered Nurse

Wise Health Systems Dialysis Out Patient Center
05.2016 - 05.2018
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge.
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
  • Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
  • Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
  • Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
  • Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and other conditions.
  • Managed quality care for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease and coronary artery disease.
  • Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
  • Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
  • Led successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs and ancillary staff.
  • Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
  • Provided didactic and clinical instructions to orient new nurses and potential student nurses to achieve training outcomes.
  • Minimized hospital stays with recovery-centered approaches, reducing average in-patient stay length.
  • Charge Nurse, RN with Hemodialysis patients
  • Received extensive Peritoneal Dialysis treatment training.

Registered Nurse

Private Duty Nursing
06.2010 - 06.2015
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge.
  • Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
  • Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
  • Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
  • Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
  • Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
  • Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
  • Minimized hospital stays with recovery-centered approaches, reducing average in-patient stay length.

Registered Nurse

Solaris Hospice
12.2009 - 05.2010
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
  • Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
  • Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
  • Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
  • Worked with a multi discipline team to assist the death and dying process of the patient.

Registered Nurse, PACU

Wise Health System
09.2007 - 09.2009
  • Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA and fluids and oriented patients to unit.
  • Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
  • Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and other conditions.
  • Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
  • Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
  • Minimized hospital stays with recovery-centered approaches, reducing average in-patient stay length.
  • Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
  • Oversaw delivery of care for patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments, and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians and unit clerks.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge.
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
  • On call availability.

Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit

Little Eagles Pediatric's
06.2004 - 06.2005
  • Worked with Pediatric Physician to manage the care of pediatric patient. To include office procedures such a circumcisions, lab draw, eye and hearing screens.
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
  • Managed high volume call back services and on call duties after working hours.
  • Kept records of vaccinations per state requirements. Orders vaccines and keep meticulous records.
  • Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
  • Minimized hospital stays with recovery-centered approaches, reducing average in-patient stay length.
  • Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
  • Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
  • Led successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs and ancillary staff.
  • Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
  • Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.

Registered Nurse

Angels Of Care Home Health
04.2003 - 04.2004
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
  • Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
  • Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
  • Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
  • Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
  • Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and other conditions.
  • Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
  • Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
  • Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
  • Delivered nursing care in the home bound patients environment. Collaborating with the primary physician and the plan of cared created for the patients medical needs.

Registered Nurse

Decatur Health System
03.2001 - 03.2003
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge.
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
  • Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
  • Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
  • Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
  • Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
  • Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
  • Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and other conditions.
  • Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA and fluids and oriented patients to unit.
  • Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
  • Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
  • Oversaw delivery of care for patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments, and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians and unit clerks.
  • Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
  • Led successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs and ancillary staff.
  • Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
  • Provided didactic and clinical instructions to orient new nurses and potential student nurses to achieve training outcomes.
  • provided to care to patients from ages 2 weeks to 100 years of age.

C-5A Loadmaster

United States Air Force
11.1981 - 11.1987
  • Checked placement of cargo and passengers against aircraft restrictions.
  • Reviewed work schedules, performed safety checks on equipment and obtained supplies to perform work and prepare for operations.
  • Performed pre-flight and post-flight of aircraft and aircraft systems.
  • Inspected incoming trailers at loading dock for adherence with company quality standards.
  • Interpreted cargo and passenger load briefings and reviewed all plans and documentation.
  • Coordinated and unloaded transport items to staging areas in warehouses with forklifts and [Equipment].
  • Identified, labeled and stored supplies according to specifications while entering purchase order data into inventory system.
  • supervised safety the loading and offloading of cargo and passengers.
  • handled international and stateside custom's inspections.
  • insured safety of passengers and cargo during flight.
  • Performed damage control checks on items received and contacted supervisors about removing items according to company policies.

Education

Associate of Science - Nursing

North Central Texas College
Gainesville, TX
12.2000

Skills

  • Medication Side Effect Knowledge
  • Interpersonal Communication Skills
  • Experience as a crew member on C5-A loadmaster
  • Raised x 3 vibrant and successful children
  • Grandmother of x 2 children
  • Seasoned communication skills
  • Physical fit can swim 1 mile in under 30min
  • Eager to continue what I love to do and do what I love Provide safe and friendly transportation for passengers and their families
  • Work well with people of all cultures
  • Contagious Smile and Laugh
  • Safety comes first, am always anticipating the needs of people
  • Prior aviation experience
  • Clear Patient Communication
  • Heart Failure
  • Operational Standards
  • Information Intake
  • Patient Health Information Access
  • Compassionate and Caring
  • Operational Procedures
  • Behavioral Health Electronic Health Records
  • Accurate Documentation
  • Supporting Daily Living Needs
  • Patient Condition Monitoring
  • Monitoring Vital Signs
  • Standards Administration
  • Specialized Healthcare Referrals
  • Seizure Disorders
  • Withdrawal Symptoms
  • Diet and Nutrition
  • Blood Product Transfusion
  • Intramuscular Injections
  • Patient Examination
  • Medical Procedure Preparation
  • Medical Supply Management
  • Immunizations and Vaccinations
  • Equipment and Instrument Sterilization
  • Blood Draw and Sample Collection
  • Patient Care Assessment
  • Preventive Healthcare
  • Medical Recordkeeping
  • Chronic Renal Disease Management
  • Hygiene Support
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Pressure Wound Treatment
  • Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
  • Crisis Prevention Intervention
  • Medical Histories and Vital Statistics
  • Nursing Plan Development
  • Monitoring Telemetry
  • Mobility Devices
  • Infection Control Procedures
  • Pain Management Techniques
  • Emotional Support
  • EMR Systems
  • First Aid
  • Answering Questions
  • Universal Precautions
  • Disaster Site Triaging
  • Nursing Performance Assessment
  • Patient Medical Histories
  • Cleanliness and Sanitation
  • Adult AED and CPR
  • Passenger Behavior Monitoring
  • Public Interaction
  • Aircraft Safety Checks
  • Pre-Flight Briefings
  • Ticket Checks
  • Speech Clarity
  • Brand Promotion
  • Emergency Care
  • Greet Guests
  • Ramp Service
  • Emergency Procedures Knowledge
  • Customer Needs Assessments
  • Customer Feedback
  • Storage Procedures
  • Active Listening
  • Federal Guidelines
  • Company Guidelines
  • Evacuation Procedures
  • Regulation and Compliance Monitoring
  • Crew Resource Management
  • Client Support
  • Safety Regulation Compliance
  • Takeoff Instructions
  • Status Updates
  • Baggage Handling
  • Guest Satisfaction
  • Conflict Resolution Techniques
  • Emergency Situations Management
  • Passenger Documentation
  • Service Quality
  • Passenger Interaction
  • Critical Thinking
  • Company Culture and Values
  • Passenger Care
  • Medical Emergency Response
  • Airline Policies
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Verbal and Written Communication
  • Health and Safety Procedures
  • Flight Crew Coordination
  • Standard Operating Procedures Maintenance
  • Aircraft Emergency Reports
  • Cargo and Freight
  • Time Management
  • Situational Awareness
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Safety Demonstrations
  • Safe Environment Planning
  • Beverage Service
  • Food and Beverage Knowledge
  • Guest Accounts
  • Special Needs Assistance
  • Aircraft Surveillance
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Speaking
  • Service-Orientation
  • Troubleshooting

Accomplishments

    Held/hold swimming records in Texas


    Life guard


    USAF loadmaster, (first female basic airman in the program)


    Raised x 3 children


    Registered Nurse x 20 years


    Made friends around the globe with international travels.


    Currently (x 4 years) working with spacial needs children and their families.

C5-A Loadmaster, mother or three grown children, Registered Nurse, Grandmother.

As a Loadmaster, I enjoyed the camaraderie of my fellow crew members. This military experience was simply a great conditioner for life. Privileged to fly with men who had flown in Korea and Vietnam. I may have been the only female in a squadron of over 500 men, but I saw myself as a loadmaster with a mission to get the job done. Enjoyed working flight deck, cargo compartment and troop compartment. Travel to Saudi Arabia direct, air refueling, 21 hours in the air. Sometimes breakfast in Spain and dinner in Germany. I love the adrenalin of getting the plane ready for take off and am very familiar with the descriptions of what it takes to reach that point. The entire experience of my military experience was amazing.


I met my husband in the military. He was a reserve flight engineer on the C5. Later, he became a flight simulator instructor. We had three awesome children together. Back then, in the early 90's, there was no option for both parents to be active duty military, especially in aviation. No regrets for being a stay at home mom. These where the some of the best of times of my life.


The children entered school, and I decided to join the nursing field. A calling since I was 4 yrs old. With my husband, still flying and in active USAF reserves, I needed a job that kept me close to home. My calling to be of service to people taken in a medical direction. My children grew into strong adults. They all have stable lives and professions. We are very close and have such high energy together. I am proud of their service they provide to others.


My hunger to reunite my travel bug and work with people from around the world has surfaced. In the recent five years, I have traveled to Romania twice, Jordan, Egypt and India. I can honestly say, I've never met a stranger. People say I have a wonderful personality and a contagious smile. By nature, I am humble and modest. My aptitude is geared to assist people with their needs. I am a seasoned communicator, team member player, and client advocate.


In my free time, I enjoy travel, working out and visiting my family. I have spent many years and hours helping my parents with their no kill (SPCA) animal shelter located on the family farm.


My nursing career has taken me to many specialties. My current five years, have been spent in services to children with special needs. Public awareness to this special sector of people has essentially changed my life.


Aviation calls me to come back, and be of service to this field. I am so blessed to have lived such a rich life filled with adventures and amazing people I've met along the path.


Thank you for taking the time to read my story.


Sincerely,

Coleen Kirksmith


Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

Registered Nurse

At Home Health Care Agency
12.2021 - 09.2022

Registered Nurse

Angels Of Care Pediatric Home Health
12.2020 - Current

Registered Nurse

VIVA Pediatrics
10.2018 - 04.2021

Registered Nurse

Wise Health Systems Dialysis Out Patient Center
05.2016 - 05.2018

Registered Nurse

Private Duty Nursing
06.2010 - 06.2015

Registered Nurse

Solaris Hospice
12.2009 - 05.2010

Registered Nurse, PACU

Wise Health System
09.2007 - 09.2009

Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit

Little Eagles Pediatric's
06.2004 - 06.2005

Registered Nurse

Angels Of Care Home Health
04.2003 - 04.2004

Registered Nurse

Decatur Health System
03.2001 - 03.2003

C-5A Loadmaster

United States Air Force
11.1981 - 11.1987

Registered Nurse, Out Patient Wound Care Center

Wise Health System

Associate of Science - Nursing

North Central Texas College

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Coleen Kirksmith