Registered Nurse Specialty Teams
Surgery
Smith circulated all CVTOR (Cardiopulmonary-Vascular-Transplant-Operating Room) procedures, but acted as the lead circulator for Vascular Surgery. In this role she acted as the expert to train all new graduates or transfer hires to vascular surgery and vascular surgery call. Tampa General Hospital is a Level-I Trauma and Aortic Center, facilitating emergent ruptured aortic patients from air to table.
Smith developed expertise in sterile techniques, specimen handling, trending data analysis, calibration and management of multi-million-dollar machinery and technology, as well as environmental management. She became an expert MacGyver.
Air Medical Crew Core Curriculum
Smith began nursing school with the goal of becoming a Flight RN. She diligently pursued this path, completing Tampa General Hospital’s Peri-operative Program, Critical Care Program, and five years of Intensive Care Unit nursing in Magnet Certified Level I Trauma Centers, including travel ICU assignments, all while continuing to take on OR shifts. She maintained certifications in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Neonatal Resuscitation, Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, Ventricular Assist Device, and Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Therapy. Additionally, Smith completed training in Hazmat, Infectious Disease Outbreak, and FEMA courses, and she prepared for the Paramedic exam through Emergency Medical Training. She also attended MECA’s Air Medical Crew Core Curriculum and participated in several training sessions with Aeromed, including ride-alongs.
Just before applying for her Flight RN role, Smith realized her goals had evolved. Throughout her journey, she developed and overcame an autoimmune disorder, and after going into remission, recognized a shift in her career aspirations. Grateful for the strong foundation she built and the exceptional mentors who supported her, Smith is now pursuing new paths with the knowledge and skills gained during her nursing career.
FEMA Team: Hurricane Irma
Smith served as a member of the FEMA team at Tampa General Hospital during Hurricane Irma, residing in the Vascular Intensive Care Unit for a week to provide round-the-clock patient care throughout the storm.
Infectious Outbreak Team
As previously mentioned, Smith was a member of Tampa General Hospital’s Infectious Outbreak Team. This originated as an Ebola task force team, elevated to include Hazmat training scenarios, and became involved in the early management of COVID-19.
