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.