Instructor Jana Helgeson
With two decades of experience in both veterinary and human emergency care, I offer a unique and comprehensive blend of skills. As a board-certified ER nurse with nine years of experience in human emergency nursing, and ten years specializing in veterinary ER, trauma, and ICU care, I bring a wealth of expertise to my training programs. My role as a TCCC CM/C instructor has refined my proficiency in trauma and prehospital care, while my service as an Air Force Reserves flight nurse has provided valuable deployment experience. My dedication to the health and welfare of working dogs and pets drives my training approach, integrating my extensive background in both human and animal emergency care to deliver thorough and effective medical education.
Throughout my career, I have worked in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle, focusing on emergency and trauma care for dogs. In Los Angeles, I partnered with law enforcement agencies to provide critical emergency and trauma care to LEO (law enforcement officer) canines, ensuring these essential partners received the highest level of care during emergencies.
As a faculty member for a veterinary science program, I developed expertise in surgical veterinary nursing, guiding students through the intricacies of surgical procedures, from patient intake and anesthetic induction to monitoring and post-operative care. My teaching also encompassed pharmacology, where I educated students on the precise calculations necessary for medication administration, building a solid foundation in understanding drug interactions, dosages, and the importance of accurate pharmacological practices. This combination of practical experience and academic instruction has equipped me with a comprehensive skill set in veterinary surgical nursing and pharmacology, which I now bring to the forefront of my training programs.