Today we’d like to introduce you to Jana Helgeson
Hi Jana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
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.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been interesting to say the least. I have Imposter Syndrome so anytime I hit a success (client signed a contract or reached out and set a date, etc) I get really excited and proud and then immediately question my worth. Despite the 20 years of experience I get this brief “am I worthy” hesitancy. It’s eased up but still hits occasionally.
Learning to slow down. I work really hard in both my personal and professional life and starting this company has forced me to slow down and be patient- networking, answering questions, constantly checking out current research to update my courses. The clients will come and I have to be patient.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I teach canine casualty care to paramedics, EMTs, doctors, nurses, military, firefighters, FBI, boarder patrol and TSA. I focus more on the medicine than the tactical side as that is their specialty, not mine. I also teach dog owners CPR/ first aid.
I’m proud of the response and feedback from the communities I instruct and also love developing the course to meet the needs of the client.
What sets me apart is my background- 20 years between human and animal medicine with my educational background is incredibly unique and not something others in my business have.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I stumbled upon a couple phenomenal mentors. One is a good friend who we were talking over drinks, I started asking all sorts of business questions and he was a wealth of knowledge as he’s a successful entrepreneur.
The other was someone I met through a contact and he’s now helping get CAPCE accreditation! Which will be a huge game charger for my courses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tac9medtraining.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tac9_medical_training/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
