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Elkins High senior on track to become a nurse

Elkins High School senior Ashley Wooddell said she is learning all she can to become the best nurse possible.

“My sister, Carla Hively, was my inspiration for being a nurse,” Wooddell said. “She really enjoyed helping others.”

Wooddell has taken health occupations classes through the Randolph Technical Center including studies in health sciences, health fundamentals and clinicals I and II. She will receive her program completer certificate Friday, and will graduate from Elkins High School May 24.

“I am excited to graduate and move on in my studies,” Wooddell said. “I plan to attend Alderson Broaddus in the fall and pursue a BS degree in nursing. I think I would like to specialize in pediatrics.”

Through her studies at the Randolph Technical Center, Wooddell has worked in different environments and cared for different people.

“I worked at the Davis Memorial Hospital, Direct Care and Elkins Rehabilitation and Care Center,” Wooddell said. “I have learned to take vital signs and provide personal care. I enjoy taking care of people and the challenges it presents.”

Wooddell said she loves learning new things.

“I think my training through the Tech Center has given me a head start in the basics,” Wooddell said. “I have clinical experience and lots of volunteer hours. Working with the patients and getting a taste of what nursing entails has helped affirm my commitment that I want to be a nurse.”

Wooddell said there is a shortage of nurses, and she hopes more people choose to become nurses.

“I think there are many changes in nursing at this time, and I think it is becoming a more popular field of study,” she said.

Through her studies at Elkins High School, Wooddell has taken classes including her basic requirements, advanced math, anatomy, psychology, chemistry and human anatomy. Through the Randolph Technical Center, she has earned her certification in CPR and First Aid.

“Ashley has done really well in the classes she has taken,” said Sally Hamrick, health occupations instructor at Randolph Technical Center. “Something I want to do when I teach is to assure nurses are properly trained. There is a great shortage of nurses today, and we need to motivate them to get into this field.”

Wooddell, the daughter of Mike and Paula Wooddell, said her work experience has been inspiring.

“One day, I got to work in the emergency department with the respiratory therapist and there was someone ready to pass away,” she said. “They worked hard and they put in chest tubes and got her on the ventilator. They brought her back to life. It was an amazing sight to witness.”

Wooddell said she is excited for her future.

“I am really excited to finish school and start my career – helping others as a nurse.”

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