Rene Chapman’s thrill-seeking hobbies played an important role in his career as a nurse. “When I was in my 20's and 30's I did a lot of ice climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and whitewater paddling,” he recounts. The challenge of working in a small team and pushing his limits in harsh environments was what kept Rene mentally focused on the task at hand. So when STARS opened a base in Saskatoon, Rene was excited to take his skills into the prehospital environment. “Once I had joined the crew I knew this was where I would work the rest of my career,” Rene says. “It is so exciting working in small teams with limited equipment and resources and walking into extremely dynamic situations.” Now celebrating 10 years at STARS, Rene’s passion is just as palpable. “I can honestly say that I look forward to every shift. Every call we do is different, but the goal is the same: provide the best possible care to the patients who are having the worst day of their life.” Thank you, Rene and to all nurses, for the work you do every day. 👏 #nationalnursingweek #criticalcare #nurses (fb)

Long before she wore the STARS flight suit, Alyssa Notenbomer was flipping through the STARS calendar, inspired by the stories of Very Important Patients. “Every year I’d get the STARS calendar—and the first thing I’d do was flip through to read all the VIP stories,” she says. After earning her nursing degree, Alyssa worked in the emergency room in Grande Prairie, often on the receiving end of patients transferred by STARS. “One day I went for a ride along - my very first time flying in a helicopter - and after that I just knew I wanted to work there” Now, Alyssa is part of the team that once inspired her. “It means everything to know we can make a difference on someone’s worst day—through our care, and by getting them to the hospital they need.” Thank you, Alyssa and to all nurses, for the work you do every day. 👏 #nationalnursingweek #criticalcare #nurses (fb)