Amy Buckingham, RN
Willits |
Born and raised in Covelo, CA on a working cattle ranch owned by my parents. I learned how to rope, ride, and drive a truck from a very early age. I also learned that the value of hard work would get you anywhere, although I didn’t know it at the time- this message would eventually change my life.
Graduated from Round Valley High School in 1996 and found myself in Sacramento, CA attending American River College on a softball scholarship. My softball career didn’t get into full swing as I found myself expecting a child. This dream of playing softball would now have to wait. I was determined to stay in the Sacramento area and try to make something of myself. I delivered my first blessing 6/6/1997, a “big” baby boy who I named Damon. This would be the point in which my life drastically changed. I was 19 years old and a single mother in the middle of this big city. I landed a job with CHW Medical Foundation in medical records and this would begin my career in the medical field. As promotions came available I eventually transferred to medical imaging and then into Pediatrics. I was blessed beyond words to work with 10 of the most incredible pediatric doctors Sacramento had to offer. These physicians took me under their wing and convinced me that I had a calling for nursing and should pursue a career as a Registered Nurse. Being a single mother there was no way I could start school until Damon started Kindergarten then my day care cost would be cut in half. So, that was the plan- we would both start school together About a year later Damon and I experienced our first day of school together. College was incredibly difficult. I was unprepared as I was undereducated and I would have to pull all my strength to see this goal through. So, that’s exactly what I did, I attended tutoring before work, continued my full time employment as I had to provide for myself and son, and attended classes during my lunch hour as well as before and after my scheduled working hours. I took the maximum amount of college units in order to expedite my schooling so I could one day provide both Damon and I a better life. In 2005 I moved back to Mendocino County in an effort to be closer to my family as I would need additional help with my child if accepted into nursing school. I was over the moon excited to receive the letter from Mendocino College congratulating me on being accepted in the 1st 2 year RN program. In 2007 I graduated Mendocino College with an Associate degree in Science and was eligible to take the Board of Registered Nursing exam for the State of California, passing this exam would make me eligible to work as a licensed Registered Nurse throughout California. I did just that, I passed all of my classes was on the Dean’s list for my grades and passed my board certification exam with the minimum number of questions. I began my nursing career at Frank R. Howard Memorial Hospital in 2007. I started as a nursing assistant and then transitioned into my new role as a RN shortly after graduation. I have had the pleasure to serve the members of our community ever since. I am currently the Director of Emergency Services for Howard Hospital which includes the Emergency Department and Respiratory Therapy. I have assumed this role now for the last 7 years. I still dedicate half of my time to pulling clinical shifts in the ER so I can not only live and breathe the work with my staff but I get to continue to do what I love to do, delivering compassionate emergency medicine care to my patients. I currently hold the following certifications; Certified Emergency Nurse, TNCC, ENPC, ACLS, PALS, BLS, Sexual Assault Forensic Nurse, Pediatric and Adult. I consider myself beyond blessed to be able to work and live locally with my family. My husband Justin is a captain and paramedic for Ukiah Valley Fire Authority, we have a blended family, with 4 children; Damon 18 who is currently attending HPU seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, McKenna 13, Jack 11, and Kaiden age 7. Our hobbies include paddle boarding, softball, basketball, and basically anything outdoors. Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity. |