Aspiring nurse's lifesaving experience strengthens passion for profession

For Greta Schmidt, a sophomore Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student at West Virginia University, her calling to the nursing field was solidified when her lifeguard training allowed her to save a young boy's life this past summer.

Greta is from Cranberry Township, PA, where she grew up swimming competitively. She decided to become a lifeguard because the job aligned with her interests and she has always had a passion for helping others.

Last year, Schmidt and her colleagues encountered an emergency at the pool.

"I assisted in saving a young boy at my community pool," Schmidt said. "My extensive training as a lifeguard, instructor and swim lesson coordinator prepared me to jump into action. It was almost like second nature to know what to do in that situation."

Schmidt made the call to 911 before assisting the staff in administering life-saving care to the boy.

At a ceremony, Schmidt was recognized alongside her colleagues for their quick, life-saving actions. They were presented with the “Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders” from the American Red Cross. The awards were presented in front of the township’s Board of Supervisors, with the Regional CEO of the American Red Cross, Jorge Martinez, presenting the awards.

Schmidt said, “The real honor is knowing that boy is alive and well because of our actions that day.”

The experience further strengthened Schidmt’s commitment to her nursing education: "I can honestly say that lifeguarding inspired my love for helping others and solidified my want to save lives, making nursing an easy choice for a career."

Now amid her training, Schmidt’s current role as a CA at Ruby Memorial Hospital has allowed her to apply classroom learnings to real patient care.

"My favorite part is being able to apply what I am learning in class at work," she said. "The nurses and other staff make working so inviting and help me learn even more every day."

Schmidt plans on graduating in 2026 and hopes to work in either pediatrics or the ICU. Later, she is considering going back to school to become a CRNA.

-WVU-

gu/3/25/2024

CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu