Honor Society® member
Kara Bonham
Firefighter/EMT at Poudre Fire Authority
- bachelor of science in nursing
- Class of 2023
- Mesa, Arizona
Member since December 2022
About
I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's in Nursing with an emphasis on Integrative Health at the University of Arizona. I have a prior bachelor's in Athletic Training from Linfield University, an associate's in Fire Suppression from Chemeketa Community College, a master's in Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science from the University of Hawaii and a master's in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States.
My employment experience includes working as an athletic trainer in both a school and industrial setting. I then worked as a personal trainer and strength coach for several years, including an internship at the University of Tennessee. For the past 7 years, I have worked full time as a firefighter/EMT. In January 2023, I will start a nurse externship in the emergency department at Banner Desert Medical Center, which will provide me with a lot of experience and training.
Education
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University of Western States
Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine
2017 – 2022
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Chemeketa Community College
Fire Suppression
2013 – 2016
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University of Hawaii
Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science
2009 – 2011
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Linfield University
athletic training
2005 – 2008
Goals and interests
- Career goal
After graduation, I would like to begin working in the emergency department to gain some experience working with patient's experiencing trauma. Also, many patient's seen in the emergency department have substance use or mental health disorders. My long term goal is to use nursing, fitness, and nutrition to help both first responders and others in the general population who are struggling with PTSD, substance use disorders and mental health disorders.
- Graduate school interests
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Outside the classroom
Scottish Highland Games
Crossfit
Weightlifting
Experience
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Firefighter/EMT
Poudre Fire Authority
Aug 2014 – Aug 2021
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Strength and Conditioning Intern
University of Tennessee - Knoxville
Jan 2013 – Feb 2013
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Personal Trainer/Strength Coach
PRO Club
Nov 2011 – Dec 2012
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Athletic Trainer
Boeing
Jul 2010 – Nov 2011
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Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer
University of Hawaii- Manoa
Jan 2009 – Jul 2010
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Athletic Training Intern
Nike
Jun 2008 – Dec 2008
Volunteering
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I was a volunteer with a non-profit that uses fitness and community events to support those in recovery from substance use disorders. I helped to organize and plan events and acted as a resource and support during events. I also was involved in social media and public relations opportunities where I was interviewed several times to share information about the organization.
The Phoenix
May 2020 – Aug 2022
Additional information
Organizations
