Troy Regional Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Nurse Practitioner Shannon Godsave has made history as Alabama’s first nurse practitioner certified to supervise hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The Alabama Board of Nursing granted him this prestigious approval, marking a significant milestone in wound care and hyperbaric medicine.
Earning the Certification
With this certification, Godsave joins an elite group of professionals at Troy Regional Medical Center, including Medical Director Dr. Richard Schloemer, Dr. Richard Boone, and Dr. Paul Dulaney. Together, they provide specialized supervision for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
“We are thrilled that Shannon has achieved this certification, allowing us to expand our services and better serve our patients,” said Troy Regional CEO Rick Smith.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a noninvasive outpatient treatment that enhances the body’s ability to heal. During treatment, patients breathe 100 percent pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. The pressure is approximately two-and-a-half times greater than normal atmospheric pressure. This increased pressure helps the blood carry more oxygen, which promotes tissue repair and fights infections like osteomyelitis. When combined with other treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has demonstrated effectiveness across a range of conditions.
Godsave’s Education at Troy University
Godsave’s nursing journey is deeply connected to Troy University. He earned multiple degrees while demonstrating academic excellence. He graduated magna cum laude with his associate’s degree in nursing from Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. He then completed his bachelor’s degree in nursing at Troy University before earning a master’s degree in nursing from TROY’s esteemed graduate program.
Godsave said, “I chose Troy University for both my BSN and MSN for several reasons. First and foremost, TROY has a longstanding reputation for producing exceptional nursing leaders. While individual growth comes from knowledge and experience, TROY fosters an environment that nurtures and elevates those with the drive to excel.”
“Additionally, having lived and served this community as a registered nurse for over 20 years, TROY was a natural choice. I’ve had the privilege of knowing many graduates and faculty members, building strong relationships through my work. I’ve also cared for many of them and their families during critical moments. That connection, along with TROY’s commitment to excellence, made my decision an easy one,” he continues.
Beyond the Certification
Beyond this new certification, Godsave is also certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. His dedication to excellence in wound care has been recognized by the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy, which certified him to provide sharp instrument debridement under Dr. Schloemer’s supervision and training.
With this achievement, Godsave continues to impact the medical community. His success reinforces Troy University’s legacy of producing outstanding healthcare professionals. His dedication serves as an inspiration to current and future nursing students, demonstrating the importance of continuous education, commitment, and passion for patient care.
From Flight Medicine to Hyperbaric Therapy
Godsave believes that wound care was a career that chose him. His background in flight emergency medicine and scuba diving has given him valuable knowledge of pressure changes and gas laws.
He explains, “To become a flight nurse someone has to learn flight physiology and gas laws that impact patient care while in flight. Example is pressure changes on balloons at altitude, that being Boyle’s law. I also have a background as a certified scuba diver and you must learn these gas laws to safely dive. A gas law used for each dive is Henry’s law and Boyle’s law. Both gas laws are used with every hyperbaric oxygen treatment.”
Now, in wound care and hyperbaric medicine, Godsave applies his expertise in wounds and gas laws to treat a variety of patients. His diverse background strengthens his ability to deliver high-quality, specialized care.
