Class Year: 2025
Program: Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
In the world of healthcare, there are those who stand out not only for their credentials but also for their unwavering dedication to their patients.
Tanner Purnhagen (CWR '15)—a dual Master of Science in Nursing/Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing—exemplifies this blend of expertise and compassion. As a student in the acute care nurse practitioner program with a flight specialty, Purnhagen’s focus is on mechanical ventilation in critical care transport.
Born and raised in Fairfax County, Virginia, Purnhagen’s journey into healthcare began with a desire to make a difference in people's lives during their most vulnerable moments. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Case Western Reserve, he swiftly immersed himself in the world of critical care—eventually joining Metro Life Flight as a flight nurse specialist.
With over 1,000 patient transports under his belt, Purnhagen's devotion to the nursing profession lies in being a beacon of hope during one of the darkest hours of people’s lives.
"For me, the best part of being a nurse is helping someone during one of their worst moments," he said. "Nobody wakes up planning to be taken to the hospital by helicopter, and I hope that during that trip I can provide some comfort or relief."
Introduced to the world of flight nursing in high school by his mentor—who also works in flight nursing—Purnhagen is now a graduate teaching assistant in the Dorothy Ebersbach Academic Center for Flight Nursing. It’s his way of inspiring future generations of flight nurses.
“The School of Nursing is leading the way in promoting and educating the next generation of advanced practice providers in critical care transport,” he said. “With access to state-of-the-art equipment like our helicopter and ambulance simulators, our students are well prepared for the real world of critical care nursing.”
As a DNP student, Purnhagen sees the benefit of translating evidence into practice, and hopes to contribute to the cutting-edge research and education at the nursing school as a member of faculty or staff.
He also wants to share the life experiences he has learned outside of what he has gained in flight nursing.
“The biggest lesson I have learned while working in critical care is to enjoy the time you have with family and friends. Trauma is often sudden and unpredictable and can affect anyone at any time. You never know how much time you have left,” he said.