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Profiles in Medical Power - LT Ruth Johns

by Navy Medicine | 22 November 2020

by Navy Medicine | 22 November 2020

LT Ruth Johns

Registered Nurse ? Critical Care

PEOPLE

LT Johns attended Northern Arizona University and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree in 2010.  After graduation, she was accepted into a new graduate nursing program at Flagstaff Medical Center, a level I trauma center in Arizona, training to be a nurse in the critical care environment.  In 2011, she was selected to train as a cardiothoracic intensive care nurse where she cared for patients immediately following open-heart surgery and other complex cardiothoracic procedures.  In March 2013, LT Johns commissioned into the United States Navy as an Ensign with a subspecialty in Critical Care.  Her first assignment after completion of Officer Development School was the Intensive Care Unit at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton.

LT Ruth Johns aboard USNS Comfort (T-AH-20).

PLATFORMS

LT Johns is currently assigned to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in the Intensive Care Unit.  During this tour she has deployed with the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response Africa (SPMAGTF-CR-AF) as the critical care nurse for the Forward Resuscitative Surgery System (FRSS); served as Nurse of the Day for Operation Gotham Response, New York City; and most recently as a critical care nurse during the Texas COVID-19 response with Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Lima, Rapid Rural Response Team 4. 

Previously LT Johns held a position as a Ship?s Nurse for the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and volunteered for a deployment to the NATO Role III Multinational Medical Unit in Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan in support of the Train, Advise, Assist Command-South (TAAC-S) mission for Operation RESOLUTE SUPPORT.   

U.S. Navy Lt. Ruth Johns, a critical care nurse with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa 19.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, assists setting up the medical tent during exercise African Lion 2019, in Tan Tan, Morocco, March 25, 2019. African Lion is an annual, multinational, joint-force exercise designed to improve interoperability and mutual understanding of each nation?s tactics, techniques and procedures while demonstrating a strong partnership between nation?s militaries. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tessa D. Watts)

PERFORMANCE

As a critical care nurse, LT Johns thrives regardless of the environment.  In theater in Kandahar, she was the staff Nurse for Intensive Care Unit caring for 76 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.  Trauma Team member, treating combat casualties consisting of U.S. and Coalition Forces, Afghan National Army and Police, and other government affiliations. Significant collaterals included Patient Safety and Infection Control Committee member and Inpatient Census Tracker.  As a carrier nurse she was responsible for the medical training team and ensured the safety of over 5,000 ship?s personnel and ensured they were at the ready for any medical emergency that may arise.  As the senior Critical Care Nurse for a Forward Resuscitative Surgery System (FRSS).  Provided medical assets to a crisis response team responsible for the emergency care of casualties sustained by the SPMAGTF during operations in support of West Africa. Acted as Responsible Officer managing $2.2 million worth of supplies and equipment.  Answering the call in New York City on the USNS Comfort LT Johns was sought out for her exceptional critical thinking skills and served as the inpatient nursing supervisor ensuring the medical care of over 184 displaced Americans during the COVID-19 response.  As the senior nurse for EMF Lima, RRRT 3 / 4; LT Johns led the development of Critical Care Units at an underserved community hospital and provided direct care to 189 COVID 19 patients.

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VIRIN: 201117-N-ZY145-3280

POWER

LT Johns projects medical power by her readiness and versatility to be able to deploy across multiple platforms; overseas, at sea, or even in our own country, LT Johns not only answers the bell but does so with a sea bag in her hand.  Her value as a Naval Nurse Corps officer is prodigious but her worth as a Naval Officer is priceless.  LT Johns is a deck plate leader where ever she lands.  She is humble but effective and commands respect with her actions and intelligence.  She truly leads by example and exemplifies the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.


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