In the records of nursing history, Maj. Katie Lunning's name stands out as a testament to courage and selflessness, reminiscent of the valor celebrated on the Fourth of July. As the first Air National Guard flight nurse to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, she epitomizes service and bravery. From her role as an ICU nurse manager to her deployment in conflict zones, Maj. Lunning's journey reflects the spirit of the modern-day minuteman. Operation Allies Refuge and the Kabul evacuation had a lasting impact on her nursing and military careers, increasing her self-confidence.
What inspired you to join the Air National Guard?
I originally joined the Air National Guard to give back after Sept. 11. I was in my first year of college when I watched the horrific scenes play out and the Twin Towers fall. I wanted to be part of something bigger and give back. I planned to join for six years, serve my country, and get some money for college. Twenty years later, I’m still here!
Can you talk about your journey from serving full-time in the Minnesota National Guard to pursuing a nursing degree?
I was a recruiter for the Minnesota National Guard. That was a very fulfilling role, but I knew it wasn’t what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I come from a family of nurses, and I really wanted to be a nurse. I decided to become a traditional part-time guardsman while I went to Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, for my BSN. After I completed nursing school, I took my commission as a nurse in the Air Guard.
What is your current role, and how has your experience with the Air National Guard contributed to your effectiveness in this position?
Currently, I work as an ICU nurse manager at the VA Central Iowa. I started working in the ICU at the VA in Minneapolis in 2013. I loved critical care and all the challenges it brings. In 2018, my Guard unit gained the Critical Care Air Transport Team (CCATT) positions. CCATT is a three-person team of a critical care physician, a critical care registered nurse and a respiratory therapist. The team is designed to give ICU-level care in the air to take critically injured or ill patients to a higher echelon of care. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience great training in critical care through the VA and the Guard. I spent several years caring for critical care patients in the ICU and in the surgical ICU. The Guard sent me to numerous trauma training programs. Those experiences definitely contributed to the skills and knowledge needed for the CCATT RN position.
As a nurse, what memorable moments or challenges have you encountered and how did you overcome them?
Nursing comes with many challenges. I will always have a few patients in my heart that I connected to in a special way. One of my favorite parts of nursing is seeing the difference we make for our patients. COVID-19 came with so many challenges. For me, I was working in an ICU and saw firsthand the devastating effects of that disease in the early months. I was also activated to state duty in Minnesota to care for patients in long-term care facilities. Many rural facilities were seeing their staffing critically affected as the staff would get sick with COVID. We came to assist these facilities and care for the residents. It was really challenging to not only work somewhere outside of my normal hospital, but I had never worked in long-term care. It was also incredibly rewarding to step in and care for these people who were vulnerable. Overcoming challenges is ingrained in us early in basic training and during ongoing training. “No” isn’t an acceptable answer; it’s finding out how we will accomplish our goal and then getting it done.
How has your background as a nurse and as a member of the National Guard prepared you for the intense situations you have faced?
Nursing is that amazing balance of using science and art. We know the science but need to think critically and creatively. The National Guard prepared me by ensuring I was mentally prepared. I understand I am an airman first, and accomplishing the mission is the priority. Kabul was intense in a way that I couldn’t have imagined. However, my nursing and Guard experiences helped prepare me to know that I can do my job and rely on my team to work together and get the patients home.
How did your experiences in the ICU compare with the demands of providing critical care in a combat zone?
The ICU directly contributed to my ability to do my job in a combat environment. When there was a lot going on around me, I had the muscle memory of how to care for my patients. There were many distractions and chaos around us, and I still had a critical patient in front of me. Because of my ICU experience and Guard training, I was able to care for these patients and handle everything.
The Fourth of July often reminds us of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military. What message would you like to share with fellow nurses or aspiring military nurses, especially on this day of national celebration?
The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. All the patriotism and special events do feel a little different when you are in the military. We all give up time away from our family and friends to serve and give back to a bigger purpose. I would just say thank you to all nurses, military and civilian. Our job is hard! Take the time to be with your family and friends, and appreciate the freedoms we have! The best thank you to the military is to celebrate the Fourth of July and celebrate the freedoms so many have died for.
Looking back, what does being presented with the Distinguished Flying Cross medal mean to you, both personally and professionally, especially in the context of your service on behalf of our country?
It is hard to put into words what the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) means to me. It was very overwhelming when I was first told we were being awarded the DFC. I know our team felt like we were doing our job. We are very proud of what we accomplished. I feel very grateful to those who recognized the work of our team. I hope that my daughter is proud and understands why her mom was gone. I am incredibly proud to serve my country. Even with all the highs and lows, I would absolutely do it again. I am really proud to represent nursing. There are so many incredible nurses in the military who do amazing things. I hope that this award just brings light to all the others who have worked just as hard and impacted many lives.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in nursing or joining the military?
Come and join us! Nursing in general is hands down the best career. The different paths you can take are endless. The impact you make on people’s lives is endless. I can’t think of a better way to spend the only life we get than to help others make the most of theirs. Military and nursing complement each other. Both are professions of selfless service.
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