Bighorn news: Oasis grad grows into traveling nurse role

Oasis alumna Ellona Gehman is getting to see the country as a traveling pediatric oncology nurse.

“Getting to support little fighters on their biggest battles has been something I have found a lot of passion in, and enjoy every minute getting to be their nurse,” Gehman said.

Gehman graduated from Oasis Academy in 2018. She received her Associate of Arts degree from Western Nevada College at the same time.

“Being able to complete both at the same time was immensely helpful to getting my career started,” she said.

She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing through the University of Portland at just 20 years old.

“I would like to say thank you to Ms. Holly O’Toole; she was an immense support to me at WNC and truly one of the kindest humans I have ever met.” Gehman said. “Anyone who is lucky enough to have a class with her can feel her bright energy. I owe an exponential amount of my success and confidence as a nurse to her.”

As for her future, Gehman knows that she will always work with children.

“I learned quickly in my practice that I would only ever be a pediatric nurse,” she said. “My five-year goal would be to become a nurse practitioner, probably still in pediatric oncology, but I have my mind open to other pediatric specialties.”

So far as a traveling nurse she has worked at Seattle Children’s Hospital and at Connecticut Children’s Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut. In between nursing contracts, she has traveled to Croatia, Italy and Alaska.

“Being a traveling nurse has opened immense opportunities in getting to explore parts of the world we would have never pictured ourselves going. My significant other, Jason, and I are also on the journey to find our forever home,” she said.

Gehman has advice for future students.

“I would say never be afraid of fear or failure, and instead choose to move forward in the face of fear,” Gehman said. “Being stagnant kills growth and I am a big advocate for taking any opportunities to better yourself no matter how scary it may be. I think so many people get into a routine and feel stuck.

“The opportunities on this earth are endless, you should never feel stuck. Secondly, drink at least the same if not more water than coffee.”

New middle school electives for 2023-24

Seventh- and eighth-grade students will now have two additional electives to choose from when school begins in August. Video Production and Mythology have been added as optional courses.

Both classes are taught by faculty new to Oasis. Andrew Gilliland will teach the Video Production class and Tamara McNeill will teach Mythology.

“Video production is more accessible than it has ever been. All it takes is a cell phone and an app to make quality, shareable videos. When I was younger it was a good creative outlet and I’m excited to pass these skills on to Oasis Middle School students,” Gilliland said.

The classes round out other middle school electives including art, FFA, Lego Robotics, strength and conditioning, yearbook, band, choir, and student council.

A bubbly Fourth of July

For the third year, Oasis Academy participated in the Fourth of July parade in Fallon. The entry included a pickup and trailer as well as ATVs and UTVs driven by Oasis FFF students.

Instead of candy the school passed out small bubbles and had several bubble machines running as they traveled the parade path.

“Oasis Academy loves to support community events, like the Fourth of July parade,” said Oasis CEO Melissa Mackedon. “Not only is it a way to educate the community about another free public educational opportunity in the community, but it also gives us an opportunity to say thank you for the ongoing support. We look forward to seeing you at future community events like the Community Day, the Cantaloupe Festival and the Labor Day parade.”