Mature beyond her years

Brittani Hinman seemed destined for a career in healthcare and didn’t need to look far for inspiration.

Her grandmother, Ruth Reese, was McCready hospital’s much-respected nursing director. Brittani’s mom, Wendi Noll, is an X-ray technologist – and another role model.

"She's always been a compassionate and caring person - especially with animals," Noll said.

When childhood pets needed bandaging, Brittani was first on the scene. Brittani thought about studying to be a veterinarian, but readily concedes today that she remembers wincing at the thought of euthanizing animals.

Her great-grandfather came to live with the family when she was young and Brittani's mother caught a glimpse what the future might hold.

"She would do things that you would not expect of a person so young," Noll said. "She used to give him his insulin (injections). It always came very naturally to her."

Brittani took nursing courses her senior year at Crisfield High School (class of 2007), and landed a job in McCready’s emergency room the fall after she graduated. She also became an ambulance squad volunteer, earning an Emergency Medical Technician (Basic) credential.

Armed with several scholarships, she is now enrolled in Wor-Wic Community College, where she earned one of 16 coveted slots in the school's nursing program.

Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are spent on studies, including drafting “care plans” for patients she meets on clinical rounds.

She squeezes in several nights in McCready’s ER, and volunteers whatever “spare” time she has on first-aid runs with the local rescue squad.

"Her work ethic is impressive," said Monique Welch, McCready's ER and Cardiac Rehab manager. "She is a quick learner and thinks fast on her feet. She is able to remain calm and compassionate - even in the most difficult situations."

Welch also noted that Brittani took a course on peripheral intravenous therapy ... "to augment her training and skills in the Emergency Department."

Noll works the overnight shift in McCready's X-ray lab, so mother and daughter sometimes cross paths professionally.

"Watching her night-to-night, I've been really impressed," her mother said.

Brittani's initial interest in working in the ER gave McCready administrators pause about allowing a teen to take on such a high-pressure role.

Myrna Bozman, McCready's former executive associate of clinical services, said she and others worried the job might be too daunting, but the opposite proved to be the case. The ER staff treated a heart-attack victim Britanni's first night on the job and Bozman said the overnight report described the teen performing like a seasoned veteran.

Bozman says -- with a smile -- that she sees similarities in Brittani and (grandmother) Ruth Reese, who was Bozman's supervisor.

"I always looked up to my grandmother," Brittani said. "I know what she did for this hospital. She put more energy into her job than just coming to work."

Adds Noll: "If Brittani becomes half the nurse my mother was, she will be terrific."

Brittani is the embodiment of the Eastern Shore; she likes boating, fishing, the beach -- and country music. Right now, you'll likely find her listening to Taylor Swift.

Following in the footsteps of her mother, she was Crisfield’s Miss Crustacean (2006). Acquaintances and family sponsored her in the 2008 Miss Maryland-USA pageant, where she was a winner in the evening gown competition.

“It’s not about (winning) the title, though,” she added. “It’s a great way to meet people, have fun and learn self confidence.”