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Troy Regional Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Nurse Practitioner Shannon Godsave has become the first nurse practitioner in Alabama to earn certification to supervise hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Godsave was approved by the Alabama Board of Nursing to supervise the therapy, becoming the first in the state. Godsave joins Troy Regional Medical Director Dr. Richard Schloemer, Dr. Richard Boone and Dr. Paul Dulaney with the certification.

“We are excited that Shannon can supervise this therapy, enabling us to better serve our patients,” said Troy Regional CEO Rick Smith.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a noninvasive outpatient medical treatment prescribed by a doctor to enhance the body’s ability to heal. During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, patients breathe 100 percent pure oxygen while inside a pressurized chamber. The pressure inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is about two-and-a-half times greater than the normal pressure in the atmosphere.

The high-pressure environment allows the blood to carry more oxygen to all parts of the body to repair injured tissue. It also helps to fight certain infections, such as those that occur in the bone. The treatment is often in conjunction with other treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has shown benefits for many different indications.

Godsave has been employed with Troy Regional since 2003, working at various positions. He has spent most of his nursing career dealing with medical emergencies and trauma. Godsave worked for Haynes Life Flight for six years while covering Troy Regional’s emergency department. He earned a national certificate of certified flight registered nurse.

Gosave is also certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. He began his career as an LPN in Florida. He earned his associate’s degree in nursing from Lurleen B. Wallace Community College and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Troy University, graduating magna cum laude from both institutions. He earned his master’s degree in nursing in Troy University’s graduate program.

Prior to Godsave’s most recent approval, he earned a certificate from the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy. The Alabama Board of Nursing granted approval for him to provide sharp instrument debridement and care under Dr. Schloemer’s guidance and training.