Thriving Under Pressure UMO Nursing Student Sets Her Sights on Emergency and Flight Nursing
February 3, 2026
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
MOUNT OLIVE– For University of Mount Olive (UMO) nursing student Rebecca Helmick, pressure is not something to fear. It is where she feels most focused, most confident, and most certain she is exactly where she belongs.
Born in Manteca, California, and raised in Tracy, Helmick credits her upbringing with instilling a strong sense of community while also motivating her to step beyond what was familiar. “Leaving my hometown was an important step for me to gain independence, step outside my comfort zone, and grow both personally and professionally,” she said.
That independence was shaped early. While Helmick describes her childhood as supportive and close-knit, her parents’ divorce during her preteen years forced her to mature quickly. “It taught me responsibility and independence,” she said. “That experience helped me build emotional maturity that I still carry with me today.”
While many students arrive at nursing through a defining moment, Helmick’s calling emerged quietly and with certainty. “I didn’t have one specific moment,” she said. “I just woke up one day in high school knowing nursing was the path I wanted to follow.” From that point forward, her focus shifted toward healthcare, volunteering, researching programs, and preparing academically for the road ahead.
Her interest in emergency and flight nursing was influenced by family and life experience. A late aunt, who worked as a flight nurse, initially planted the spark, which was later reinforced through her husband’s service in the U.S. Army, where he flies on Blackhawk helicopters. “Seeing his passion for flying and experiencing that world through him strengthened my desire to one day be up in the sky as well,” Helmick said.
Professionally, it was the feedback from coworkers and patients that confirmed she was on the right path. “People would tell me that I stay calm, explain things clearly, and don’t crack under pressure,” she said. “Hearing, ‘I’d want you to be my nurse,’ reassured me that nursing was exactly where I’m meant to be.”
Helmick’s path to UMO was anything but linear. After beginning college out of state, returning home to support her family, and later earning a bachelor’s degree in community health science, she completed Emergency Medical Technician training during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The experience confirmed her passion for patient care and solidified her interest in emergency medicine.
Now enrolled in the traditional nursing program at UMO, Helmick said UMO’s holistic admissions process was a deciding factor. Unlike point-based systems, UMO considers prior medical experience, allowing her to demonstrate readiness beyond grades alone. She also credits the University’s flexibility, including CLEP exam opportunities, with helping her move forward efficiently and affordably.
Though she commutes more than an hour each way to campus from her home in Parkton, NC, Helmick sees the distance as a benefit. “It keeps me accountable and prepared,” she said. “I’m not turning around if I forget something.”
Managing the rigor of nursing school requires discipline and a strong support system. Helmick credits her husband and family with helping her stay focused and balanced, allowing her to dedicate herself fully to her studies. “Without him, I truly don’t think I would be doing as well as I am today,” she said.
She also points to the impact of faculty and peers. Interim Division Chair of Nursing and Chief Nurse Administrator Natalie Smith is a constant source of encouragement, while Instructor Shannon Williams brings humor and honesty into the classroom. Helmick also credits her classmates for their friendship and motivation.
Clinical experiences have further strengthened her confidence. From medical-surgical units to witnessing a cesarean delivery during her mother-baby rotation, Helmick says hands-on learning has reinforced her commitment to patient care. This semester, she is completing practicum hours in the emergency department, further solidifying her goal of becoming an emergency nurse.
Helmick first enrolled at UMO in August 2024 and is expected to graduate in May 2026. Just two days after commencement, she and her husband will relocate to West Point, New York, for his next Army duty station. There, she plans to study for the NCLEX and begin her nursing career in an emergency department.
Looking ahead, Helmick envisions herself working as a flight nurse within five years and, ultimately, pursuing certification as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. “I’m motivated to keep learning, challenging myself, and expanding my role in patient care,” she said.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
