Michael Gooch, DNP, APRN, CCP, flight nurse practitioner, has been honored with the 2025 Distinguished Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) Award by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) Awards Program.
The award recognizes exceptional emergency nurses who are board certified and demonstrate a commitment to championing continuous learning and excellence in patient care through nursing certification.
On Apr. 23, Gooch was announced as one of only five recipients nationwide to receive this annual distinction.
Gooch began his journey with Vanderbilt Health in 2001 as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department. He transitioned into the role of flight nurse, eventually advancing in the role of flight nurse practitioner.
In addition to his active work with Vanderbilt LifeFlight, Gooch teaches Certified Emergency Nurse and Certified Flight Registered Nurse exam review courses to prepare and inspire other flight and emergency nurses for board certification.
He contributes to numerous publications, travels nationwide to deliver conference presentations that advocate for certification and ongoing learning in emergency, flight and critical care nursing and is on faculty at the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia.
His work consistently highlights the importance of professional growth and the advancement of the nursing profession.
“Dr. Gooch has impacted countless lives through education of flight nurses and the patients in their care. He has truly dedicated his life to the relentless pursuit of excellence in the profession. In addition to his commitment to nursing advancement, he is always willing to help anywhere he can be of service. We are so fortunate to have Dr. Gooch as part of the LifeFlight team,” said Sherri Dean, MHA, BSN, RN, senior director, Clinical Services.
Gooch holds an associate degree in nursing from Columbia State Community College, Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Middle Tennessee State University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Loyola University Chicago. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Air & Surface Transport Nurses, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the Academy of Emergency Nursing.
To learn more about Gooch and the BCEN Awards program, view his “Meet the Winner” announcement here.
