BLS Featured CMLSO: Robert Scroggins BSN, RN

Tell us about yourself

I became a Combat Medic in the Army in 1983, LPN in 1985. I earned an Associates Degree in Nursing in 1993 from Northern Kentucky University, and a BSN in 2011 from The College of Mount Saint Joseph in Cincinnati.

Where do you work?

I currently work at Buffalo Filter as the Clinical Programs Manager. Prior to that, I worked at a major health system in Northern Kentucky in the OR as Resource Nurse, Clinical Technology and Deputy Laser Safety Officer. I was there for 25 years.

When did you start working with lasers?

I took my first Laser course in 1993 as a staff nurse in surgery, but my love of lasers goes back to my physics class, my freshman year in High School (1979) when I convinced my teacher to buy a laser for our lab. It was a Helium Neon laser and was huge; I remember having to lead a fundraising campaign in order to buy it. We had a lot of fun learning about lasers and masers as well, and I did a few speeches on them in speech class in high school.

How long ago did you become an LSO?

Wow, that is a long time ago, I am guessing around 1994 or 1995.

Do you like being the LSO

I do like being the LSO, even though I don't get to do as much as I used to in the hospital, I still get to do a fair amount of education.

What are challenges of the LSOs today?

The science of biophotonics is changing and growing almost daily. Different techniques and new wavelengths are being utilized all the time. As CMLSO's, we must stay on top of our game in order to facilitate improved treatments for our patients using Lasers and other photonic devices?

How has becoming certified benefited you in your career?

It gave credence to what I said; my peers knew that I had good information because of my certification. Our policy manuals and educational material was always available for anyone that had a need for information. Becoming certified makes the position more professional and held to a higher standard.