AnnaBelle Little, RN-BSN, ORC-P, CPTC, TNCC
Graduated with a BSN at age 21, and saving lives by managing the organ donation process.
story and photo by Vickie Jenkins, staff writer
LifeShare is a nonprofit organ procurement organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissues for transplantations. The LifeShare team consists of a wonderful group of caring professionals who are united by their core purpose: saving lives.
AnnaBelle Little, RN-BSN, ORC-P, CPTC, TNCC shines bright as she takes on the many responsibilities of an Organ Recovery Coordinator. In this role, she is tasked with directing, overseeing, and optimizing the organ donation and procurement process. She works closely with the advisor on call, donor family advocates, hospital staff and physicians and the medical director. AnnaBelle is also responsible for managing donors and ensuring that organ functions are optimized, playing a crucial part in the success of each donation.
To be employed at LifeShare, a nurse undergoes an extensive selection process that takes into account their background and work history. Successful candidates then participate in a comprehensive 6-8 month orientation program. This program includes a combination of classroom training, practical exams based on real scenarios, and hands on trauma training in the field with a preceptor. Nurses at LifeShare are known for their exceptional dedication and skill in their work.
When asked why she became a nurse, AnnaBelle replied, “I’ve always been fascinated by the medical field and found the human body intricate and intriguing. My desire is to continue learning about it, combined with the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life every day, drew me to nursing. Growing up in a family of doctors and nurses provided the stepping stones that guided my path. It was my junior year of high school, when my dad underwent a triple bypass, that I realized the impact nurses can have. Seeing the care had a profound effect on me, making that year a life changing and inspiring moment.”
“I grew up in Sedgwick, Kansas, and moved to Oklahoma to attend Oklahoma Christian University. My first nursing job was Trauma ICU RN at OU Medical Center. Additionally, I gained valuable experience by helping my mom care for her hospice patients. While I found fulfillment in these roles, I was seeking a greater challenge. This desire led me to Trauma ICU at OU, where I had the opportunity to work closely with LifeShare. I witnessed firsthand how LifeShare impacts lives, offering hope to families in need. I’ve now been with LifeShare for five years, and I am fully dedicated to saving lives every day.”
When asked if she had any mentors, AnnaBelle gave a heartfelt response. My mom has always been my biggest mentor and still is to this day. She is truly my superhero. I remember how we would make study guides together, and I would call her with countless questions, to which she always had answers. With her unwavering support and my determination, I graduated with a BSN at age 21. Over the years, my life has been filled with God’s blessings. I’m incredibly grateful for all the encouragement and the countless hours that helped me pursue my dreams.”
AnnaBelle was just five years old when she decided she wanted to be a doctor. “My mother tells me I used to walk around with a stethoscope around my neck all the time,” she recalls. “One day, my mom came home to find me watching a ‘brain surgery’ on the Discovery Channel.” She couldn’t help but laugh. “My parents often watched different medical shows after I went to bed, but I would sneak out of my room, sit at the top of the stairs and listen in. Between watching ER and hearing all those medical conversations, I knew from a young age that I would grow up to be either a nurse or a doctor,” she added.
When asked what qualities make a good nurse, AnnaBelle replied, “A good nurse needs to have compassion, and the ability to lead while also being a team player. It’s important to be someone who can relate to others and be willing to put in the hard work the job demands.”
AnnaBelle’s strongest quality as a nurse is her ability to offer grace and support to grieving families, empathizing deeply with them during their loss. “I form close connections with the families, and I believe if I can make a positive impact on even one person’s life, I’m doing my best,” AnnaBelle explained.
AnnaBelle is a caring and compassionate individual who is always striving to grow and push her limits. She loves spending quality time with her family, and of course, with her four-legged, best friend, Baker Mae, her red Golden Retriever.
