University of New England: Amanda Hall

Many wonder what it is like being a nursing student here at UNE. It is a challenging major, but it has its rewards. One of the nice things about this school is that I will be able to earn my nursing degree in two years, compared to most school's four year program. As I learn new skills in my nursing classes I carry on those lessons in my clinical. There is a lot of emphasis on learning by doing. I can pass a class exam, but can I apply those lessons learned in the “real world.”

I must say the beginning of the year is fast paced. I have been reading much more from my textbook than I ever did in High School. We are learning all the important things a nursing student is expected to know. That means there are a lot of hours spent in the classroom. Along with hours spent outside of the classroom reading chapters and studying class notes. If you want to be a good nurse you must be determined and willing to put your education first.

Another thing that a lot of potential male students care about is how many girls are there? Most guys may be a little intimated by being outnumbered significantly by girls. However, there are guys in the nursing program who are doing quite fine with all the extra women around them. The nursing field is growing, and diversity in any field is good thing to have, but how many guys will be in a nursing class is uncertain.

Lately I find myself everyday having a full plate of work to do. But I keep in mind the good point of having a degree in only two years. The lesson learned: You got to take the bad with the good.

Some old school nursing students

Posted by Amanda Hall at 3:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Thanksgiving holiday is upon us! I know many are wicked excited to go home and eat some turkey. But let us not forget what thanksgiving is all about: being thankful for the things we have. So far I have a lot to be thankful for while in college. I call this my list of “College Thankfulness”

My L.L. Bean Tote: I absolutely love this bag. Why? I can carry my 20 pound text book, my lunch, agenda, water bottle, and anything else I may need. I call it “the Hummer of school bags.” I love how if it ever does break (which is very unlikely) I can return it for a new one because of L.L. Bean's lifetime guarantee. Thanks L.L. Bean tote for carrying all my important materials.

I have a large and a mini tote. I'm thinking about getting a medium now, ya know, complete the set.

Java: Instant, brewed, from a pump, or a machine. I don't care how I get my coffee fix as long as I can drink some coffee. It's how I start my day! Since my clinical started I have been getting up before sunrise, and having my java is the only way to get me going that early in the morning. Here's to you coffee, without your caffeine to keep me going I'd still be in bed.

I love coffee

The Post-it: These are so helpful! Around my desk right now are five post-its with important reminders. But the handiness of Post-its doesn't stop there. Some different uses can be bookmarks, a to-do list, label folders, and if you're the creative type you can make a neat flip book! Thanks Post-its for making my life a little easier.

these guys took the use of post-its a little out of hand

Text Messaging: Why bother interrupting someone with a phone call just to ask them if they are done with dinner? Simply text them one fragmented, misspelled sentence. Viola! Eventually you'll get an answer.

My Flash Drive: I don't know how many papers I've written already, but I do know they are safely stored in my 1GB flash drive. I've never used one of these little memory devices in high school, but ever since I started typing my notes and writing essays I needed more memory to store them. Also what's nice about UNE is it has open computer labs all over the campus. Making it easy to print my papers off in the computer lab

My Travel First Aid Kit: Already I've given myself a paper cut and a burn on my arm (thanks to my curling iron). Luckily I had everything I needed to take care of myself in my room. If your as clumsy as me I recommend having one of these in your stash of odds and ends.

These are a few of the things I've noticed I use a lot, almost everyday! Without some of these things I would feel lost, or really unhappy I'll be starting my second semester classes soon, and I'll be going to clinical twice a week instead of once a week. I'll be sure to update this list latter on in the year, because I'm sure this list will grow.

Posted by Amanda Hall at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)