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