Abbey Harris '21
Summer Plans: Certified Nurse Assistant, UMass Memorial Marlborough Hospital Hometown: Fayetteville, NY Major: Biology, Health Professions Advising track
Summer Plans
At UMass Marlborough Hospital, I am working as a nurse assistant. My job duties have included taking vital signs, measuring blood glucose levels, performing EKGs, taking out IVs, assisting patients in ambulation and reporting to nurses.
Lessons Learned
I’ve definitely learned so much working in a hospital setting. Especially right now, I have seen how the COVID-19 pandemic is effecting healthcare, and I have seen how the virus takes a huge toll on humans. I have gowned up and worked with COVID patients and have seen the progression of the virus and how serious it can be. It’s definitely a different point of view to see patients affected by it rather than just hearing about it on the news. The nurses here have been outstanding and have taught me so much about different procedures and medications, and I’m looking forward to continuing working here.
The Holy Cross Difference
Holy Cross has prepared me for this by guiding me and telling me how to become a certified nurse assistant. I am currently on the Health Professions Advising track with the hopes of becoming a Physician Assistant someday. Holy Cross advisors have helped me plan my schedule to get the requirements I need for this schooling!
What's Next
Working as a nurse assistant in a hospital has definitely confirmed for me that I want to go into healthcare and medicine. As a nurse assistant, I am getting direct patient care hours that are necessary to apply to PA school, and I’m really enjoying it all!
Click to read more student summer profiles: Paulina Martin '21, Ramses Taveras '22, Elizabeth Larkin '21, Charlie Millard '22, Mandusu Sidibay '21, Christopher Smith '22, Christina Casey '22, Billy Fitzpatrick '20, Tatiana Thompson '22, Katie Knippler '22 and Zach Turner '21.
