Alumni Profile

You already have a master’s degree in school psychology. How did pursuing your bachelor’s degree in nursing at Adelphi’s Manhattan center compare?

I liked studying under dedicated, compassionate, and knowledgeable professors. I also liked the racial, religious, and ethnic diversity of the student body. There is an interesting balance of first-time college attendees and second-degree B.S. students who have fascinating backgrounds and accomplishments in other fields of study and work experiences. What is really special to me is the congenial atmosphere at the Center. Program Director Patricia Garofalo was always available to mentor, advise, and encourage students. She has created a very professional yet comfortable environment. Since the Center is contained on a single floor, all of the services, including the library, computer center, Learning Center, nursing labs, faculty offices, and student services, are easily accessible.

Why did you choose Adelphi?

I selected Adelphi because of its long- standing reputation of being a top school of nursing. I was also attracted to the Manhattan Center because of the opportunity to pursue part-time study.

What challenges have you overcome?

Entering the nursing profession as a mature student was quite challenging. Initially, the studying was difficult (as it should be for this profession), and while I thoroughly enjoyed all of my hospital clinical experiences, they were more physically demanding than I had anticipated. Gradually, I built up my strength and endurance in the clinical setting, and I learned early on how to organize and maximize my studying and how to avail myself to the plethora of resources accessible in the form of study guides, CDs, NCLEX reviewers, and Internet sites. I learned how to study effectively very quickly because I wanted to perform well in the program.

What is your advice for other students?

Try not to feel overwhelmed by the material. Instead, find effective ways to master it. Break large assignments into smaller ones and set reasonable study goals. Also, try to identify and utilize your strengths. If you learn best by listening to the lectures, ask the professor for permission to tape the lecture and replay it at home, in the subway, and/or while reviewing the notes. Students should organize the material using charts, study guides,  and flashcards. Students should also take advantage of library and Internet resources. Students can study with a partner or form or join a study group. In addition, all students should be aware of Adelphi’s Learning Center that offers peer tutoring, and students should reach out for help if they need it or if they would like to improve their study skills.

You were a Learning center tutor. What did you most enjoy about tutoring?

Overall, I enjoyed teaching and connecting with students. I have had the opportunity to help students study the nursing material, organize their assignments, and manage their time more efficiently. Tutoring nursing also gave me the opportunity to review, reinforce, and update the nursing material that I learned in the program. Most of all, I have had the honor of observing firsthand the professional growth of the finest nurses of the future.

From the 2011 issue of the Manhattan Center Newsletter