University of New England

I am 26 years old and live in Manchester, N.H. I graduated form the University of New Hampshire in 1998. Since  graduation, I worked at Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, NH in the open-heart unit, and I continued to work there one to two days a week during my first year in the University of New England's Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia Program.

As a first-year M.S.N.A. student, I lived full time in Linnell Hall, the graduate dorm on UNE's Westbrook College Campus, where I enjoyed my own room that was quiet and offered me plenty of time to study. On the weekends I went home to be with my wife and work.

I chose UNE because the program was close to my home, and I would not have to move. It only took about an hour and fifteen minutes to commute. Also, I had worked with a few graduates of this program at CMC, and they spoke very highly of the experience.

The first-year classes are great. They are small, with only the 30 people in your class. The faculty is approachable and fair. They are always willing to answer questions and not make you feel stupid. Their goal is your success.

I only have a few months left until I complete this journey. I just finished a four-month rotation up in Bangor at Eastern Maine Medical Center. This was the best clinical experience. I gave anesthesia to many challenging patients including cardiac bypass patients.

I have accepted employment up at EMMC for November after I graduate. It will be a lifestyle change for the better. I can honestly say that my decision to attend UNE for nurse anesthesia was and has been the best decision of my life. I love giving anesthesia and the rewards that come with it.