With commencement just around the corner, Samuel Geisler ’25 (NURS) sits down and recalls his UConn School of Nursing experience.

Q: If you could describe your UConn SoN experience in three words or one phrase, what would they be?

A: “Fun, collaborative, and short.”

Q: What is your favorite thing about SoN?

A: “The professors. The professors are very personable, very knowledgeable, and you can always reach out to them. They really love to see you succeed and that’s what I really appreciated during my time.”

Q: What are some of your fondest memories as a nursing student?

A: “The first few days of clinical are super exciting because you have no idea what to expect and it’s really the first time you’re utilizing everything that you learned in your first two years in the actual nursing practice.”

Q: What are your biggest accomplishments during your time here?

A: “I would say getting the job in the specialty that I wanted. I’m also proud that I was on the track team and was able to manage and continue both.”

Q: What’s your biggest takeaway or something that stuck with you during your SoN experience?

A: “I had a day where I was at clinical and we had a patient who had just recently lost their spouse, and they were having a really tough time. I took 30 minutes to sit with them and talk with them. When I went back to say bye, they said thank you for making me feel less alone. I feel like that is a perfect summary of what a nurse’s job is. I really appreciated that, and I know it’s something that I’ll always carry with me, be present for my patients and make them feel a little less alone.”

Q: What’s something you wish you knew before coming into this program?

A: “I wish I knew how rewarding it was before I came. I don’t think I appreciated, until I was on the clinical site, how much of a difference you’re making and how rewarding it is. You’re able to see the direct impacts of everything that you do”

Q: Go-to spots on campus and why?

A: “The Fieldhouse, I’m always in there for practice but I also study in there. The third floor of the nursing building, and if you can find an empty room in Gant, it’s perfect.”

Q: Any study-hacks or superstition rituals before exams?

A: “When I’m taking tests and an answer pops in my mind and I’m second guessing…I will always pick the first answer that pops in my mind, because every time I pick the second one, I always get it wrong.”

Q: What advice would you give to incoming nursing students?

A: “Enjoy the ride. Don’t take anything for granted and make sure that when you’re at clinical you’re taking advantage of it and using it as a time to better yourself for the future. A lot of opportunities will come your way and so definitely seek those opportunities.”

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: “I’m going to be working at Connecticut Children’s Hospital in the emergency room and then hopefully go back to school to get my masters.”

Q: Any shoutouts to faculty or staff that helped you along the way?

“Carrie Eaton, Dr. Sarage, Professor Cole, Annette Maruca, they really shaped me during my clinicals. All the professors were great here. They would always just back me up and tell me that I could do it.”