Nursing student Jillian Caldarola ’23 is excited to start her dream job as a labor and delivery nurse at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, Conn., and will probably feel right at home on her first day of work. That’s because Middlesex was one of her clinical placements in UHart’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
“During my clinical experience at Middlesex Hospital, I was able to gain a skill set that sparked my interest in labor and delivery,” she said. “I became close with all my clinical faculty, but stayed in touch with my soon-to-be nurse manager from Middlesex.” Jillian was thrilled to be offered a job before graduation and plans to start a residency program at the hospital this summer.
As a student in the BSN program, Jillian began her clinical placements during sophomore year and worked at St. Francis Hospital, Hospital of Central Connecticut, and Hartford Hospital in addition to Middlesex Hospital. Having the opportunity to experience three years of hands-on skills helped promote her confidence to care for patients, she said. In addition to her clinical experience, Jillian had the opportunity to conduct research and submit an article for publication with another nursing student about obstetric health.
Jillian was also involved in multiple activities on campus, serving as a senior resident assistant, peer mentor, secretary for the Student Nurse Association (SNA), and ENHP ambassador. Her favorite memory was going to the mid-year National Student Nurse Association conference in November 2022 with the SNA executive board members.
Jillian said that support from the faculty made an impact on her success, especially Nursing Department Chair Joyce Thielen. As a member of UHart’s first nursing class, Jillian worked with Thielen on the development of the BSN program from a student’s perspective. They also worked closely together on creating the Student Nurse Association. “I’ve confided in all of my professors including Dr. Thielen, and Dr. Karen Braccialarghe pushed me to work harder every day,” she said.
As she prepares to graduate, Jillian says her favorite thing about UHart is “the people I’ve been surrounded by who have provided me with many enjoyable experiences that I will never forget.” Her advice to incoming students is “Take every opportunity that comes your way!”
Jillian Caldarola ’23, NursingDuring my clinical experience at Middlesex Hospital, I was able to gain a skill set that sparked my interest in labor and delivery.