Not every path is direct, and not every turn in the road is an obstacle. Adapting to change, trusting the journey, and having an open and flexible mindset are some of Amanda Barrett’s greatest skills. Raised in a family that favored structure and rules, moving through boot camp easily and into the Navy as a Master of Arms, one might think Amanda would favor structure. But this resilient Roseman Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing ’22 graduate from our South Jordan Campus seems to have wisdom beyond her years in being comfortable with changing circumstances and capable of pivoting into unfamiliar terrain.
Unsure of her life’s plan, Amanda started her career working with animals, a passion of hers, and then later realized that she wanted to be a nurse. After enlisting in the Navy, Amanda embarked on a Nursing program which then floundered during COVID-19, when many schools struggled to adapt to an online format. It was then that Amanda discovered Roseman’s College of Nursing. Eager to be immersed in her required coursework, she was pleased to find a flexible and accelerated program that allowed her to move quickly while immersing her fully. Amanda cites many facets of the Six-Point Mastery Learning Model® that worked well for her and capitalized on her unique learning style. “I loved the block curriculum as I could truly focus deeply on one subject area at a time; I could throw myself into that area and learn it fully, and am surprised some days when I realize how much I learned and retained.” After practicing in both the ICU and Emergency Room settings and working as a travel nurse, Amanda is now a candidate for an MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. A student once again in an accelerated program at a different institution, Amanda often misses elements of Roseman’s Learning Model. “I realize now how much the Roseman model set us up for success. While I studied a lot and the program was difficult, the assessments, collaborative culture, and relationships with the faculty were perfect for me”.
Some of Amanda’s closest friends and colleagues were also made during her time at Roseman. Her ABSN friends and colleagues practice in various healthcare settings and with varying populations. She remains in close contact with her cohort and receives support from her friends as she pursues her advanced degree. Intending to practice in underserved and rural populations, working with patients with mental and intellectual disabilities, and supporting Veterans and the Military with their mental health, Amanda is open to the possibilities that await her. With a commitment to supporting and improving the lives of patients dealing with psychiatric disorders and challenges, Amanda carries a wise and experienced outlook on life. “I used to feel frustrated not knowing exactly what my path would be, but with age and experience, I know that sometimes what once seemed like a challenge was just another opportunity opening up. You never know where that path will lead; you just have to trust it.”
With just a half-year left to complete her program, Amanda is excited to graduate, spend more time with her golden retriever Jameson and her cat Ophelia, hike, kayak, read, and continue building on her career serving others.