Céilí Leahy '24 is completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing this May. Her education has helped her secure a job as a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurse at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital.
Céilí’s journey into the field of nursing was ignited by her admiration for the empathy and dedication displayed by the nurses in her life. The University of Hartford's nursing program provided her with valuable experiences, including a senior capstone clinical placement at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital's PICU. “This experience solidified my passion for this field of nursing. And, ultimately, helped me land the job there,” she says.
Céilí believes that the clinical experience she gained at UHart helped build her confidence in patient care. “In the nursing program here, you gain clinical experience earlier than most programs,” she explains. I was able to get a job as a patient care technician and begin working in a hospital after sophomore year. This improved my confidence working with patients.”
The connections Céilí made with peers and professors at UHart were instrumental in her journey. Lifelong friendships were forged within the nursing program, and the guidance and support provided by faculty members positively impacted her academic and professional growth.
The supportive environment in the nursing program led to her success securing a position at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital. “The professors are incredibly supportive and dedicated to preparing us. I felt uplifted to seek out opportunities to improve my experience because of them,” she emphasizes.
Reflecting on her experience at UHart, Céilí’s favorite thing was the sense of belonging fostered by the campus community and the dedication of faculty members to student success. “The small class sizes allowed me to make meaningful connections with my peers and professors. This helped me comfortably grow as a student, ask questions, and improve my confidence as a future nurse.”
Céilí has been involved in several campus organizations, including the Honors Program, Student Nurse Association, and Interprofessional Education Committee. She believes that these organizations further enriched her collegiate experience, providing opportunities for personal and professional development.
Céilí Leahy '24, College of Education, Nursing and Health ProfessionsAttending the University of Hartford has been an immensely positive experience for me. The campus community fosters a sense of belonging. The faculty's dedication to student success is evident through their attention and encouragement. My time at the University of Hartford has been transformative, shaping me into a confident and well-rounded individual ready to embrace future challenges.