Amanda Naranjo
Amanda Naranjo, a senior at Golden Valley High School, enrolled in the ROP Medical Occupations class in the Fall of 2004. Throughout the year, her interest in the medical field grew, as did her skills and knowledge level. Amanda was a hard-working student, consistently going above and beyond what was required of her in the classroom. Due to her interest in becoming an RN, she would often take the initiative in the learning process and would strive to learn and comprehend concepts at the advanced level.
During the second semester, Amanda began observing and working at her job site at University Surgery Center; this only furthered her interest and skill level. She was a self-starter, with a great work ethic and determination for professionalism, as well as the ability to work well in one to one and group interactions, as evidenced by her leadership in classroom activities and discussions, in addition to her externship at University Surgery Center. By the end of the semester, her site supervisor, Terry Bohlke, believed she had gained many valuable skills and expressed a desire to hire her if a position at the center opened.
While waiting for a position to open, Amanda found an opportunity to utilize her skills, knowledge, and strong interpersonal abilities in a position as a caretaker for a 96-year-old woman. She has been providing care for this woman since the Summer of 2005. As part of her duties, Amanda will prepare meals, spend the night, and administer medications as needed. She also is constantly observing her client for signs of a cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, insect bites, etc. Amanda notes that much of what she learned in the ROP Medical Occupations class has helped prepare her for her current position and has made her more confident in her skills and abilities.
In the Fall of 2005, Amanda enrolled in the ROP Medical Occupations class again, this time as a teaching assistant. In addition to performing standard teaching assistant duties, Amanda is a great asset, assisting me in teaching medical skills and content. She will be returning to University Surgery Center on her own this semester in a job-shadowing capacity, expanding on her skills and knowledge level. It is her hope, and mine too, that she gains employment soon at the center, and is able to use her experience as she continues with her education.