BREAKING THE MOLD: JORDON SANDSTROM, NURSING

Jordon Sandstrom is currently a second-year nursing student at Northern Maine Community College. Jordon has a long-time interest in nursing, inspired by family role models in the medical field. He chose NMCC to pursue his goals after hearing from several graduates that the program gave them great experience and practice for working in the field.

Jordon began the nursing program with experience as a Certified Nurse's Aide (CNA), a credential he earned while in high school. He has been enjoying his classes so far and finds the campus simulation labs to be a valuable learning tool. NMCC's simulation center offers students the chance to work with several hi-fidelity mannequins in environments that imitate experiences they will face in healthcare settings.

"The sim labs give us a safe learning environment so that we can work through scenarios better and learn from our mistakes," Jordon explains.

While Jordon admits that there are patients who are more accustomed to seeing female nurses, some patients express that they like to see more males in the field. "I don't think anyone should think that nursing is a female-only job. There should be more males in the profession," Jordon encourages.

Kacey Hammond, one of Jordon's nursing instructors, says, "Jordon is a hard-working, inquisitive student. He is always available to help fellow students and has a great positive attitude!"

Jordon is appreciating learning more ways to help residents and having a better understanding of certain medical procedures. After graduating from NMCC, Jordon wants to continue his education and eventually become a Family Nurse Practitioner. His advice to all students considering or starting the nursing program is to work through the program one step at a time while always keeping your overall goal in mind.