Katie Barnidge

My name is Katie Barnidge and I am a sophomore at the University of Iowa with a major in biology and minor in psychology on the pre-med track. I am highly interested in pursuing a medical career and furthering my education past undergrad.

My longest job was during high school at the Freeze in Marion (a small ice cream shop), I learned how to work under a fast paced environment to serve ice cream to customers quickly and efficiently. Working as a cashier also strengthened my mental math and quick thinking. I dealt with various different challenges during my 4 years at this job and took on a leadership role quickly. I kept myself busy during slow periods as well by stocking and filling toppings as well as putting the tips from receipts into the system and cleaning countertops. I have great communication with the everyday public due to this job experience and how to maintain a friendly attitude and respect under pressure.

During my CNA certification I learned various skills on privacy, respectability, accountability, professional relation s, and how to maintain a calm composure around patients/residents. 30 hours of clinicals was required of my certification as well as a state computer test and state skills test. In my clinical hours I was able to take initiative in taking care of the residents and their needs as well as seeking out opportunities to connect with patients and make their day better. Kindness and patience were two qualities I found to be the most useful during this experience and for future jobs in a medical field.

I have been volunteering in the University of Iowa's Mother-Baby Unit since the beginning of last year's spring semester and will be continuing to do so into this years fall semester. My tasks within volunteering in that unit includes stocking, cleaning, getting patients water or other items, making breast pump kits, rocking babies, collaborating with the nurses, stripping beds and stocking the bathrooms, making admissions folders, and other things that either nurses or patients need from me that is in my scope of abilities as a volunteer. Communication skills, accountability, and initiative are all key aspects that I have come to learn during this experience.

• CNA - Certified Nurse Assistant