Confidence in providing care

She has a career marked by caring — from the hospital floors where she looked after others to the classroom where she now educates future caregivers with passion. Meet Amanda Peabody, assistant professor of nursing at Lincoln Land Community College.

“I’ve always found joy in caring for others. So, it seemed natural to choose a career in nursing where I could do that every day,” she says. “My grandmother was a nurse for 28 years. I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps.”

While working as a nurse in the hospital setting, Peabody was given the opportunity to welcome and provide direction for nursing students and new nurses. It was then that she realized she wanted to become an educator and prepare others to provide the best care possible for patients. “I discovered my love for teaching others early on in my career,” she says.

Each semester of nursing school brings a new set of skills to master. Students start in the classroom, learning basic theory and knowledge to prepare for the national licensure exam. They are also participating in lab exercises and onsite clinicals. “Watching students master lab skills and apply them seamlessly at clinicals is so rewarding,” she says. Even outside of the classroom at clinical sites, Peabody provides support for her students as they demonstrate the skills they have learned and is there for assistance should they need support. 

Looking for new ways to engage students in her teaching, Peabody implemented escape room challenges as interactive lab experiences for students. On the job, piecing together information to care for a patient can often feel like solving a critical puzzle. The scenarios she creates allow students to work together to solve tasks, to prepare for similar situations on the job and to gain confidence. “Amanda has perfected this practice. Our students love learning this way,” says Sonja Spencer, associate dean of nursing at LLCC.

Nursing technology is constantly changing and evolving. Peabody provides real-world situations for active learning in the nursing classroom. Students also gain experience in the simulation lab to prepare for clinical settings and help build their skills and confidence in a safe environment. “I want students to know that they can achieve their goals. I’m here to help them build the confidence I know that they are capable of.”