Alumni Spotlight - Amber Bailey

What is your current occupation
I am currently a Nutrition Support Specialist at a level 1 trauma center in Louisiana. I cover the trauma ICU and the surgical ICU.

What brought you to USI
I transferred to USI my sophomore year after I switched majors to dietetics. I was drawn to the smaller class sizes and having more interactions with other students and professors.

Please tell us how the College of Nursing and Health Professions prepared you for your career
The College of Nursing and Health Professions prepared me for my career by challenging me and teaching me the importance of critical thinking, which has allowed me to excel in my current position. They also helped by serving as a preceptor in my dietetic internship elective rotation during which I experienced the academic sector of dietetics.

Were you in any clubs, organizations, athletics?
I was a part of the Food and Nutrition Student Organization (FNSO) and Southern Roots Student Growers.

What has been your favorite memory of your time at USI?
My favorite memories are of my graduation, knowing that all the hard work had paid off and I would achieve my dream of becoming a registered dietitian.

What would you tell someone who is thinking of coming to USI?
I would tell them that USI has wonderful programs that set you up as a professional. Specifically, in the dietetics program they are always trying to improve and be ahead of the curve. As an example, during my senior year they added a class that taught how to perform nutrition focused physical exams (NFPE), and I was the only one in my MS/DI program that was exposed to NFPE in their undergraduate program. I would also tell prospective students that because of the smaller class sizes, you get to interact with a lot of different people and make life-long friends.