Certified Nurse Assistant students celebrated the completion of the 100-hour class. Pictured, top row, left to right: April Rodman, Olivia Hudson, Makayla Millsap and Candace Keltch; second row, left to right: Kristy Burns, Misty Johnson, Grayson Cunningham and Deborah Shaw; front: James Allen, CNA instructor. Not pictured Kianna Yancey.
Cleveland State Community College hosted a graduation celebration for the Certified Nurse Assistant class. Nine students completed the 100-hour class that started in September. Five students have already passed the State Licensure Exam for Nurse Aides and earned their CNA state license.
Approved by the Tennessee Department of Health, the program is divided into three components of learning that include lecture, classroom skills lab and supervised patient care. The CNA is a specially trained individual who works at an entry-level position under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
Nurse aides perform basic routine patient care, which may include assisting with meals or exercise, taking vital signs and personal hygiene. They are primarily employed at nursing homes, but may also find employment with hospitals and home health agencies.
Program Instructor James Allen said, “This cohort was unique in that these students collectively faced personal challenges that would have derailed or discouraged most people from continuing with the program. But instead, they supported each other, dug deep down and found the strength to finish. Their hard work and perseverance are fundamental toward successfully completing this program and paves the way for their journey in the healthcare field. I have no doubts that they will positively impact our community by providing quality care to patients and residents in the acute and long-term care settings. I am so proud of their accomplishments.”