Certified nursing aide students graduate, prepare for test

The second group of graduates in the grant-funded certified nursing assistant training program offered by Hartford HealthCare Senior Services was recently recognized for completing the 130 hours of combined classroom and clinical training. The 12 students were honored at a recognition ceremony held Nov. 26 at Hospital of Central Connecticut, Bradley Memorial campus, 81 Meriden Ave., one of several training locations. The students are slated to take the Connecticut Certified Nurses Aide Exam, the final step in the process.

Many of the individuals said they had entered the CNA program because of their desire to help others and make a difference in a health care setting. “I took this because I want to be in health service. I really liked this program,” said Ernest Acquah, of Manchester. Ruth Johnson, of Hartford, said the certification will give her better job opportunities.

Mary Ellen “Mell” Hobson, RN, MSN, contracted program coordinator and instructor, said she was impressed by the students’ ambition – many worked all day and attended classes at night.

Graduates were Ernest Acquah, Teresa Canal, Matilda Colon, Jennifer Drouin, Nitza Feliciano, Ruth Johnson, Holley Ostrander, Francesca Papasso, Joelle Perna, Gloria Fraser, Javar Russell and Keyanna Vazquez.

Classroom training included basic human physiology and anatomy, and a variety of required nurse aide skills. In the various healthcare settings, the students shadowed CNAs to learn more about providing hands-on, personalized care and observing day-to-day changes while learning about bathing, feeding, toileting and organizing tasks.

The CNA program was funded through a grant provided by Jefferson House in Newington. Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, which manages three skilled nursing and four independent and assisted living communities, offered the free training to generate qualified and compassionate CNAs. The first class graduated in June.

Upon receiving their CNA certification, the students will be eligible to apply for positions including available opportunities at Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, Hartford HealthCare at Home and Hartford HealthCare Independence at Home.

For more information about future classes, email CNAtraining@hhchealth.org.

Hartford HealthCare Senior Services is a not for profit Hartford HealthCare Partner. For more information about Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, visit https://hhcseniorservices.org.