Grant-funded program prepares certified nursing assistants

NEWINGTON – Nine students in a grant-funded certified nursing assistants program graduated Feb. 22 during a ceremony at Jefferson House, located at 1 John H. Stewart Drive. The individuals had recently completed 140 hours of combined classroom and clinical training some of which was held at Jefferson House, a short-term/outpatient rehabilitation and skilled nursing community. The final step for the students will be taking and passing the Connecticut Certified Nurses Aide Exam.

Students said they had entered the CNA program because of their desire to help others and make a difference in a health care setting. Anthoneil Phillips, of East Hartford, said he was amazed by the connections he made with the people he cared for and appreciated the support of the staff. The pace of the six-week program was difficult but a perfect fit for him, he said.

Peggy Rosado, of Wethersfield, learned about the CNA training program at a health fair. She holds several jobs including housekeeping at a care facility, which made her decide to do more hands-on care. “I wanted this as a career,” she said, adding she will be applying for jobs within Hartford HealthCare Senior Services.

“This class literally changed the lives of the students,” said Mary Ellen “Mell” Hobson, RN, MSN, contracted program coordinator and instructor. “They worked well together as a class team and had fun while learning.”

Graduates were: Jacinta Akumpule, Keya Hunt, Mary Nyarko, Liza Perez, Anthoneil Phillips, Laura “Peggy” Rosado, Christina Renzi, Clara Uwukhor and Makitah Tobierre.

During the ceremony, students were presented with a certificate of completion and encouragement. “Do what makes your heart sing,” said Cirie Dorosh, director of nursing at Southington Care Center. “It is hard work. But you have proven that you are dedicated. Find the niche that works best for you,” she said, as she mentioned the many job opportunities available through Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, which offered the free training program to generate qualified and compassionate CNAs.

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.

Upon being CNA certified, 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.

This is the third group of students who have taken the free CNA training program which is funded by the Jefferson House Endowment. For more information about future classes, email CNAtraining@hhchealth.org.

Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, a not for profit Hartford HealthCare Partner, manages three skilled nursing and four independent and assisted living communities. For more information about Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, visit https://hhcseniorservices.org.