We would like to congratulate one of our amazing students who earned her CNA certification! Patricia is a dedicated student who has moved up in her educational journey at Moorhead Adult Education and is beginning her nursing career.
We sat down with Patricia to ask about her journey from ESL classes to working as a CNA:
Like many of our current students she also participated in classes during covid-19. During this time she was taking the pre-CNA class but because of the pandemic, learning had to go virtual. Many obstacles became more challenging during the months following the switch to only virtual and online distance learning. Patricia states, “There are some good and bad parts about it. It is nice to stay at home and be comfortable in your own house, however it isn’t the same as learning in person”.
When asked why she chose to pursue nursing? Patricia talked about her love for helping people and her desire to make a difference; and with great grit and determination she successfully completed her certification in September 2021.
Patricia said the most difficult part of the test was, “The skills portion of the test; it’s nerve-wracking to have the instructor watching and observing everything.”
Her hard work paid off and Patricia is now a full time CNA at Bethany Retirement Living; in the skilled nursing section. She works in the evenings and is responsible for the nighttime routine, assisting the residents with meals, activities, and bedtime. Patricia says that her favorite part about working at Bethany is, of course, the many residents that she helps each day. “It is great to have an opportunity to be a positive helping hand and to build relationships with her residents.”.
However, being a CNA does have its set of challenges. Patricia says that unpredictable situations can cause residents to react in many different ways and is sometimes stressful, but being patient and giving extra care and explanation when residents are confused helps a lot.
Getting a CNA license is a great foundation as Patricia continues on with her education and works toward a LPN and potentially RN degree. It also is helpful to work in an environment like Bethany because they have many opportunities for professional development. For example, if Patricia is interested after six months of employment Bethany will pay for the certified medical assistant (CMA) certification class.
Patricia will not only continue working professionally by building her nursing skills, but is continuing to attend classes and work toward obtaining her GED.
Patricia has participated in classes at Moorhead Adult Education for over three years and has accumulated over 600 contact hours.
Patricia is an inspiration to us and to her fellow classmates. When asked about who inspires her, she describes her father as being the most influential person in her life. He is caring and supports her immensely as she pursues her educational and career goals.
Congratulations Patricia! We are proud of you and all that you have accomplished!