Contributed
PROGRAM UNDERWAY — Josann Richards, left, views a demonstration by Annette Brousseau, a student in the new adult education certified nurse assistant course at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School.
BLOOMINGDALE — Adults looking to further their career or start anew have an opportunity to do so with the certified nurse assistant program at Jefferson County Joint Vocational School.
Three students are taking part in the new adult education course and can earn certifications to work in the ever-growing health care field. Tammy Sismondo, health technologies instructor at the JVS, serves as coordinator, while Josann Richards instructs the program. Classes began in August and run through Nov. 3 with sessions each Monday and Wednesday from 4:30-9:30 p.m.
“This is for nurse’s aide training,” Sismondo explained. “The Ohio Department of Health has guidelines that we follow to set our criteria. The program is coordinated through the instructor and (students) have to have their certification and do skill demos. We are the test site, so they may test here, and they need 80 percent to pass.”
“We teach 21 different skills that they would use,” Richards added. “To work in health care facilities, you have to be state-tested.”
The students utilize Sismondo’s health tech room, which includes a full lab with mannequins and beds resembling a facility setting. Training includes lessons on ambulation and feeding to patient care and vital signs, while clinicals will be completed at the site in late October.
“I think it’s awesome and the lab is phenomenal,” Richards commented. “I’m glad for the students because they get a better idea of what it’s like. They get a great experience here of what a hospital would be.”
She added that many nursing programs are moving toward being state-tested to obtain quality workers.
“We’re glad to have the adult education program and hope we expand because we have a demand for health care,” Sismondo noted. “I’m excited about the program, and I hope as people see the success of the students they will sign up.”
The students said the program has been very beneficial to expanding their horizons.
“I’m glad they are offering the program,” said Annette Brousseau, who currently works as a home health aide. “By being certified, I hope it will open up a few more doors and I hope to train a lot more to take better care of patients.”
“The more I learn, the better it’s going to help me,” said Samantha Gerkins, who is furthering her skills. “I think it’s an opportunity to further our careers later in life, and having a wonderful teacher really helps.”
“I think it’s going to be a good opportunity for younger people like me to get this type of experience,” said Avery Barrett. “This gives you more job opportunities and better pay when you are certified.”
Officials hope to offer another CNA course in January if there is a good response, while there are ideas to expand offerings. JVS Adult Education Director Jim Hilton said he was reviewing prospects for phlebotomy to licensed practical nurse programs to help fill gaps within the community.