The Wesley Community, a 37-acre senior living campus with more than 700 residents in Saratoga Springs, recently introduced an innovative alternative to its traditional certified nursing assistant (CNA) training program that is generating significant results for stakeholders and participants.
Launched last September and featuring accelerated training, the new hybrid CNA program has yielded 43 new graduates, 98% of whom have passed the NYS CNA exam. There are currently 16 students enrolled in the session that began on April 20.
“As we enter the sixth month offering this hybrid model, we are excited to see the enthusiastic response which is reflected in strong registration numbers and the success of students who have graduated and become part of the Wesley staff,” said The Wesley Community Director of Education Patricia Beattie, MSN-Ed, RN. “The ongoing need for nursing caregivers will continue to grow. It is gratifying to see so many compassionate candidates embrace this opportunity for hybrid training.”
One of Wesley’s longtime CNA’s is Janet DeVaux, the mother of Kentucky Derby winning trainer and Saratoga Springs native Cherie DeVaux.
Janet credits her employment as a CNA at Wesley with providing financial stability for her family as they worked to build their stable training horses.
“Being a CNA has supported my family for the better part of the last 30 years while we trained horses,” she recalled. “Working at Wesley has been like having a second family. My residents immediately became family, and I am constantly given the opportunity to learn and to advance my training to better serve them.”
The paid hybrid training program is three weeks long and includes two weeks onsite to complete clinical, skill practice and skill-testing hours. It has replaced Wesley’s previous six-week CNA training program, which had been offered exclusively onsite.
Some highlights of what students find appealing about the accelerated hybrid CNA training program include:
- Flexibility to complete lectures and theory online, at their own pace;
- Hands-on clinical training;
- Lower commuting time and costs because only clinical hours require onsite attendance;
- Easier transition into the field of healthcare;
- Ideal for people seeking a career change who can begin the online portion without disrupting the demands of their current job.
Due to the accelerated class time of the hybrid CNA program, graduates are each assigned a mentor and undergo an extensive orientation period to become familiar with the residents who they will assist with activities of daily living. A success coach is assigned and conducts weekly meetings during a four-week orientation. Graduates receive their own assignments following this period.
CNAs provide vital support to nurses in assisting with the complex tasks of patient care. Classroom training and on-the-job experience offer students the opportunity to learn how to apply key healthcare knowledge to long-term care. Daily responsibilities include maintaining the comfort and safety of patients and delivering direct care through bathing, feeding and grooming.
As a night shift worker at Wesley, Janet DeVaux is acutely aware of the importance of training new employees to join the workforce, at a time when there is a critical nursing shortage throughout the industry.
“The CNA program at Wesley has been producing some very nice results, which is encouraging, considering the increasing need for all facets of nursing care,” she added. “Becoming a CNA is a great option for anyone who is interested in launching a career in health care. Wesley’s comprehensive program provides everything needed to be awarded the necessary certification.”
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Full attendance is required. Upon successful completion of the training program, participants will be offered full- or part-time employment at Wesley, depending on availability.
Qualified candidates interested in becoming part of Wesley’s CNA team are encouraged to apply at CNA: Certified Nursing Assistant Training Class – PAID – Saratoga Springs, NY – The Wesley Community Jobs.