Sweet Brook graduates, then hires, Certified Nursing Assistants
Apr 05, 2010
(WILLIAMSTOWN, MA) Twelve residents of North Berkshire have completed the Certified Nursing Assistant training program at Sweet Brook Transitional Care & Living Centers in Williamstown. All twelve have joined the staff at Sweet Brook in full-time positions.
Angela Ames, Ashley Miller, Lindsay Packard, Jessica Peltier, Christopher Record, and Kiersten Sweet of North Adams; Danielle Boisvert, Christine Mach, and Shannon Russell of Adams; MacKensie Martin of Lanesboro; Derek Donovan of Stamford, Vt.; and Christine LaBaff of North Pownal, Vt., earned certificates of completion at a ceremony at Sweet Brook on Friday, April 2.
Rachelle Emerson, RN, was the instructor for the course. The graduates completed 75 hours of training over three weeks and learned about the tasks performed by CNAs including bathing and dressing residents. “But first, they learn about dignity and respect for the residents,” said Emerson. “We emphasize the need for compassion and empathy because being a CNA requires a genuine desire to help people and care for them.”
Sweet Brook was recognized in 2009 by the Berkshire County Regional Employment Board as a partner in developing nursing careers. Sweet Brook has assisted in the development of Project HEALTH (Helping Employers Access Labor Talent in Healthcare).
Emerson said the students learned to empathize with residents by role playing.
The CNA course at Sweet Brook includes training in nursing care as well as information about nutrition, physical therapy, and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. “Not every program includes Alzheimer’s training, so these graduates received additional recognition from the Massachusetts chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Emerson. “That extra training is very valuable in this setting.”
Emerson said she recommends CNA training for anyone hoping to gain additional skills, including college students and those seeking temporary employment opportunities. She noted that Sweet Brook may also pay for training for students who go on to a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program. |
