CATEC Recognizes Its Certified Nurse Aide Program As Students Begin Clinicals
As January wraps up Charlottesville-Albemarle Technical Education Center (CATEC) is celebrating its Certified Nurse Aide program as students begin their clinical placements required for them to sit for their Virginia State Board of Nursing credentialing. Students are spending 40 hours performing hands-on patient care at Charlottesville Health and Rehabilitation Center located on Rio Road. This year, 24 students, under the direction of Certified Nurse Aide Instructor, Mary Lou Boyd, are experiencing firsthand the duties of a licensed CNA.
CATEC’s Certified Nurse Aide program is part of the school’s Health and Medical Services Academy. In this program, students develop skills for entry into the rewarding career of nursing. Students learn technical knowledge about infection control, the body systems and its disorders, bed making and adjusting, positioning, measuring and recording vital signs, and assisting with patient personal care. Students also learn soft skills that ensure patients receive dignified care. This training includes scope of practice, care and security of patients’ personal affects, patients’ rights, diversity and culture sensitivity training, maintaining a safe environment, and assisting with nutrition. Additionally, students spend many hours each year working on their workplace readiness skills, with Mrs. Boyd instructing on topics such as work ethic, professionalism, career management, and conflict resolution. Each year CATEC’s CNA program hosts a Red Cross Blood Drive, giving students additional opportunities to work with healthcare professionals as well as practice their patient care skills with CATEC staff and students. This year, students helped gather 30 usable pints of blood from faculty, students, and staff that will support the Red Cross’s mission to alleviate suffering.
CATEC’s Certified Nurse Aide program is p
art of the school’s Health and Medical Services Academy. In this program, students develop skills for entry into the rewarding career of nursing. Students learn technical knowledge about infection control, the body systems and its disorders, bed making and adjusting, positioning, measuring and recording vital signs, and assisting with patient personal care. Students also learn soft skills that ensure patients receive dignified care. This training includes scope of practice, care and security of patients’ personal affects, patients’ rights, diversity and culture sensitivity training, maintaining a safe environment, and assisting with nutrition. Additionally, students spend many hours each year working on their workplace readiness skills, with Mrs. Boyd instructing on topics such as work ethic, professionalism, career management, and conflict resolution. Each year CATEC’s CNA program hosts a Red Cross Blood Drive, giving students additional opportunities to work with healthcare professionals as well as practice their patient care skills with CATEC staff and students. This year, students helped gather 30 usable pints of blood from faculty, students, and staff that will support the Red Cross’s mission to alleviate suffering.
In April CNA students take their Virginia Board of Nursing Certified Nurse Aide examination. In the last two years, CATEC students’ pass rate has been excellent, with most students passing both the written and practical examinations, allowing students to legally practice as CNAs. For the 2018-2019 school year, the program had a 92% pass rate. Additionally, with the support of the Certified Nurse Aide’s Advisory Board, the program hosts a hiring event each May. Last year, 12 local nursing home facilities, as well as University of Virginia Health System and Sentara Martha Jefferson, attended the event and offered job opportunities to CATEC students, with many graduating from the program already employed. Once hired, Certified Nurse Aides provide patient care under the direction of nursing staff. They perform duties such as feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, and moving patients. CNAs can transfer or transport patients as well. Virginia projects a 28% job growth as our aging population continues to need mental support.
CATEC Certified Nurse Aide students receive 11 college credits through CATEC’s dual-enrollment partnership with Piedmont Virginia Community College. Dual-enrolled students receive credit in coursework that includes healthcare technician I and II, nutrition, introduction to medical terminology, and CPR and First Aid certification. Students pay nothing to earn college credit when attending CATEC.
CATEC’s Adult Education program offers at least two classes per semester as well. The most recent group of students had a 98% pass rate. All students have been eligible for hire from local nursing facilities.