PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Light AR Gould Hospital is again partnering with SAD 42 Adult Education to offer a training program for Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) and will hold two information sessions for prospective participants.
Informational sessions about the program, CNA duties, and hospital benefits will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, and from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 2. Both sessions will be held in the conference center on the second floor of the East Annex on the hospital’s campus at 140 Academy Street in Presque Isle.
“A CNA provides hands-on healthcare to patients, helping with bathing, dressing and the basic activities of life, working under the direction of a nurse,” said Daryl Boucher, vice president of nursing. “They play a vital role in patient care both at the hospital and at our long-term and skilled care facility in Mars Hill.”
To meet the needs for more CNAs at both facilities, the hospital hires participants in the program as temporary employees, paying them 36 hours/week while they take part in the eight-week training course. The class is also offered for free for those who commit to one year of full-time employment or two-years of part-time employment at AR Gould. Those who do not want to make that commitment have the option of paying for their tuition.
“While physically demanding at times, this can be a very rewarding career personally,” said Odette LaPointe, RN, lead instructor for the program. “It is also a great way to get started down the path of becoming a nurse or other healthcare professional. You are learning how to work as part of a team, building communications and life skills, and getting exposure to technology such as our computer charting system. Working in healthcare in general is an excellent career today and in the future.”
Upon graduation from the program, CNAs have employment opportunities in a variety of settings.
Submitted by the Communications Office of Northern Light AR Gould Hospital.
