Virginia Health Services apprentices reflect on experience so far
National Apprenticeship Week is Nov. 15-21. Virginia Health Services used the week to highlight graduates from the Care Assistant to Nurse Aide earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program.
The apprenticeship includes paid training and covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA.
The program has had five classes graduate this year, with a sixth cohort currently in progress. Students get about a month of paid classroom and clinical training, and VHS employs graduates in our nursing and rehabilitation centers following graduation.
The success of the program has led to Virginia Health Services developing a full Career Advancement Program (CAP) to grow its workforce in culinary and environmental services as well with additional paid training and leadership development.
This week, current employees in culinary and environmental services were invited to partake in the program.
Virginia Health Services participates in the Healthcare Apprenticeship Expansion Program (HAEP), which is funded with a Department of Labor grant. The apprenticeship offers paid, on-the-job training.
Our graduates
Michael Polite, James River
Michael Polite is a Nurse Aide at James River Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center. He started in environmental services at James River, then enrolled in the apprenticeship program.
He says he was drawn to senior care after helping care for his grandmother.
The September graduate is studying for the state boards, and is confident he’ll pass because of his training with VHS instructor Nora Gillespie. The training program includes classwork and learning 22 clinical skills.
“You use everything she teaches you,” he said of his daily routine. “She really emphasizes dignity and respect, and so if I can put a smile (on a Resident’s face), when I walk out of the room, I feel like I’ve done my job.”
Hotop, the class salutatorian, said being in the program made her realize she wants to be in healthcare.
“I think what really stood out was clinical (skills on the floor),” Hotop said. “and just how happy everybody was with our care and the way they are doing. And the patients were just motivating us throughout the whole process. I think that made me feel good. I want to be here, it made me want to do it. And definitely having the help from one another.”
Campbell and Hotop bonded fast in class and now as coworkers. They rely on one another during shifts and like working together. Both say they can hear instructor Nora Gillespie’s voice in the back of their minds, encouraging them and walking them through all the steps they learned in class.
Both say they feel supported in their roles at The Newport. Campbell and Hotop said their CNA training has them interested in pursuing nursing career paths as an LPN or RN.
“It’s all worth it,” Hotop said.
Donae Mcdonald, York
Donae Mcdonald is a Nurse Aide at York Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center. She was in the fifth cohort and graduated in October.
It was the earn-as-you-learn paid training that Mcdonald said drew her to the opportunity. She is exploring nursing school options, and enrolled in pre-requisite classes with Thomas Nelson Community College.
She says the apprenticeship program is “a great opportunity because at first you are here (as a Care Assistant) and shadowing a Nurse Aide, and I feel like at that point you can see if there’s something that is beneficial for you.”
Instructor Nora Gillespie said she was like bubbles and champagne, with her positivity just radiating out toward the Residents she worked with on the floor during clinicals.
She’s still bubbly now, having passed her certification exam and fulfilling a dream decades in the making. After spending more than 10 years housekeeping in hospitality, she is working in senior care as a CNA.
“I have wanted to do this forever, but I never could afford to not get paid 4-to-6 weeks taking a class. There wasn’t a program like this,” she said.
She also has a little seasoning now, and with experience comes perspective. She likes working with current students who are working on their clinical skills at York. She likes helping the Care Assistants learn the ropes.
And Turner knows empathy is key to doing the job well. “I just try to find ways not to make (the Residents) feel so bad (about not being able to do things for themselves),” she said. “It’s why I’m here!”
Turner said the program, particularly the instruction provided, is a great way to start in healthcare.
“I just love it!” she says.
Culinary and EVS apprentices
This week, we invited team members in our culinary and environmental services departments to participate in paid training and leadership development as part of VHS’ expanding Career Advancement Program. Team members from Coliseum, James River and corporate fill out the first field of apprentices in those areas.
Culinary cohort from Coliseum with the dietary team
Environmental services cohort from corporate excited to be apprentices!
Environmental services cohort from corporate
Culinary cohort from James River with leadership
Apprenticeships available
A career in healthcare could be the right fit for you, too. Learn more about Virginia Health Services’ career opportunities at vahs.com/heroes.
If you need to be seen for Physical Therapy, this is the place!! I have been treated by 4 different Physical Therapist over the years and for different issues; I love all of them. Their knowledge, compassion, kindness and professionalism is top notch. And if you have Tri-Care they accept it here!!
I would like to thank the entire Virginia Health Home Care Group for the wonderful care and attention given to my husband Ted. Each and every person who came to our house was professional, efficient and caring. Wallace, Debra, Crystal, Tori, Wanda, Cathy, Colleen, Emily, and Sheetal. Each team member executed a plan of action to reach a goal in their particular field to have my back and even better than before. Their expertise also resulted in a much-needed attitude adjustment. I am so grateful to this group and would recommend their Services to our Friends and Community. Thank you all so much.
My Dad recently stayed at The Huntington for a respite stay after his rehab stay at The Newport. The staff at The Huntington were great. They were so caring and compassionate. The NP was always available to see him for his medical issues. Even though we wanted Dad to be able to return home, knowing he was safe and had help available at any time of the day or night gave my sisters and I peace of mind.
What a warm, friendly place to live. Staff goes above and beyond over & over to insure every residence is happy & healthy. So great to have physical therapy on the premises. We walk over to Brickhouse Tavern for a tasty pizza & cold adult beverage. We just couldn't have made a better choice. Our meals are chief quality. We so enjoy walking around the square.
I wanted to express my love and gratitude to The Newport Staff. I appreciate the care that the therapy, nursing, and administrative staff has given to me. They have all given me exceptional care. Thank you for your patience, love and most of all respect. Thank you, Lindsay, for communicating all necessary information to me on a daily basis. I deeply appreciate all the time you have spent helping me. Sending Jamel love and hugs for encouraging me, keeping my spirits lifted, and helping me participate in the daily activities with the Newport staff. I would without a doubt recommend the Newport for anyone needing care. To the entire staff, thank you for everything!
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Accept
