Six Virginia Health Services apprentice program students graduated from Care Assistants to Nurse Aides during a ceremony Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester.
The six-week earn-as-you-learn program includes classwork, clinical skills labs and on-the-floor experience, which the class completed at Walter Reed. The program also covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA.
The graduates — Victoria Hamilton (Heart Award), Simone Johnson (Champion Award), Colleen Jones (salutatorian), Katelyn Kierulf (valedictorian), Clifton Styles and Shelbie G. (who opted to not be pictured) — continue on as VHS team members at Walter Reed.
The students were led by Director of Education Princess Henderson, RN, BSN; Nursing Training and Education Coordinator Tracy Williams, BSN, RN; and instructor Nora Gillespie, RN. They were joined Tuesday by a full house of friends and family to cheer on their accomplishments and enjoy a reception with Chick-fil-A and cupcakes after the ceremony.
“It’s so fulfilling to education our future nurses,” Princess said in opening remarks. “I love to guide them and inspire them. This experience will take you very far.”
Princess started in the CNA class at VHS in 2008 and went on to complete nursing degrees to advance to several leadership roles throughout the company.
The graduates
Tracy welcomed the graduates’ friends and families and thanked them for helping the students practice their clinical skills at home.
“Every class is my favorite class,” she said with a smile. “I’m proud of all of them. They’re super-duper smart.”
Victoria Hamilton earned the Heart Award for her display of extra care for residents that was recognized by the Walter Reed team. She has some caregiving experience and picked up skills quickly, Tracy said, while always being complimented on resident care. Nora said she had taught Victoria’s mother, and it was a family trait to bring joy and skill to the role.
Champion Award recipient Simone Johnson earned recognition for doing well during clinicals, Tracy said, and the residents and team “loved her.” She always volunteered to go first in doing skills in class, Nora said. Both instructors credited her for “knowing her stuff.”
Clifton Styles was “the life of the party,” Tracy said. He was often the “designated resident” for students to practice skills on and “spread light in the class,” she said.
“I enjoyed my time in class with everyone,” Clifton said. “I’m proud of us.”
Salutatorian Colleen Jones was “empathetic to the residents,” Nora said. “She really wanted to perfect skills and provide holistic care,” Tracy said. Colleen came into the class with caregiving experience.
Valedictorian
Valedictorian Katelyn Kierulf kept the energy of the class up, Tracy said. “Her brain sometimes worked faster than her body, but she slowed down to perfect those skills and always received compliments from the staff,” Tracy said.
Katelyn said it was an incredible honor to be valedictorian of their graduating class in her remarks.
“Today we not only celebrate our academic achievements, but it is a testament to our dedication, resilience and passion for patient care … We knew we embarking on a journey that would require patience, strength and compassion. Throughout our training, we learned not only the technical skills to be a CNA, but also the deeper, more profound lessons of empathy, kindness and human connection,” she said.
“… We pushed forward because we knew why we started. We chose this path not just as a career, but as a calling. … We are stepping into a field where we will be the backbone of healthcare and provide dignity and care when it is needed most. … We have the responsibility to uphold the values of this profession with integrity and dedication.”
She thanked the instructors, mentors and families in attendance for unwavering support, closing with, “Let’s embrace every opportunity to learn, grow and serve … and don’t forget to not skimp on comfy shoes.”
Join the team
The earn-as-you-learn program apprenticeship program graduates Care Assistants to Nurse Aides and covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA. The nearly six-week course includes classwork, skills labs and on-the-job training at our nursing and rehabilitation centers. You continue on as a team member at VHS upon graduation. Applications are closed for classes that begin in March. We will begin recruiting for the May Gloucester- and Peninsula-based classes about six weeks ahead of the posted start date.
Visit vahs.com/apprenticeship to learn more and apply.
