Virginia Health Services celebrated the graduation of eight apprenticeship program students on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, at the Employment, Enrichment and Education (EEE) Center in Newport News.
The earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program graduates Care Assistants to Nurse Aides and covers the cost of the certification exam to be a CNA. The Peninsula program is instructed by Nora Gillespie, RN, and Director of Education Princess Henderson, BSN, RN. The six-week course includes classroom instruction, clinical skills labs and on-the-floor experience.
Princess and Nora led the ceremony and described the class as caring, compassionate, dedicated, intelligent, driven, hard-working and knowledgeable. The students approached resident care with their heart in it. They were joined by friends and family to celebrate during a reception following the ceremony.
The graduates
For the first time, there were co-valedictorians in a graduating class — Naudia Jenkins and Charisse Stinnie. They both had the highest GPAs and perfect attendance.
Naudia also is enrolled in nursing school full time in the evenings, with an expected graduation date of June 2025. Charisse transferred to the apprenticeship program from a role at Coliseum.
Co-valedictorians Naudia Jenkins and Charisse Stinnie with Director of Education Princess Henderson.Salutatorian Karlethia Watkins with Princess.Champion Award recipient Shakayla Johnson-Wright with Princess.
Salutatorian Karlethia Watkins is a recent high school graduate. She will attend Old Dominion University in the fall on a full scholarship, and says she would like to do research for neurological degenerative disease and develop medications to assist or potentially cure these diseases. Karlethia enrolled in the program to better understand the population she intends to help.
Graduates also included internal transfer Veronica McCray, who worked in the laundry department at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center; Champion Award recipient Shakayla Johnson-Wright; Georgianna Perkins; Kanasia Robinson; and Sari Santella, who is a military spouse in pursuit of a career with transferable skills.
VHS apprenticeship program
The next Peninsula apprenticeship class is slated for Aug. 19-Sept. 26 (applications are closed) and the next Gloucester apprenticeship class is Aug. 5-Sept. 12. Applications will open about 30 days ahead of the final class dates of the year — Peninsula Oct. 14-Nov. 21 and Gloucester Oct. 21-Dec. 2 — at vahs.com/apprenticeship.
Virginia Health Services celebrated its most recent class of apprentice graduates from the Gloucester program during a ceremony Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Three students graduated from Care Assistants to Nurse Aides and will continue to serve on the team at Walter Reed. The earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program provides about six weeks of classroom and clinical skills training, in addition to on-the-floor experience, and covers the cost of the certification exam to be a CNA.
Walter Reed Administrator Bryant Hudgins welcomed friends and family to the ceremony.
“I started in the CNA class back in the stone age,” Bryant joked, “and it catapulted my career.”
Walter Reed Administrator Bryant Hudgins welcomes the graduates and their friends and family during Tuesday’s ceremony.
Bryant worked his way from CNA to LPN and then served in various roles including MDS before becoming the licensed administrator for Walter Reed.
“These ladies have bright futures ahead in healthcare. Thank you all for supporting them,” he said. “This is just the beginning. We take great pride in providing a clinical site, and welcome them to the team.”
Gloucester graduates
The graduates — Jordan Hudnall, Kaeli Key and Candi Lewis — brought a sense of humor to the class, said Training and Education Coordinator Tracy Williams, MSN, BSN, RN.
They all wound up having personal connections to Tracy. She went to school with Kaeli’s father, lives down the street from Candi and worked with Jordan while she was a Care Assistant before the course started at Walter Reed.
“This was a very special class for me. They all learned quickly and excelled in clinicals and the classroom portion of the class,” Tracy said.
Jordan earned the Champion Award for excelling in class and connecting with the residents.
Candi was salutatorian and Kaeli was awarded valedictorian for top marks.
“I was extremely nervous — kind of like I am right now — and worried I would fail, but I was wrong. With the help of amazing teacher and two equally amazing classmates, I watched my confidence increase week after week,” Kaeli said in her valedictorian speech. “… Thank you, VHS, for offering this program, Tracy for being the best teacher we could have, and Candi and Jordan for being so supportive and all the laughs. We did it.”
Kaeli Key delivers valedictorian remarks and thanks her fellow graduates.
Vice President of Nursing Rebecca Boyd closed the ceremony, thanking the graduates for choosing Virginia Health Services.
“You have a bright future, and exhibited a desire to serve and be there for residents,” Rebecca said. “Long-term care is hard, but very rewarding. You develop relationships and really care for people.”
Apprenticeship program
The next Gloucester-based apprenticeship course is slated for Aug. 5-Sept. 12. Applications are open and available at vahs.com/apprenticeship.
The Peninsula-based program is underway, with graduation scheduled for Aug. 1. The next class is slated for Aug. 19-Sept. 26, and applications should open soon at vahs.com/apprenticeship.
Seven students graduated from Care Assistants to Nurse Aides during a ceremony June 6, 2024, at the EEE Center. The students — overall — had top marks in their classwork and completing clinical skills labs throughout their experience in Virginia Health Services’ earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program
The students spent nearly six weeks in the classroom and in clinical skills labs at Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hampton. They learned 22 skills, took 14 tests and got hands-on experience working with patients. The apprenticeship program also covers the cost of the state certification exam to be CNAs, which they’ll take after going through review courses.
Friends, family members and VHS team members from corporate and Coliseum attended the graduation ceremony. Instructor Nora Gillespie, RN, and Director of Education Princess Henderson, BSN, RN, gave remarks as each graduate received their certificates, and they received updated name badges now that they are Nurse Aides.
The graduates before the ceremony June 6, 2024, at the EEE Center. They will join the teams at Coliseum and The Newport.
The graduates – Diamond Anthony, Jenny Broadsword, Ken Claiborne, Amauri Hicks, Essence Jones, Dania Manago and Ja’Mya Starks – will join the teams at Coliseum and The Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers.
“You should be proud of the teamwork and this family you all created. You’ll be friends for a long time,” Princess said during the ceremony.
Coliseum Administrator Dudley Haas and Director of Nursing Yolanda Carnegie-Chambers cheered on the graduates. They supported the students through their apprenticeship and will have six of the seven on their team.
Friends, family and members from Coliseum cheer on the graduates.Don Lundin and Rebecca Boyd address the graduates.
VHS Vice President of Operations Don Lundin and Vice President of Nursing Rebecca Boyd also shared remarks with the class. Don called the graduates who will move into CNA roles “the backbone of what we do.”
“This is a hard job. We want to support you through your professional journey,” Rebecca said. “We want to help you grow and flourish.”
The graduates
Princess said this class showed tremendous growth and bonded together to work as a team to make sure everyone got to the finish line. She and Nora showered the graduates with praise for their heart, compassion and ability to work together as a team.
Nora shared Diamond picked up everything right away. “She was eager to jump into the CNA world. She loved her residents,” Princess said.
Ken Claiborne “was like everybody’s brother. He looked out for the class,” Nora said. Princess says he is a caring person and built rapport with his residents at Coliseum.
He and Essence received certificates from Princess for excelling in clinical skills.
Salutatorian Amauri Hicks and Director of Education Princess Henderson.Dania Manago and Director of Education Princess Henderson.Diamond Anthony and Director of Education Princess Henderson.Essence Jones and Director of Education Princess Henderson.Ja’Mya Starks and Director Education Princess Henderson.Ken Claiborne and Director of Education Princess Henderson.
Essence came to class with experience in home health care, but felt she needed the training the apprentice program provides. “We’re lucky to have her on the team,” Princess said.
Amauri, the salutatorian, aspires to be a physician assistant. She is a student at Hampton University, and feels more prepared for the medical program having gone through the training.
Dania received the Champion Award from Princess, which recognizes the most improved in the class.
“She grew personally and professionally,” Princess said. “She fell in love with caring for people.”
Ja’Mya — affectionately called Jam — loved her residents and “is the type of person we want to work for VHS,” Princess said. She is in the nursing program at Norfolk State University and feels she learned so much more in the apprentice program.
“You have the strength that will carry you through to a phenomenal career,” Nora said.
Valedictorian
Valedictorian Jenny Broadsword came into the class with healthcare experience. She excelled in class and in clinicals, Princess said. Nora added she was good at helping her classmates get through learning the skills needed to be a successful CNA.
Valedictorian Jenny Broadsword and Director of Education Princess Henderson.
In her valedictorian address, Jenny showered compliments on Nora and Princess.
“Today marks the start of a new journey. Six weeks ago we embarked on a new path with VHS. We entered this building as nervous, excited and as strangers. Today we exit as we began, with a newfound appreciation for our role as caregivers and with new friendships,” Jenny said.
“Along the way, we were guided by our amazing instructors who never hesitated to explain, demonstrate and respond to our requests. Nora and Princess, thank you for instilling in us seriousness and dignity of the caregiver. …
“With Miss Nora in our ears and Princess holding our hands, we navigated through the highs and the lows of clinicals. We walked in with our heads held high … we have gained invaluable knowledge of what it means to be a caring caregiver. As we leave here today, one thought continues to ring in our ear, ‘do it with heart and do it right’.”
Valedictorian Jenny Broadsword delivers her remarks to her peers.
Upcoming classes
The graduates will participate in review sessions before taking their state certification exams.
Applications are closed for the next class, which starts June 24 at the EEE Center. Students of the Gloucester class graduate July 9 at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Sessions are scheduled throughout the year at both locations, and applications typically open six weeks in advance of the class start date.
Eight apprentices graduated from Care Assistant to Nurse Aide during a ceremony Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the Employment, Education and Enrichment (EEE) Center. The earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program also covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA. This cohort featured four graduates with military ties, recruited in partnership with Hamilton-Ryker.
The six-week course includes classwork with 14 tests, learning 22 skills, and on-the-floor experience with patients at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Instructor Nora Gillespie, RN, refers to the class as “boot camp,” which was even more fitting given the students’ military connections.
Valedictorian Marie Ann Thomas is a member of the Air Force and took the class as part of the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, which helps military members transition to civilian life. A former dental technician, Marie “fell into taking care of people,” said Director of Education Princess Henderson, RN, BSN.
Two graduates, Jazmin Brown and Mitsy-Ann Green-Dawkins, are spouses of service members. Mitsy-Ann’s husband returned from a six-month deployment with the Air Force days earlier and attended the graduation ceremony.
Aldeen Stupart was referred to as the “class mom,” but also is the mother of service members.
The class
The new Nurse Aides will continue employment with VHS and work at The Newport, Northampton and Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers.
Nora said they “successfully conquered the class – together. This group of ladies helped each other get across the finish line.”
Jazmin came to class with a background in healthcare working at an assisted living. She soon learned, Princess said, long-term care can be a different experience. Jazmin relearned techniques based on Virginia requirements, with a smile, Nora said, and has eyes on nursing school.
Salutatorian Deniece Corbin “excelled in the class and on the floor,” Princess said. Deniece also was taking classes at night in nursing school. “This class will make you a better nurse,” Nora told her.
Aida Davila started with VHS as assistant activity director at Coliseum, where she worked with former apprentice student and All-Star Shawn Hill. She sought out Princess to enroll in the class.
“Shawn prepared you. You stepped in with a positive attitude and maturity,” Nora said. Princess also praised Aida’s time management with residents, excelling in the clinical setting.
Jacqueline Eadie is also a student at Hampton University and will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in bio science in May. “You stepped up to the plate and this class supported you. You found comfort in them,” Nora said.
Mitsy-Ann was managing her family in addition to the class. Both instructors called her humble and said she looked out for her peers. “She returned to CNA classes for a reason – she really makes an impact on residents,” Princess said, adding one resident made sure even the James River administrator knew what a wonderful caretaker Mitsy is.
Princia Hounounou moved to Virginia recently and had a “smooth, gentle presence on the floor,” Princess said.
“Young, but mature, poised and determined,” Nora said. Princia earned Princess’s Champion Award for showing the most growth and improvement throughout the course of the class.
Aldeen “likes to keep her hands busy,” Princess said. She brought past healthcare experience to the table and gained confidence in her return to learning.
Marie is organized, Nora said, and carried that through in everything she did. “You have the heart and compassion, plus the skills to go with it,” Nora said.
“The residents wanted you there,” Nora told the class. “Lead with your heart and follow with your skill. We are very proud.”
Valedictorian speech
Marie delivered remarks to her classmates and instructors. She also presented yellow friendship roses to her fellow graduates.
“Most of you were also working other jobs, or going to school, or doing both – I was so impressed. I’m proud, and I hope you all are too,” Marie said.
Marie Ann Thomas shares valedictorian remarks with the class.
“Thanks to the instructors,” she said turning to Nora and Princess. “You can tell how much heart they both have and it really makes this class. You come here and feel they love what they do.”
She said she and her classmates would come off a shift on the floor and talk about what they could do better – to be better – to bring joy and make peoples’ lives better. She added she was amazed by the age differences among the class.
“We really did come together … I was blown away by all of you,” Marie said.
Valedictorian Marie Ann Thomas passes out yellow friendship roses to her classmates.
Instructor gifts
The students turned the tables on the instructors at the end of the ceremony, presenting Nora and Princess with glass “best teacher” awards.
Deniece presented Nora’s gift, saying, “We love you. … I really will carry what you taught us for the rest of my life.”
The students presented “best teacher” awards to Director of Education Princess Henderson and instructor Nora Gillespie.
Following a group hug, there were more tears as Aldeen presented Princess with her glass award.
“We want to express how much we appreciate you. You made us realize that we have the courage and confidence to pursue our dreams. … You have prepared us for the world. … There is a saying, ‘a good teacher can awaken joy in their students and make a positive impression that can last a lifetime.’”
Next up
In addition to working with VHS, the graduates will participate in review sessions and schedule their certification exams with the state board.
“This was an exceptional class,” Princess said. “Use this as a stepping stone. I hope I can inspire you to go as far as you want in nursing. The sky is the limit.”
Join the team
The apprenticeship program classes on the Peninsula and Gloucester begin at the end of April. Applications will open for the Peninsula June 24-August 1 class in late May and the Gloucester July 22-August 29 class in June. Visit vahs.com/apprenticeship to learn more and apply.
Virginia Health Services welcomed four new graduates from the apprentice program to its team following a ceremony Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester.
The students graduated from Care Assistants to Nurse Aides under the earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program, which also covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA. The graduates were the first class to graduate this year from the Gloucester program and will continue to work at Walter Reed.
The program returned to hosting classes and skills lab at Walter Reed following a hiatus the past couple of years. Classes also are offered on the Peninsula at the Employment, Education and Enrichment (EEE) Center in Newport News, with skills labs at James River and Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers.
Students spend nearly six weeks in the classroom, taking 14 tests, and in the clinical skills lab learning 22 skills to graduate. The course provides the foundation to be a CNA and students are instructed it is a “stepping stone” to nursing or other career paths in healthcare.
Vice President of Operations Don Lundin congratulates the apprentice program graduates at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
It was the first class at Gloucester for VHS training and education coordinator Tracy Williams, MSN, BSN, RN. She was assisted by longtime VHS instructor Nora Gillespie, RN, and Director of Education Princess Henderson, BSN, RN, who also lead the Peninsula program.
Vice President of Operations Don Lundin said in opening remarks that VHS is proud of the graduates, and the team looks forward to supporting their journey in healthcare.
Three of the graduates were Care Assistants at Walter Reed previous to joining the class. The fourth “fit right into the puzzle,” Tracy said.
Lana Ketch, Director of Nursing at Walter Reed, shared the team was proud of them and happy they are remaining at the facility.
“I’ve heard about the care you’ve given, the compassion you’ve shown. Don’t ever stop doing that,” she said. “When you leave here at the end of the day, if you’ve made one resident smile, it was a good day. You did your job well.”
The graduates
Tracy said the class was the first taught on her own – she was the Infection Preventionist nurse at Walter Reed prior to joining the VHS education team.
“I thoroughly enjoyed this class,” she said.
Zoe Banks had some experience in a prior class before graduating Thursday. She knew her skills, Tracy said, and did an excellent job. She received a clinical skills superlative award from her instructor.
Nora said Zoe “thrived in this environment. I watched you grow in your abilities and in as a person, and your confidence just blossomed.”
Graduate Zoe BlanksGraduate Donna CollinsGraduate Marquise WilliamsGraduate D’Andra Wilson
Donna Collins “nailed it,” Nora said. Donna and Tracy had worked together previously and Tracy said she knew her student would excel in the class. She received the Champion Award from Tracy for showing the most growth throughout the course of the class.
Salutatorian D’Andra Wilson was nervous to start, Nora said, “but you were up to the task. You exceeded your expectations and were determined.”
Tracy called D’Andra – known as “D” – her long-lost twin. “She was great in the skills lab and on the floor. She nailed it.”
Valedictorian Marquise Williams was a good student, Nora said. “He was all in. It’s a stepping stone from CA, and he was in it to win it. You loved it. There’s a path for you in healthcare here.”
The residents loved him, Tracy said.
He shared a few remarks with his classmates.
“It was a good class. I loved working with my people. I enjoyed watching you grow as people and as nurses. Keep doing what you do; I look forward to working with you guys,” Marquise said.
Join our team
Applications for the next Gloucester class are open at vahs.com/apprenticeship. The class is slated for April 22-May 30. Two others will be offered July 22-August 29 and October 21-December 2.
Peninsula class applications for the April 29-June 6 class will open in mid-March. Look for the application link at vahs.com/apprenticeship.
Seven students graduated from Care Assistants to Nurse Aides during a ceremony Feb. 16 at the Employment, Education and Enrichment (EEE) Center. It was the first graduating class of 2024 for the earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program.
The students spent nearly six weeks in the classroom and in clinical skills labs at Coliseum Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hampton. They learn 22 skills, take 14 tests and get hands-on experience working with patients. The apprenticeship program also covers the cost of the state certification exam to be CNAs.
Friends, family members and VHS team members from corporate and Coliseum attended the graduation ceremony. Instructor Nora Gillespie, RN, and Director of Education Princess Henderson, BSN, RN, gave remarks as each graduate received their certificates. Instructor Tracy Williams, BSN, RN, handed grads their updated name badges to indicate they are now Nurse Aides.
The graduates – Iliana Apodaca, Ann Marie Morris Bellamy, Traci Jones (valedictorian), Tatyonna Gardner, Trinity Osborne, Tyra Stevenson and Moesha Williams (salutatorian) – will join the teams at Coliseum, James River and York Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers.
“It takes a special person to work with the elderly,” Nora said during the ceremony.
The graduates
Princess told the class it was “truly a good journey” with them. She and Nora showered the graduates with praise for their heart, compassion and ability to work together as a team.
Nora shared Iliana was “attentive, quiet and willing to the extra mile.” Princess added she was gentle with the residents.
Princess awarded Ann Marie the Champion Award for her hard work throughout the course of the class. She was recommended for the class by Coliseum Director of Nursing Yolanda Carnegie-Chambers, who was in the audience. “She would say she loved taking care of older people,” Nora said. Ann Marie plans to attend nursing school.
“Your heart shines,” Nora said of Tatyonna. Princess added her head was “always in the game.”
Trinity also is eyeing nursing school. She is determined, Princess said, and inspired by her grandparents.
“You do it well,” Nora told Tyra. Princess called her “determined, strong-willed and strong.” The former personal care aide learned to provide a gentler touch during clinicals.
Salutatorian Moesha “did a wonderful job,” Princess said, adding the experience is a perfect stepping stone for a nursing career.
Valedictorian
Valedictorian Traci Jones and Director of Education Princess Henderson.
Traci also was referred to the class by the team at Coliseum. She was first licensed as a CNA in 1995 and needed to refresh her credentials. She told her instructors this is her calling, Princess said.
Princess read Traci’s valedictorian speech.
“I am filled with immense pride and gratitude … our journey in nursing has been nothing short of challenging, yet incredibly rewarding. … Through it all we have grown not only as healthcare professionals but also as compassionate individuals committed to making a difference in the lives of others. …,” she said.
“As we embark on our next chapter of our journey … let us carry with us with us the values instilled in us during our time here: compassion, empathy and commitment to lifelong learning. Let us continue to strive for excellence in everything we do knowing our dedication has the power to positively impact the lives of countless individuals.”
Princess helps Traci deliver her valedictorian remarks to her classmates and ceremony attendees.
What’s next
The students will participate in review sessions before taking their state certification exams.
“We care about you as people; we want you to succeed,” Nora told the graduates.
Princess opened the ceremony by remarking, “Today you’re a CNA, tomorrow an RN. Keep the compassion you have for caring for people.”
Upcoming classes
Applications are closed for the next class, which starts March 4 at the EEE. Students of the Gloucester class graduate Feb. 29 at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Applications for the next Gloucester class, which is April 22-May 30, open the end of February. The next Peninsula class will accept applications this spring for its April 29-June 6 session.
Virginia Health Services celebrated its final apprentice class of 2023 during a graduation ceremony Friday, Dec. 8 at the Employment, Enrichment and Education (EEE) Center in Port Warwick.
The earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program graduates Care Assistants to Nurse Aides and covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA. The program includes six weeks of class work and clinical skills labs, in addition to on-the-floor experience at VHS nursing and rehabilitation centers.
The graduates – Mahojahnae Cofield, Morgan Combs, Javonni James, Ebony Robertson, Alicia Smith and Sharen Van Boeckel – are now VHS team members. They will work at Northampton and York Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers.
Friends and family gathered to celebrate the apprentices’ accomplishments and enjoyed light refreshments following the ceremony.
The graduates with their instructors Princess, Nora and Tracy.
The ceremony
Instructor Nora Gillespie, RN, calls the class “CNA boot camp.” The students are presented 700 slides, take 14 tests and learn 22 skills. They also work on the floor at VHS nursing facilities in the evenings and on some weekends.
“They evolved through class,” she said. “Their personalities really came out.”
Director of Education Princess Henderson, RN, BSN, told the graduates “this is just the beginning. You guys are going to take it beyond your CNA licenses.”
This was a training class for training and education coordinator Tracy Williams, MSN, BSN, RN. She will teach classes at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center beginning in January.
The graduates
The six graduates were complimented throughout the ceremony by Princess and Nora.
Mahojahnae “Mo” Cofield earned Princess’ Champion Award for being the most improved throughout the course of the class. “She wanted her patients to get great care,” Princess said.
Morgan Combs is the class valedictorian. She joined the class after spending time as a veterinarian tech, Princess said. “She decided she wanted to care for humans … There’s more of a connection when you provide care,” Princess said.
Morgan addressed her classmates in her valedictorian address, and thanked the instructor team.
“It’s been a complete whirlwind, but we made it to the other side. We have grown as humans and as nurse aides. We are a little more sure of ourselves, came out of our shells a bit, made friends with each other and had each other’s shoulders to lean on,” Morgan said. “… It has not been easy but we did it. I’m so proud to know each and every one of you … and so happy we took this journey together.”
Javonni James came into the class without previous healthcare experience. Tracy told Princess it looked like Javonni did it for years when watching her in the skills labs.
“She fell in love with her residents and will make an excellent nurse,” Princess said. Nora said Javonni excelled in the clinical environment.
Ebony Robertson had experience in healthcare and drove to class from Norfolk every day.
“Don’t stop here,” Princess told her. “You will be a great nurse.”
“She’s destined to do the right thing; she brings the best out of everyone else,” Nora added.
Princess referred to co-salutatorian Alicia Smith as “a little firecracker.” She exhibited professional growth in learning how to take care of residents.
“Alicia told me, ‘I will be great,’” Princess said.
Sharen Van Boeckel, co-salutatorian, worked in ICU care in Portland, Oregon, before moving to Virginia.
“She learned it’s different in nursing home and it’s different in Virginia,” Princess said. “She excelled in the classroom and on the floor.”
Nora added Sharen’s enrolled in a RN program that starts in January. “She’s a great leader and role model.”
VHS Vice President of Operations Don Lundin closed the ceremony saying, “Keep going. You’re on a journey. I’m excited to be part of your journey.”
The program
The next steps for the graduates include attending reviews at the EEE with Nora to prepare for the state board exams. “If you get through me, you’ll get through boards,” Nora said. “You will be a better nurse.”
The next apprenticeship class starts in January. Learn more about the program at vahs.com/apprenticeship.
Virginia Health Services welcomes its latest graduates from the apprentice program to its workforce. Eight care assistants graduated to nurse aides from the earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program during a ceremony Oct. 13 at the VHS Education Center.
The graduates are Alysse Eagan, Aniyah Fitzgerald, Eureka Johnson, Keyena Oliver, Isabel Perez-Garcia, Darrell Pink, Jazmine Russell and Charise Samuels.
They are employees with VHS, with five going to work at James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and the rest dispersing to The Newport, Northampton and Walter Reed nursing and rehabilitation centers.
Class of October 2023 apprenticeship graduates during a ceremony Oct. 13 at the VHS education center.
“This class raised the bar. This was an exceptional class,” said instructor Nora Gillespie, RN. “You were together in spirit. You were focused. It was a pleasure to teach you all. I know you’re ready to fly from the nest and start your career.”
The apprenticeship continues over the course of a year, with a review before the state exam (the cost is covered by the program). By passing the state test, the apprentices will be Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs).
“This is the foundation of nursing. Don’t let anyone diminish what you do. You’ll use this going forward,” said Direction of Education Princess Henderson, RN, BSN.
Two graduates are enrolled in RN programs beginning in January. Another is planning to pursue nursing with a concentration in mental health.
By the time the graduation ceremony was over, each graduation walked off with superlative certificates from Nora and Princess for their excellent work over the course of the six-week program. They had to learn 22 skills, pass 24 tests, do six days of clinical skills – all while working weekend shifts as care assistants.
“Nothing is easy about this class,” Nora said. “They have to learn so much.”
The students
Valedictorian Alysse Eagan came into the class with a background in web design.
“I’m proud of all of us for getting to this point. I’m also very thankful. I’ve been bouncing from career to career trying to find something that fit. When I found this, I felt like I found my calling. I’m thankful for all of you and the support you gave me,” she said to her classmates in her valedictorian remarks.
She is enrolled to begin a RN program in January.
Alysse Eagan delivers her valedictorian remarks.
Salutatorian Jazmine Russell drove to Newport News every day from the Middle Peninsula to attend class. She returned to the class after working in dietary at Lancashire, taking a break after the COVID pandemic put a halt to state testing.
Aniyah Fitzgerald’s mother also works at James River. Aniyah earned a superlative award for clinicals.
“She loves patient care,” Princess said. “She lives for it.”
Eureka Johnson also was a repeat student, earning the Perseverance Award from Princess.
“She can occupy a room and has a heart of gold,” Nora said.
Keyena Oliver, Isabel Perez-Garcia, Darrell Pink and Charise Samuels earned Spirit of Excellence Awards from their instructors for giving 100% to the class.
Keyena “did an amazing job,” Nora said.
Princess said she loved the energy Isabel brought to patient care.
Darrell joined the class with a medical background and served in the Navy. He is enrolled to start in a RN program in January.
“I knew from Day 1 she had it,” Nora said of Charise. “This class really emphasized where you want to be in your career.”
Princess said Charise has a background in mental health and wants to pursue that niche of nursing.
“We care about our students. This class is meant to be here,” Nora said.
Upcoming classes
The next class of apprentices – the last of the year – is slated to begin Oct. 30. The earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program graduates Care Assistants to Nurse Aides and covers the cost of the state exam to be a CNA.
The 2024 class dates for Newport News have been announced and are available at vahs.com/apprenticeship.
Applications will open for the January class later this year. A class also is slated to be offered at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester in January.
Virginia Health Services celebrated the graduation of eight apprentices during a ceremony held on Styron Square at Port Warwick in Newport News on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023.
The students graduated from Care Assistants to Nurse Aides. The earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program, a six-week course that includes classwork and hands-on clinical skills, also covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA.
The class is led by instructor Nora Gillespie, RN, and Director of Education Princess Henderson, RN, BSN.
The graduates will be employed within VHS. There were ties for valedictorian and salutatorian.
The class: Kenneth Akes, Jr. (co-salutatorian), Alaina Bottcher, Caryn Drake, Shanice Fleming, Tara Johnson (co-valedictorian), Amanda Lawson (co-salutatorian), Tyron Paul and Logan Scott (co-valedictorian).
Co-valedictorians Tara and Logan gave remarks during Friday’s ceremony. The graduates celebrated with family and friends during a reception at the education center.
Join the team
Applications will be accepted for our October earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship class on Sept. 11. Classes fill early, so be sure to submit your application once they open. Our students graduate with jobs within VHS and the program offers several benefits, including financial assistance. Visit vahs.com/apprenticeship for more information and to apply.
Six apprentices graduated from Care Assistants to Nurse Aides in a ceremony Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Virginia Health Services’ Employment, Enrichment and Education (EEE) Center.
The earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship program is a six-week course that includes classroom education and clinical skills labs. The program also covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA.
The graduates are Aaliyah Glee, Khaylor Griffin, Stephanie Holland, Naye Tiyanna Holloman-Lee, Marina Thomas and Emma Ward-Senghor.
The students will be team members at York, The Newport, Coliseum and James River Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers. The instructors said each student already is scheduled for the certification exam.
Valedictorian Aaliyah Glee showered appreciation on her classmates during the graduation ceremony.
The ceremony
Director of Education Princess Henderson, BSN, RN and instructor Nora Gillespie, RN, led the graduation ceremony and provided kind words and anecdotes about the graduates.
Nora opened the ceremony telling the gathered graduates, family and friends that “we are dedicated to the success of our students. We want them to be able to navigate healthcare. We hope you all took something from each of us.
“It’s physically and emotionally hard to work in long-term care. You were all exceptional.”
Princess said it was a wonderful class.
“The sky is the limit. Being a nurse is so rewarding. You all have the qualities a great nurse will have,” she said. “When I would talk to Nora before they came to me, she just said, ‘they’re good. They have it.’”
Princess called valedictorian Aaliyah the “life of the party. She strived to be the best. She’s going to be a great leader.”
Nora said Aaliyah’s smile could light up a room and she enveloped everyone in the class with her warm spirit.
Khaylor had “heart, professionalism and maturity” to do the job without having previous experience in patient care. Stephanie, who earned the clinical superlative award, worked really hard to get where she is, Princess said, and Nora added her compassion shows on her face.
Residents loved Naye, both instructors said. Emma, who joined the class later in life and has experience as a CNA, embraced the teaching style and took her classmates under her wing.
Salutatorian Marina Thomas is loved by her residents on the Jefferson unit at James River.
“She’s a quiet, gentle person who brings joy to the residents,” Princess said.
Join our team
Applications will be accepted for our September earn-as-you-learn apprenticeship class on July 24. Classes fill early, so be sure to submit your application once they open. Our students graduate with jobs within VHS and the program offers several benefits. Visit vahs.com/apprenticeship for more information and to apply.
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