LincolnHealth

Free CNA class helps Boothbay resident on to career path

Next class begins Jan. 19; register by Dec. 4
Tue, 11/24/2020 - 10:45am

While Mindy Moore plans to be a nurse one day, her recently earned Certified Nursing Assistant’s distinction has led to rewarding job in healthcare at St. Andrews Village in Boothbay Harbor.

Moore recently moved to Boothbay Harbor from Vermont where she worked as a licensed nurse assistant. Since her license was from out of state, she had to get re-certified before continuing her career.

LincolnHealth’s free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program was just what she was looking for, so Moore filled out an application. She also sought admission in to the Apprenticeship Program, which allows students to earn while they learn.

Moore took the class during the winter of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Maine.

“The CNA training was great and our instructor (Jennifer McIntire, RN) was amazing,” Moore said. “Taking the class during COVID was a little challenging, as we had to wear full Personal Protective Equipment, but it was all in-person learning.”

Eleven weeks later, Moore graduated the program and was off to work at St. Andrews. She said interacting with her residents is the best part of her job.

“The class teaches how to take blood pressures, how to best assist residents with activities of daily living, making an occupied bed and everything else a CNA might be responsible for,” Moore said. “But you have to have the right kind of heart to work as a CNA. It can be frustrating at times, but it is incredibly rewarding. If you only see it as a job, you’re in the wrong field.”

LincolnHealth is accepting applications for the winter Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class through Friday, Dec. 4. Those who attend the class and qualify for the Apprenticeship Program can receive employee benefits while they are training, as long as they commit to working for one year at one of LincolnHealth’s nursing care or skilled rehabilitation facilities after graduation.

The class begins Tuesday, Jan. 19 and is offered at no cost to students. To request an application, please call the LincolnHealth Education Department at 207-563-4540 or email cna@lchcare.org