Those who’ve thought about embarking on a career as a nurse will be a step closer with help from the Hanford Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross. The organization is re-launching its Nurse Assistant Training Program and will have a ribbon cutting and open house today.
The program, which will begin Feb. 6, prepares students for certification by the North Carolina Board of Nursing and also incorporates nursing skills, life and career skills. The open house is from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. and the ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 8:30 a.m, at the chapter office, 1930 West Jake Alexander Blvd.
The four-week program will accommodate 20 students who will learn basic theories, conduct lab work and practice skills learned in class. In the final weeks of the program, students will complete clinical rotations at Trinity Oaks long term care facility, said Program Manager Ann Holt.
The classes consist of 120 hours of life skills training, professional development and hands-on training. At the end of the program students will attend a job fair and graduate.
The class costs $1,250, which does not include the cost of taking the state test. However, the Wounded Warrior Project has donated money for 10 scholarships for the program that will include the cost of the state test.
Classes will meet 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Holt said the chapter had the program a few years ago, but it wasn’t continued amidst restructuring of the regional Red Cross organization.
The classes are open to anyone in North Carolina, but the program is primarily concentrated for residents living in Rowan, Stanly, Iredell, Cabarrus, Davie and Davidson counties.
Holt said one of the things that sets this program apart from others is the instructor. Melissa Moppin, is the lead instructor for the class. She has 23 years experience as a nurse and has a masters in nursing.
“She engages the students throughout the course and makes it active, which will help them with testing and throughout their career,” Holt said.
Anyone interested in signing up for the training program must attend a pre-registration session from Dec. 30-Feb. 4 that will take place two days a week. The sessions will be from 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursdays.
The information sessions will allow potential students the opportunity to apply and learn how the classes will be structured. Potential students are required to take a physical, provide a high school transcript, criminal background check and take a tuberculosis test.
For more information about the Nurse Assistant Training program, visit the Red Cross website at www.redcross.org and click on Training and Certification or contact Melissa Moppin at 704-633-3854.