Long-term care community Chapel Pointe at Carlisle and HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, and have partnered together to provide education and real-life experience to the next generation of certified nursing assistants (CNAs).
The daunting challenge of finding professionals for our nation’s healthcare system has only intensified as healthcare heroes continue to carry the burden, trauma, and burnout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Raising up a new generation of healthcare professions brings hope to Central Pennsylvania’s staffing woes.
HACC’s Nurse Aide Certificate Program prepares students to serve others as CNAs and launch their healthcare careers by offering classroom education and real-life experience.
Prior to the pandemic, students completed a one-week clinical rotation at a variety of long-term care communities, including Chapel Pointe. For almost two years, the COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult – and many times impossible - for students to complete the hands-on portion of their course anywhere.
On Monday, February 21, Chapel Pointe welcomed a group of 10 HACC students back into one of their skilled care households for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, and already has plans to bring in more groups.
The students give residents one-on-one attention, completing both clinical tasks and life-enriching activities under the supervision of their instructor and Chapel Pointe nurses.
“I am looking forward to introducing each group of students to our person-first culture and awesome staff who value giving residents choices, independence, and meaningful experiences,” said Tawnya Walter, Chapel Pointe administrator. “The HACC students enhance the care we provide and bring positive energy and momentum that encourage our staff.”
Five of Chapel Pointe’s own employees are currently working toward completing HACC’s Nurse Aide Certificate program. The benefits of partnering with HACC hit close to home, but Chapel Pointe chief executive officer Debbie Sprague reminds staff that, “Even if these students do not work for us someday, we are doing our part to add to the pool of trained professional caregivers who will enhance the lives of older adults for years to come.”
About Chapel Pointe
Chapel Pointe at Carlisle, a nonprofit continuing care retirement community, offers comfortable living and aging services on two campuses. Regularly earning the distinction of “The Best of Cumberland County,” Chapel Pointe provides home care, independent living, personal care, memory support, skilled care, and rehabilitation services within a secure, faith-based, and family-like environment. You can learn more about our mission and the full range of services we provide at www.ChapelPointe.org or by calling 717-249-1363. Also like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/alovingwayoflife).
About HACC
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 15 community colleges. HACC offers approximately 100 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to approximately 14,211 students. Also, the College serves students at its Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York campuses; through virtual learning; and via workforce development and continuing education training. For more information on how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit hacc.edu. Also, follow us on Twitter (@HACC_info), follow us on Instagram (@HACC_edu), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.