A gateway to the health care field

Source: KELO-LAND TV
Author: Kelli Volk

BRISTOL, S.D. (KELO) -- Last fall, KELOLAND News took you inside a Groton Area High School classroom where students were getting their hands on some new equipment.

The district had just added a synthetic, plant based-cadaver and some manikins to its health science program.

At the time, the school also wanted to give students the opportunity to become certified nursing assistants through its new Gateway to CNA class.

This spring semester it happened thanks to a partnership with Sundial Manor, a nursing home and assisted living center in Bristol.

"They were able to sign up for coursework and do the online coursework to become CNAs within their school day and then they did floor training hours at the nursing home and then did the skills testing there as well, which covered all the requirements to get them certified," Brittany Groton Area health science teacher Brittany Hubbart said.

Hubbart says five students became CNAs this spring and a sixth one is close to being certified.

"Two of them are employed right now with a couple more looking to start after vacations and things this summer," Hubbart said.

17-year-old Karlie McKane is one of them.

The high schooler is currently a CNA at Sundial Manor and has important duties.

"Transferring the residents, helping them to the bathroom, stuff like that, just kind of taking care of them," McKane said.

Jenaica Hunt is a registered nurse at Sundial Manor.

She worked alongside the students as they became CNAs.

"I've never taught before, so right away I was nervous. I didn't know how to go about it, but as time went on I think it was really fun. It's just exciting to see younger people get excited about health care and helping others improving their lives," Hunt said.

Not only are the students filling a need in health care right now, but it could be the start of a career in the medical field.

"If they enjoy the health care field then maybe they'll want to pursue an LPN and RN degree and just continue up the ladder," Sundial Manor administrator Clay Brouwer said.

"I think the best nurses are CNAs beforehand because they've been on the floor and actually know what it's like to do the dirty work too," Hunt said.

Back at the school, the CNA class is generating a buzz among students.

"Students are asking what kids of classes they should take for health science classes, and if they're able to get certified next year, so I think we're going to see an influx taking the Gateway to CNA class as well as the other health science classes," Hubbart said.

And the impact may be felt beyond the walls of the classroom and health care facilities.

"In South Dakota, I think we see a large amount of kids want to end up in Sioux Falls or Rapid City, but in our area, Groton, Bristol, Columbia, we see a lot of kids that want to come back to the small towns (take out um) and having ones that are qualified to work as health care professionals, certified in the field is very important in making sure we're taking care of our community," Hubbart said.

Students can also take the Gateway to CNA class even if they don't want to become CNAs.