Education Opportunities

Education Opportunities | Advanced CNA Apprenticeships

Advanced CNA (Nursing Assistant) Apprenticeships

WHAT: The advanced nursing assistant training is a competency-based apprenticeship that provides training and career growth options to nursing assistants. This includes training in life skills, communication, conflict, coping etc. as well as further training on resident care. Nursing assistants may choose to further develop skills and knowledge in specialty areas of their choice.

AVAILABILITY: This program is available to staff members of all Good Samaritan Centers. Administrative staff members decide whether their center will participate in the program. Nursing assistants who are interested in participating should visit with their supervisor or staff trainer.

COURSES INCLUDE:

• BASIC NURSE AIDE TRAINING: May be taken locally or online (as approved by your state).
• CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT, ADVANCED: This advanced training allows the nursing assistant to develop further skills and knowledge in the nursing assistant role. As in all other apprenticeships, the coursework is supplemented by on-the-job training with a peer mentor.

The above two levels are recommended before selecting an optional specialty area. The specialty areas include:

• MENTOR: This training incorporates advanced interpersonal skills that prepare the individual to serve as a role model and coach to other nursing assistants. Mentors receive training and are mentored by a licensed nurse to verify competence.
• RESTORATIVE SPECIALTY: This apprenticeship develops skills that enable the nursing assistant to serve as a restorative aide.
• DEMENTIA CARE SPECIALTY: This apprenticeship develops skills that recognize the special needs of clients with Alzheimer's or related dementias.
• MEDICATION AIDE: Available in states that recognize the medication aide.

ENROLLMENT: An apprentice agreement must be completed by the enrolling employee. The agreement must be faxed to the Learning Division at 605.362.3838.

COST: Check with the staff development coordinator or your supervisor regarding the cost of the basic nurse aide training (fully paid or reimbursed, but local policies differ). There is no cost for the other advanced training coursework.

TIME TO COMPLETE: Employees may proceed at their own pace, but it takes approximately a year to complete an apprenticeship in one specialty area.

HOW DO I LEARN MORE? You may contact the Learning Division at National Campus via e-mail at learn@good-sam.com or the staff development coordinator at a Good Samaritan Center near you for more details on the program.