In response to the national nursing shortage and long-term workforce needs, Cape Fear Valley Health System has developed a comprehensive training path for nursing assistants who aspire to be a nurse. The Certified Nursing Assistant (NA) II program equips staff with essential skills to support patient care needs at Cape Fear Valley Health while they advance in their chosen careers.
The NA II program prepares students to provide personal care and perform more complex nursing skills for elderly and adult patients in various healthcare settings. The course combines classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, and clinical practice alongside Cape Fear Valley Health nurses. Graduates who pass their evaluations can apply to be listed as Nurse Assistant II with the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON), further expanding their career opportunities within the healthcare system.
The NA II program not only prepares students to support nurses but also serves as a stepping stone for those aiming to pursue further education in healthcare. Many NA II students at Cape Fear Valley Health go on to enroll in LPN or RN programs, using the skills and experience gained in the certified NA program as a solid foundation for their nursing careers.
Under the nursing scholarship program, Cape Fear Valley Health System supports anyone who wants to continue on to nursing school. This includes coverage for tuition, uniforms, books, required course supplies, and state certification fees. In exchange, students agree to commit to three years of employment with Cape Fear Valley Health after completing their program.
This innovative approach removes financial barriers, allowing students to focus on their education and skills development without the stress of accumulating debt.
Two recent graduates of the NA II program, Danielle Robinson and Elyandra (Ely) Hylton White, serve as inspiring examples of how the program can transform careers. Both women took advantage of Cape Fear Valley’s scholarship program, which covers the cost of their BSN education in exchange for a commitment to continue working at Cape Fear Valley after graduation.
Danielle had previously postponed her dream of earning a BSN but found the encouragement she needed through the NA II program’s leadership. “The NA II program director really gave me the push to continue my education,” Danielle says. “The quality of the training I received prepared me for the next step.”
Danielle now recommends the NA II program to anyone considering a nursing career. “It helped me become more skilled in patient care, and it’s setting me up for success in my BSN program,” she adds. The combination of hands-on training, financial support, and career guidance offered through the program has empowered Danielle to pursue her long-term goal of becoming a registered nurse.
Ely shares a similar experience, praising the practical nature of the NA II program. “I’m so glad I went through the program,” she says. “The skills I’ve learned not only allow me to take better care of my patients but also give me confidence as I advance my education.” Ely is especially grateful for the scholarship provided by Cape Fear Valley Health, which lifted the financial burden of tuition, allowing her to focus fully on her studies.
The support provided by Cape Fear Valley Health extends beyond initial education. In addition to full scholarships for NA II graduates, Cape Fear Valley offers employees a comprehensive Tuition Reimbursement Program, enabling them to pursue advanced degrees and certifications while continuing to work. This initiative is designed to foster long-term career growth and professional development within the health system.
Through these programs, Cape Fear Valley Health is cultivating a workforce that is equipped with the skills needed to meet today’s healthcare challenges and prepared to take on leadership roles in the future.
By investing in the education and professional development of its staff, Cape Fear Valley Health is helping to address the national nursing shortage while ensuring a brighter future for healthcare in the region.
For more information about Cape Fear Valley’s scholarship opportunities and the Certified Nursing Assistant I and II programs, contact scholarships@capefearvalley.com.
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