Jessica Larsen has a dream of someday becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Today she is one giant leap closer to her dream thanks to her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) 1 and 2 training at PCC CLIMB.
“I chose to become a CNA because I wanted some hands-on experience before nursing school.” she told us, “to gain experience and an idea of what I was getting myself into.”
After the 75 hours of clinical practice in a skilled nursing facility required by CNA 1 training, she was able to gain all that hands-on experience and understanding she needed to develop clarity and drive.
During CNA 2 training she would go through a minimum of 28 hours in a hospital setting. “I had Gina for CNA 2, she was awesome as well, a highlight with her was going to Providence Portland, cardiac floor was my favorite…. I think the program is well rounded and very useful.”
Shortly after completing CNA training at CLIMB (after plenty of interviews) Jessica made it to her current job at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. “I was lucky enough to be hired onto the Pediatric Acute Care Surgical floor here!”
Her success story is one of many and can be yours too. Her advice to others dreaming of a nursing career: “Yes, it is hard. At times stressful and you have to think on your feet, but there is nothing more rewarding than being able to help someone become better, even if it’s just by taking their vital signs.”
If you are passionate about helping other’s like Jessica, the CNA program provides the steps necessary to CLIMB towards success.
With day and evening classes offered, there has never been a better time to make your own professional dreams come true.
Want to get a better sense of the program? Check out our blog on A Day in the Life of a CNA 1.
