When Clatsop Care Center Health District recently converted space to increase licensure from 65 to 71 nursing beds to serve hospice clients, space formerly used for their Certified Nursing Assistant program was requisitioned.
According to a press release, the ongoing training of certified nursing assistants (C.N.A.’s) is critical for Clatsop Care to continue to provide adequate and qualified staff. A solution is at hand.
Allison Sansom, Administrator of Clatsop Care Center, and Laurie Choate, Director of Nursing and Allied Health for Clatsop Community College, recently announced a partnership between the college and the Health District that will allow for continued training of C.N.A.’s, as well as the possibility of expanding the program in the future to include training of Certified Medication Aides and C.N.A. II’s, a classification that includes specialized training in dementia and acute care.
Accredited through the college, students will receive college credits for the courses. Upon completion of CCC’s new Columbia Hall building, class sizes will be able to double from the ten previously accommodated in the program.
The first class under the new partnership began Jan. 12, and concludes March 25. Those interested in applying for the program can register for the class directly through the admissions office at Clatsop Community College. Scholarships are available through the Health District to assist towards the cost of the class. A scholarship application can be obtained at Clatsop Care Center, 646 16th St. in Astoria, during normal business hours.