Guam High School Students Complete Nurses' Aid Training

Naval Hospital Guam Public Affairs (NNS) -- In early May, the first 15 Guam high school students became the first in history to challenge an exam for a Certified Nurse's Aide (CNA) license.

The Guam High School CNA program development began about two years ago as part of the Department of Education Activity (DoDEA) Career and Technical Education (CTE) academic pathways program.

The DoDEA CTE Program offers career-related courses to Middle and High School students. The CTE curriculum is organized around career clusters that identify pathways spanning from secondary school through either two or four year college and ultimately to the workplace. Health Science is one of eight focus areas offered through the Guam CTE programs.

"This is something young people can immediately see what they are gaining," said Philip Keim, Guam High School Principal. "Here everything you learn you have to apply to life and to patients. This is a program that is alive, and for young people that is exciting and is a break from the traditional idea of high school."

The CNA curriculum includes a semester of academic theory and a semester of psychomotor skills attainment. Hands-on skills are learned in a classroom lab setting initially then students complete at least 40 hours of clinical work perfecting the skill set specific to the CNA scope of practice.

The Health Sciences CNA program provided direct bedside supervision of students as they honed their skills. They completed their practicum on the Naval Hospital Guam (NHG) Multi-Service Unit (MSU), tending to patients alongside Navy Nurses, Corpsmen, and Doctors. Consistent with program guidelines, ten hours were also completed at a local Senior Health Center. The students appreciated their hands-on experience alongside Navy Corpsmen.

"We all, of course, have limitations," said Carlee Jaynes, CNA student. "The Corpsmen tried to help us out as much as possible. All of them believe that the best way to learn is to do it ourselves."

"Helping to establish a CNA program was a learning experience for me, integrating both education and nursing components," said Lt. Cmdr. Linda Kowalski, NHG CNA program liaison and MSU Division Officer. "It was very enriching for me professionally, and the helping hands of the students were definitely appreciated! It was our pleasure to indoctrinate these bright students to the world of healthcare."

Upon course completion, the students were tested through both written and practical exams to earn a CNA certification. The certification is granted through the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation. According to Keim, there are reciprocal agreements making the CNA license transferable in most states when and if students leave the island of Guam.

"This program sets a wonderful stepping stone in place for these students," said Capt. Elizabeth Swatzell, NHG Director of Nursing Services. "And it never could have happened without the strong partnering between Guam High leadership and students, the North Carolina Board of Nursing and the Naval Hospital. Everyone has much to be proud of."

The program is more than just another accomplishment for the graduating students. It is the beginning of their career paths.

"Walking into the program I don't think any of us knew exactly what we wanted," said Jaynes. "Now coming out of this program, I think all of us are so sure of what we want."

For more news from U.S. Naval Hospital Guam, visit www.navy.mil/local/NHG Admin/ .