FYI: http://www.herald-progress.com/news/...idarticle=4663

Companion Extraordinaire Nursing Network, Inc. has been certified by the State of Virginia to conduct classes for Personal Care Aides and for Nursing Assistants. Three classes have been held for Personal Care Aides, graduating 23 so far.

The very first Nursing Assistant course began in May of this year, graduating 13 students. The Nursing Assistant course instructs students on how to provide quality care for residents in nursing homes, as well as supplemental information and skills that will enable them to provide quality health care for clients at home and patients in hospitals.

Additionally, they are provided with a streamlined variety of optional tools for improving student achievement and employee retention, including basic instruction in: resume writing, filling out an application, effective interviewing, developing critical thinking skills and skills to cope with stress and anger.

The spring 2010 graduates included Virginia Moon-Adams, Bridgett Clory, Susanne Cousins, Andrea Day, Dawn Evans, Tara Gray, Tamara Ingram, Jennifer Mercer, Stephanie Reed, Kaitlen Roane, Katlyn Sumners, Lisa Williamson and Tiffany Wills.

Tamara Ingram's comment regarding the school was "Learning is the ability to love. Without love, we cannot learn and I found that at C.E.N.N.'s school."

Ingram was supported at graduation by her mother, Cindi Small, and numerous friends. She is pursuing a career in nursing.

Stephanie Reed received the Nursing Assistant Excellence Award. The criteria is as follows:

¥ Attend all classes as scheduled.

¥ Achieve a passing score on all tests and quizzes.

¥ Positive attitude in all areas of class and clinical training.

¥ Participate in class activities.

¥ Show growth in learning.

¥ Develop an understanding of the principles of practice.

¥ Show initiative in clinical and classroom setting.

¥ Be comfortable with the uncertainty each day that nursing will bring.

¥ Communicate effectively in classroom and clinical settings.

¥ Show flexibility

¥ Anticipatory excitement about the newly learned skills and knowledge base.

¥ Show a deep sense of caring.

Stephanie Reed currently works for a travel agency but now feels she has a calling to work with premature infants in the neo-natal intensive care unit at MCV.

Bridgett Clory has worked in retail for many years. Bridgett states, " I am grateful to be led into a field where I can acquire the knowledge through trained individuals to assist in the care of people in need while working at Companion Extraordinaire Nursing Network."

Companion Extraordinaire holds Winter and Summer Personal Care Aide classes and Spring and Fall Nursing Assistant classes. They are currently enrolling for the Fall Nursing Assistant class. Call (804) 752-2205 to register.