NA Training Program Graduates its first class of 2022

Published on: May 25, 2022

Watertown, NY: The first class of Samaritan’s Nursing Assistant (NA) Training Program of 2022 received the graduation certificate during a brief ceremony held in the conference room in the hospital. Ten students completed the six weeks program offered by Samaritan.

The NA training program was designed to help people who wish to join the healthcare workforce to start their careers. During the program, students have a once-a-week classroom session and two days in which they get to experience on the floors by shadowing and following the regular hospital care routine.

Jennifer Lewis (photo: center bottom row), RN, BSN, is the Nurse responsible for the program. She explains that this is a good opportunity for those looking into Nursing careers to get a real feel for what working with patients is like and to get comfortable with the roles required by the profession.

To join the program, candidates must have completed High School. “And also have a caring spirit, and the eagerness to make a difference,” added Becky Randall, Nurse Manager at SMC.

Hanna Hoffman graduated in the class. She is a JCC student and felt like the program not only would give her the experience to start her career but also get her “foot at the door” as a future caregiver at Samaritan.

Rodney Dobson, another graduate, works as a Unit Clerk for ICU and PCU at Samaritan. Dobson plans on going to nursing school and saw an opportunity in the NA training program to feel what it’s like to deal with patients. “Now, I know I’m on the right path,” he said.

Students also received a visit from some of Samaritan’s officers during the graduation. Tom Carman, the organization’s CEO, congratulated the class and mentioned some of their accomplishments. In addition, Jacqueline Dawe, VP of Patient Care Services, took the occasion to thank the class for their efforts and for “choosing” Samaritan.