American Red Cross Announces Nurse Assistant Training

The local American Red Cross is expanding its health and safety training to include a Nurse Assistant Training program to residents throughout the greater Fox Valley. The state-approved program prepares students to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in the state of Wisconsin. Classes will be offered every other month at the Oshkosh location beginning in March.

 When: March 12-29, Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Where: American Red Cross (Tower West Building), 515 South Washburn St., Oshkosh

Clinicals:  April 2-5 or April 9-12, Monday-Thursday 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Bethel Homes, Oshkosh

State Exam:  May 3, 2012 at 7:30 a.m.

Class Size:  Class sizes are limited to 12-16 students per session. Early registration is highly recommended as it’s on a first-registered basis.

The comprehensive 120-hour course curriculum includes a classroom, lab and practical learning experience that offers future healthcare professionals the necessary knowledge and skills to provide quality care for elderly or sick individuals in nursing homes, hospitals and at home.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, the number of jobs for Certified Nurse Assistants inWisconsinis projected to grow by 38 percent during the 2008-2018 time period, with an average of 1,000 job openings each year.

“We are seeing significant growth in the Wisconsin healthcare industry due to an aging baby-boomer population, which increases the need for certified nurse assistants, home health aides and registered nurses,” said Paulene Kipke, Certified Nursing Assistant Training Manager forEastern Wisconsin. “We’re excited to offer this training opportunity for those interested in starting a healthcare career. With the growing healthcare job market, these skills will always be in demand.”

Course topics include helping people stay independent; taking temperature, pulse and respiration; understanding and helping patients in pain; understanding human development; being sensitive to patients; improving communication skills; understanding medical terms and launching a career as a nurse assistant.

The Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training program is also available inGreen BayandWaupaca,WI.

Open House and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

An open house and ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Monday, February 20 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. for those interested in learning more about the program.Toursof the classroom and lab space will also be available. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 2:00 p.m.

For more information or to register for a class, call (920) 231-3590 or toll free at (888) 231-3590.  

 About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.