With many students still wondering what they’re going to do after high school, health care might be a career pathway students are interested in. Health care involves improving someone’s health through prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
One way students can get a feel for health care, or a head start in the health care system during high school, is becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA). “A CNA helps patients with daily care, like helping them with feeding, cleaning and other daily living tasks which they can’t do on their own,” according to South High senior Yaritzel Ramirez Puc.
Senior Noeli Monarrez found that being a CNA was a good opportunity to join the health care system. “I want to get experience in the health care system in order to become a NICU nurse in the future.”
There are many different ways students can receive their CNA license while in high school, such as online courses and in-person classes. The programs are outside school, but through research and help from teachers, students can find a program right for them.
Senior Jatziry Sandoval Reyna received her license through a program at South High called the Career Center.
“When I was in class, we learned different skills, were tested on them and learned about patient care,” Sandoval Reyna said.
After completing a certain number of training hours, students are allowed to take both a written and skills test. After passing, they officially become a CNA and are allowed to work in nursing care facilities, hospitals and assisted living facilities.
“My usual day as a CNA might include taking vitals, changing briefs and feeding residents,” Sandoval Reyna said.
In a sense, CNAs are friends who offer residents help and support.
Managing being a CNA with being a student is one of the difficulties that comes with the job. The hours might interfere with time after school to complete homework, but it’s manageable.
“I manage my time wisely by checking my schedule and completing work whenever I have time,” Monarrez said.
Becoming a CNA while in high school can be an excellent opportunity for those who are interested in health care and caring for others.
“Go into health care with an open mind and big heart, because you can make a change in these people’s lives,” Sandoval Reyna said.
