On Wednesday, January 10th, six Cedarcrest staff graduated from River Valley Community College’s License Nursing Assistant Course held at Cedarcrest over the past few months.

The graduates include Jasmine Strahan, Stephenie Konopka, Becca Clough, Sarai Tarr, Ava Lucius, and Kenzie Neese. Each all worked through their typical staff shifts as Education Assistants, a Teacher, an Environmental Services staff, and Feeding Technician while attending the course after hours.  Cedarcrest’s has a long legacy of offering continuing education opportunities that not only are supportive of the children’s needs but also help develop and grow a vibrant healthcare workforce.

In his remarks, President/CEO Jay Hayston noted “In any healthcare setting, and particularly at Cedarcrest, your LNA role takes on a special significance. You are the hands that provide the care, the minds that assist the children and youth with their goals, the arms that encircle to help the children and youth stand, and move, and learn, and play. Your tireless efforts make a difference in the lives of these children but in the hearts of their families as well.”

The LNA course is held in partnership with River Valley Community College and is the second course offered at Cedarcrest in the past year. The program is led by Director of Nursing, Bridget Toepfer, Nurse Manager Jen Ritter, and Nurse Elaine Murphy with support from RVCC liaison Dan Osbourne and Cedarcrest Director of People Operations Erin Dallas-Patch. Congratulations to the class members for this achievement and continuing to build essential care  skills!