Cooper High School Students See Opportunity To Become Nursing Assistants
Cooper High School senior Jayla Richey is headed toward a pre-nursing program at a college in Georgia next year armed with a desire to help others.
She wanted to learn to help take care of her grandmother, who is in declining health. Her stepmother also works in a nursing home.
Now, with nearly a semester of experience in Cooper High School and Hennepin Tech’s Nursing Assistant course behind her, Richey said she’s ready for what’s next in her career path.
“I feel more confident now that I’ve seen how to do it and I’ve done it myself,” said Richey.
She’s one of more than a dozen high school students who will complete the first year of the Hennepin Tech program–while still taking other high school courses.
Nursing Courses in Cooper High School
“Having this in a school is ideal for all students,” said Jenna Burgess, course instructor. “They can all be successful in this class in their timing because they can be here versus trying to be here versus trying to figure out ‘How can I get to my class today?’”
Burgess said she wants the class to be as hands-on as possible.
Certified Nursing Assistant students at Cooper High School work on wheelchair transfers on Monday.
“I feel you can stand in front of a classroom or in front of a Zoom meeting and tell students what you want them to do or what they’re supposed to do, but unless they’re able to show you and you’re able to give them real, on-site advice, that translates into a better student, overall,” said Burgess.
A combination of theory and physical learning helped Richey, she said.
“I’m a hands-on learner instead of a visual learner, so I like that we’re able to talk about the skills but then perform the skills in class,” said Richey.
Burgess said the program is allowing students to gain full certification as nursing assistants at a time when some generations are moving toward needing more care at home.
“We have a very large influx of people who are needing care and just don’t have enough staff to accommodate everyone and give them the best care possible. That is our goal,” said Burgess. “Give them the best care possible with the resources we do have, and getting more students out there and in the field that are passionate and love the program is really going to help us, as well.”
Cooper High School
