Filling the Need for Healthcare Workers

Through the generous support of Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation, 19 Metallica Scholars have completed the ESL Support for Nurse Aide Students course since it launched in September 2021. Speaking Spanish, French, Punjabi, Sudanese, Sinhala, Vietnamese, Korean, Mandarin, Arabic, Amharic, Yoruba, and Farsi, the students embody Northern Virginia’s diversity and determination to succeed while serving others.

During the free 46-hour program, students developed their written and spoken skills in using medical terminology. Students were also introduced to the twenty-two skills they must be able to perform as a Certified Nurse Aide.

Almost half of all ESL Support for Nurse Aide students co-enrolled in Nurse Aide training alongside their ESL Support course. During their 150-hour state-approved training, students completed American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS), Temporary Nurse Aide Certification as well as a 40-hour clinical at Birmingham Green in Manassas. They sat for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). As of writing, four graduates have successfully passed the exam and are Certified Nurse Aides. Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation provides a generous stipend to purchase materials for the Nurse Aide course. Learn more about Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation www.allwithinmyhands.org.

In collaboration with NOVA’s Career Connection, the Nurse Aide program provides guaranteed interviews with local healthcare employers. Last Fall, two CNA graduates interviewed with local healthcare employers.

New cohorts begin May 16 and June 27. Those interested in more information about the program can complete a Nurse Aide Preparation (CNA) for Non-Native English Speakers Interest Form (google.com) to receive more information.

Submitted by:
Cynthia Hatch, Assoc. Director, Business/ESL/Tesol, CHatch@nvcc.edu