This would be good: http://www2.jcfloridan.com/news/2010/jun/25/marianna-high-seeks-state-approval-nursing-exams-ar-438533/
Marianna High School may eventually establish a comprehensive certified nursing assistant training program, which will include on-site testing for the CNA exam.
If established, students graduating from the program with a passing score on the CNA exam would leave high school prepared to work as a CNA.
The Jackson County School Board approved Marianna High’s request to submit an application to the state board of nursing, for review of Marianna High as a program site at last week’s board meeting.
Currently, Marianna High’s Health Science Academy offers a three-year program for students interested in a career in health care.
However, according to the academy instructor Kelly McDaniel, while the school currently offers the education portion of the program, students still have to travel to take the exam which certifies them as a CNA.
McDaniel said an even larger problem is that without a Florida Board of Nursing-recognized CNA training program in place at Marianna High, students are required to wait until the age of 18 to take the test.
“So many of my students who go through the three-year Health Science Academy and prepare for the CNA exam with me graduate at 17, and have to wait to take the exam,” McDaniel said.
“The burden falls on the student to keep the information fresh in their minds over long periods of time, with little to no instruction after graduation. Then they are required to travel to Destin, an unfamiliar setting, to take the exam,” she said.
With the school board’s approval, McDaniel said she plans to now submit an application to the state.
If the Florida Board of Nursing approves McDaniel’s request, not only will the program be state recognized, it will allow for students graduating from the program — to include those under 18 — to take the exam on site.
Last year, the program had 113 students enrolled, with 36 in their third year.
“Third year students are very serious about the program; they are no longer high school students,” McDaniel said. “They are through-and-through professionals.”
McDaniel said third year student training is much more hands-on. Students are required to complete a set number of clinical hours at both Jackson Hospital and Signature Healthcare-Courtyard.
But even with all the experience and knowledge provided by McDaniel, only a handful of students currently qualify to take the exam. Last year, three students graduated from the program as CNAs.
McDaniel said she’s confident the number of students graduating as CNAs will increase with the new state-recognized program in place.
“I truly love this program and these kids, and I want to see them all succeed,” McDaniel said.
McDaniel explained jokingly that all she is lacking for state approval is a sink in her classroom.
“Other than that, I think I’ve got it covered,” she said. “I don’t see any issues with getting state approval. I think it will just be a matter of time.”
School board members seemed pleased with the progress of the program, and wished McDaniel the best in her endeavor.
“Kelly McDaniel has worked very hard to implement a CNA program here at Marianna High,” Principal Mary Sue Neves said. “I am very pleased with the number of students who have gone through her program and passed the exam. I think it speaks very highly of Ms. McDaniel and her program.“
Marianna High School may eventually establish a comprehensive certified nursing assistant training program, which will include on-site testing for the CNA exam.
If established, students graduating from the program with a passing score on the CNA exam would leave high school prepared to work as a CNA.
The Jackson County School Board approved Marianna High’s request to submit an application to the state board of nursing, for review of Marianna High as a program site at last week’s board meeting.
Currently, Marianna High’s Health Science Academy offers a three-year program for students interested in a career in health care.
However, according to the academy instructor Kelly McDaniel, while the school currently offers the education portion of the program, students still have to travel to take the exam which certifies them as a CNA.
McDaniel said an even larger problem is that without a Florida Board of Nursing-recognized CNA training program in place at Marianna High, students are required to wait until the age of 18 to take the test.
“So many of my students who go through the three-year Health Science Academy and prepare for the CNA exam with me graduate at 17, and have to wait to take the exam,” McDaniel said.
“The burden falls on the student to keep the information fresh in their minds over long periods of time, with little to no instruction after graduation. Then they are required to travel to Destin, an unfamiliar setting, to take the exam,” she said.
With the school board’s approval, McDaniel said she plans to now submit an application to the state.
If the Florida Board of Nursing approves McDaniel’s request, not only will the program be state recognized, it will allow for students graduating from the program — to include those under 18 — to take the exam on site.
Last year, the program had 113 students enrolled, with 36 in their third year.
“Third year students are very serious about the program; they are no longer high school students,” McDaniel said. “They are through-and-through professionals.”
McDaniel said third year student training is much more hands-on. Students are required to complete a set number of clinical hours at both Jackson Hospital and Signature Healthcare-Courtyard.
But even with all the experience and knowledge provided by McDaniel, only a handful of students currently qualify to take the exam. Last year, three students graduated from the program as CNAs.
McDaniel said she’s confident the number of students graduating as CNAs will increase with the new state-recognized program in place.
“I truly love this program and these kids, and I want to see them all succeed,” McDaniel said.
McDaniel explained jokingly that all she is lacking for state approval is a sink in her classroom.
“Other than that, I think I’ve got it covered,” she said. “I don’t see any issues with getting state approval. I think it will just be a matter of time.”
School board members seemed pleased with the progress of the program, and wished McDaniel the best in her endeavor.
“Kelly McDaniel has worked very hard to implement a CNA program here at Marianna High,” Principal Mary Sue Neves said. “I am very pleased with the number of students who have gone through her program and passed the exam. I think it speaks very highly of Ms. McDaniel and her program.“