Nurse Aide Student
About The Position
Valley Health’s Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) is an eight-week paid training program for people beginning a career in patient care. No previous nurse aide or medical experience is required. Participants are Valley Health employees during training and receive classroom education, supervised hands-on skills training, clinical experience, American Heart Association Basic Life Support instruction, and preparation for the state Certified Nurse’s Aide (CNA) examination. Training focuses on safe and respectful care, activities of daily living, mobility, nutrition, vital signs, infection prevention, communication, and patient safety. Career guidance is available to support graduates in applying and interviewing for CNA openings, but program completion does not guarantee placement. Following certification and placement, a CNA provides routine personal care and helps maintain a safe environment under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse. CNA duties may include helping patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, feeding, mobility, vital signs, transfers, and repositioning; supporting patient comfort, dignity, and independence; reporting observations and concerns; collaborating with the care team; and following infection-prevention, privacy, safety, and documentation requirements. After certification, program participants agree to remain employed in an available Valley Health position requiring CNA licensure for 1,872 worked hours. Participants who do not complete the program, obtain certification, or transfer to a Valley Health CNA role within 90 days may be required to pay the program cost. Training is mostly during the day, Monday through Friday, and takes place mostly in Front Royal, with some additional training at other Valley Health locations. The Nurse Aide Student rate is $17.86 per hour. Students are temporary, per diem employees and are not eligible for benefits during training. Post-certification CNA compensation starts at $18.59 per hour and varies according to position, location, shift, experience, and applicable compensation practices.
Requirements
- Genuine interest in beginning and sustaining a career as a CNA with Valley Health.
- Compassion and respect for patients from different backgrounds, circumstances, and stages of life.
- Ability to remain calm, respectful, and attentive when a patient is uncomfortable, frustrated, confused, or anxious.
- Dependable attendance and ability to meet the full program schedule.
- Comfort providing hands-on personal care, including bathing, toileting, feeding, repositioning, and mobility assistance.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
Responsibilities
- Participate in classroom education covering safe, respectful, and effective nurse aide care.
- Practice essential patient-care skills in a supervised learning environment.
- Apply classroom learning during clinical experience with patients and healthcare team members.
- Develop skills related to activities of daily living, mobility, nutrition, vital signs, infection prevention, communication, and patient safety.
- Participate in American Heart Association Basic Life Support instruction.
- Complete course assessments, skills review, and preparation for the state nurse aide certification examination.
- After certification and placement, provide routine personal care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse.
- Assist patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, feeding, mobility, repositioning, transfers, and walking.
- Measure and report vital signs and communicate observations or concerns to the nurse.
- Support patient comfort, dignity, independence, and a safe environment.
- Collaborate with nurses and other members of the care team.
- Follow infection-prevention, privacy, safety, and documentation requirements.
Benefits
- Participants are paid during training at the Nurse Aide Student rate of $17.86 per hour.
- Nurse Aide Students are not eligible for benefits during training.
- CNA positions may be eligible for benefits depending on employment status.
- Benefits listed for full-time employees include a zero-deductible health plan, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, tuition assistance, retirement savings match, an employee assistance program, and a wellness program.
- Other benefits mentioned include a health savings account, flexible spending account, childcare flexible spending, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, professional development, and discounts on on-campus dining.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
