Sweet Brook Nursing Assistant Program Graduates 8
 Jamie Burby, left, Kellie Bliss, Marissa Zelazo, instructor Tammy Willis, Brittany Gould, Hilary Lesniak, Veronica Loomis and Gina Kemper graduated from the Sweet Brook CNA program. Not pictured is Gisselle Melendez |
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Eight residents of North Berkshire have completed the certified nursing assistant training program at Sweet Brook Transitional Care & Living Centers. All eight have joined the staff at Sweet Brook in full- and part-time positions.
Kellie Bliss, Jamie Burby, Brittany Gould, Veronica Loomis and Gieselle Melendez, all of North Adams, Gina Kemper of Adams, Hilary Lesniak of Clarksburg and Marissa Zelazo of Drury earned certificates of completion at a ceremony at Sweet Brook on Friday, July 24.
Registered nurse Tammy Willis was the instructor for the course. She said the graduates completed 75 hours of training over three weeks and learned about the tasks performed by CNAs including bathing and dressing residents.
"But first, they learn about dignity and respect for the residents," said Willis. "We emphasize the need for compassion and empathy because being a CNA requires a genuine desire to help people and care for them."
Sweet Brook was recently recognized by the Berkshire County Regional Employment Board as a partner in developing nursing careers. The nursing facility has assisted in the development of Project HEALTH (Helping Employers Access Labor Talent in Healthcare).
Willis, who started out as a nursing assistant at Sweet Brook, said the students learned to empathize with residents by role playing.
The course includes training in nursing care as well as information about nutrition, physical therapy, and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
"Not every program includes Alzheimer’s training, so these graduates received additional recognition from the Massachusetts chapter of the Alzheimer's Association," said Willis. "That extra training is very valuable in this setting."
She said she recommends CNA training for anyone hoping to gain additional skills, including college students and those seeking temporary employment opportunities. Sweet Brook may also pay for training for students who go on to a licensed practical nurse program.
For information, call Sweet Brook at 413-458-8127. Sweet Brook is a member of the Northern Berkshire Healthcare family of care providers and offers long-term nursing and transitional care, rehabilitation and specialized Alzheimer and dementia care.
