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Celebration in Chattanooga: New Certified Nursing Assistants Take Center Stage!

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – It was a day filled with pride and accomplishment as Orange Grove Center and Chattanooga State Community College came together to celebrate a remarkable milestone. On Friday, the first-ever pinning ceremony was held for a new class of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), a moment that marked not just the end of an educational journey but the beginning of exciting opportunities in the healthcare community.

A New Chapter for Students

“In January of this year, we launched a CNA course in conjunction with Chattanooga State, and today is our first annual pinning ceremony for all of the CNAs that were direct support professionals at Orange Grove,” shared Tera Roberts, the CEO of Orange Grove Center. “They have now gone through the state of Tennessee curriculum and passed the state exam to become certified CNAs.”

What an incredible feat! In just the first year of this program, over 25 students successfully graduated after completing an intensive two-week course loaded with classroom learning and hands-on experience. It’s a commendable effort that stands testament to the dedication of these aspiring caregivers.

Empowering Caregivers

Roberts expressed immense pride in seeing these caregivers elevate their skills and knowledge. “Orange Grove hires 550 caregivers in Chattanooga, and for our caregivers to want to become elevated in their skill sets and in their knowledge, and to go through this rigorous curriculum is something truly special,” said Roberts, glowing with pride.

Real-World Impact

The students didn’t just get an education; they took the all-important Tennessee CNA Licensure Exams, which set them up for success in the workforce. Bo Drake from Chattanooga State mentioned, “Not only is it workforce for Orange Grove, but it is helping create economic opportunity for people in our community. It is really a win-win.”

Indeed, this partnership doesn’t just create CNAs; it builds a stronger community. The demand for skilled healthcare workers is greater than ever, and programs like these help bridge the gap.

Voices of the Graduates

Lacretia Butler, one of the excited graduates, shared her feelings about completing the program. “It feels very rewarding, and I feel accomplished,” she said. “It was challenging due to it being a three-week class, but I pushed through it, and I feel good and ready to get out there to assist patients in their lives every day.” Her determination and enthusiasm reflect the spirit that this program has instilled in all the graduates.

A Bright Future Ahead

As the graduates donned their pins, there was an air of excitement and hope for the future. They are not just entering a profession; they are stepping into a role that offers immense benefits, not only to their careers but also to the lives of those they will serve.

The pinning ceremony is just the beginning for these dedicated individuals. With the skills acquired and the passion ignited, the new CNAs are poised to make a significant impact in the lives of their patients and within the healthcare system of Chattanooga.

Cheers to the graduates and a big congratulations to everyone involved in making this program a success! Here’s to a brighter, healthier future—one caring touch at a time!

For those curious to learn more about Orange Grove’s initiatives and future classes, stay tuned. This collaboration with Chattanooga State is just getting started, and who knows what other opportunities lie ahead for the community!