SRTC Nursing Students Find Their Calling at Pinnacle Health and Rehab

A few SRTC Certified Nursing Assistants are working at Pinnacle Health and Rehab in Sanford

Photo: Sanford School Department

By Sam Bonsey, Sanford Schools Communications Coordinator

In an innovative partnership between Sanford Regional Technical Center Health Occupations Program and Pinnacle Nursing Home, student Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are gaining hands-on experience while bringing fresh energy to local healthcare. The program has expanded from four to six student positions this year due to high performance.

“These are the best students that they’ve seen in years,” says co-Health Occupations Program Instructor Jenna Holmes. Students work up to 24 hours per week, earning $15 per hour while gaining practical experience beyond the limited two-hour clinical rotations available during school hours.

“Our students are not burnt out, so their love and light and enthusiasm for the patients is probably their most magical ingredient,” notes Shawnda Williams, who also instructs the Health Occupations Program. “They’re fascinated with the human being in front of them.”

For students like Natalie Lam, who aspires to become a pediatrician, the program has been transformative. At Pinnacle, her day-to-day duties include helping residents get dressed, assisting them with bathroom needs, helping during mealtimes, and providing shower assistance.

“One memorable experience I had with a resident was around Christmas time,” Lam shares. “While on our way to the bathroom, I was singing Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer, and the resident’s face lit up. She told me that was one of her favorite Christmas songs and we danced down the hall singing the song.”

These experiences have confirmed Lam’s career path.

“After getting to experience what it’s like working in the medical field and forming relationships with residents, I now love working. I am no longer hesitant when it comes to becoming a doctor.”

Kadden Veilleux, another student planning to pursue nursing, values the opportunity to earn a certification and CNA license before he graduates high school. His daily work involves helping residents with everyday tasks, keeping nurses informed about residents’ conditions, and engaging them in activities like puzzles and games.

“Caring for the elderly has opened my eyes to life,” Veilleux reflects. “During my first clinical weeks, a resident helped me understand that they were kids once too, a mom once, and now elderly. She told me stories I would have never gotten the opportunity to learn from. These experiences are worth more than a paycheck.”

The program has also revealed unexpected learning opportunities. Many students, having grown up in a technology-driven era and affected by COVID-19 shutdowns, needed additional support in developing face-to-face communication skills.

While many of these students will eventually pursue nursing degrees, their time as CNAs provides essential experience that will serve them throughout their healthcare careers.

“Getting to be someone who brings joy to individuals in situations like my residents has brought so much more joy into my life as well,” Lam said. “I cannot wait until I get my very own white coat.”