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Loretto celebrated 19 individuals who graduated from Loretto’s Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Program today. This paid training program teaches individuals with no prior healthcare experience how to care for others in a long-term residential setting.
Certified Nurse Aides provide basic care to Loretto residents, helping them with activities of daily living like dressing, washing, and feeding. They work as a part of a healthcare team under the supervision of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).
Deondre Days, pictured here with his daughter, was one of the graduates celebrated today. “I heard about Loretto’s CNA Program from a friend who is a Licensed Practical Nurse here. I wanted to begin a career in healthcare and, after researching Registered Nursing programs in the area, decided that it would make sense for me to start as a CNA, then work towards being an LPN, and then pursue a degree in nursing. As a single father, Loretto’s program worked for me because it offered paid training.”
Loretto is the fourth largest healthcare provider in the region, providing care to more than 10,000 people and employing nearly 400 Certified Nurse Aides across its 19 programs and facilities. After graduation, Deondre will work as a CNA on Loretto’s main campus in the Cunningham Building.
Deondre grew up “down the street” from the Cunningham Building in the Valley. He was born and raised in Syracuse and was a student-athlete at Corcoran High School. He had previously worked in the service industry, most recently as a truck driver for McLane Northeast. He is thankful for this new beginning and looks forward to his future.
“I have enjoyed meeting new people and learning about how they got into healthcare. My instructors have been told I could be successful as a nurse. There are not a lot of black men in these roles, and I know I can make a difference.” With a smile, Deondre adds, “And who knows? Maybe I will go on to become a doctor one day. They can call me Dr. Dre.”
Loretto’s five-week CNA course incorporates clinical study and testing paired with skill development to prepare individuals to work in a healthcare setting. At the end of the five weeks, students must pass their exams and clinical evaluations to earn their New York State Nurse Aide Certification. Students are paid as Loretto employees as they learn and are guaranteed employment upon graduation. To learn more about Loretto’s CNA Training Program, visit CNA Training Program | Loretto (lorettocny.org).