Essentia Health, rural high school bring certified nursing assistant class to life

When Faith Brower signed up for a high school certified nursing assistant (CNA) class, she expected an intro into care professions, but what she found was a career path.

“I learned how important the medical field is and how you can slowly change a person’s life by just being there,” said the 16-year-old sophomore, adding: “I want to be a nurse practitioner.”

Ada-Borup-West High School has offered its CNA class twice in collaboration with Essentia Health and the Benedictine Living Community. 

“Education is definitely changing, and for being a small school, we’re at the forefront of those times,” said Josh Carlson, Ada-Borup-West Public Schools high school principal.

Skills training

CNA class participants follow Minnesota State Colleges and Universities curriculum online, and they work with Essentia registered nurse Cindy Scherfenberg on skills ranging from hand-washing to transferring to dressing during their two lab days and two days of clinicals.

While Brower learned different ways to care for residents, and laws and guidelines pertinent to CNAs, she said, being in-person with Scherfenberg made a big difference in applying the knowledge in practice — in heart rate and respiration measurements, and care beyond that.

“I can help someone and be the type of person that if they have pain, I can figure it out, and I can assist them in achieving the highest standard of living they can,” Brower said.

Students must be 16 or older to take the CNA class, and when they complete the course, they’re eligible to take the CNA certification test, after which, many go on to work at the Benedictine nursing home, Scherfenberg said.

“The hope is for retention in our small community — that people will go on to college, come back and want to continue to work in rural health care,” Scherfenberg continued.

Desire to stay rural

Ada-Borup is a rural community with strong agricultural roots. Many students have a desire to remain in a rural setting, and supporting the growth and sustainability of the town is essential. This means providing resources, job opportunities and a variety of career paths for students. The services Essentia provides are a vital part of this effort, Carlson said. 

“Essentia employees are active members of our community — they volunteer, participate in the booster club and support various fundraisers. Essentia also provides significant employment opportunities for our residents. Without their presence, it would have a noticeable impact on our school and community and overall vitality,” he added.