Nursing is not a job for the faint of heart and students at the Carroll County Area Technology Center have learned that during their clinical rotations at an area nursing home.
The group are students in Diane Glenn’s pre-nursing program. They completed four clinical experiences at Gallatin Nursing and Rehab Center. The group is now eligible to take their State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) test to become Certified Nursing Assistants. This will allow them to get jobs not only in health care as SRNA’s but provides them the prerequisite for entering a nursing program..
Autumn Ward, a senior at Carroll County High School, is soft spoken but she’s very clear on her goals. “It made me realize this is what I want to do and I really like being around them,” she said when asked of her clinical experience.
She laughed and noted that one resident was a bit stubborn when they first met, but they developed a good relationship and became close. “It was a really good experience,” Autumn said.
A few others had the same experience, but most said they grew to really care about the residents even if the nursing home environment is not the right place for them to work.
Josh Pickett, a Gallatin County High School student, connected with them so much that he has volunteered at the nursing home on his own time and would skip his lunches when their class was working.
“I love taking care of people,” Josh said. “I’ve always had a heart for the elderly.”
Glenn, who is a nurse practitioner and has an extensive nursing background, said students learn so much more than nursing through this program. They learn empathy, how to relate to the elderly and that the stories those folks have to tell are important.
Arlis Soto echoed that by saying she loves knowing she made a difference. “I love helping with them, talking to them and hearing their stories,” the CCHS student said.
“I’m impressed with all of them and I look forward to seeing what each of them will do in life,” Glenn said.
The nursing students who completed clinicals include Brooklynn Andrews, Jenna Haynes, Autumn Ward, Josh Pickett, Arlis Soto, Mazzie Taylor, Wynter Perry, Calli Hoopengarner, Natalie Riley, and Yarely Gonzales Salas.