With enthusiasm, passion and wisdom far beyond their years, Kelsie Merritt and Haley Hanson shared some of their experiences from working as certified nurse assistants (CNAs) on their path to becoming registered nurses.
Merritt, 17, daughter of George and Lorrie Merritt, and Hanson, 18, daughter of Randy and Celina Hanson, are seniors in Pea Ridge Manufacturing and Business Academy. They were two of about 25 students who signed letters during a PRMBA signing day last week at Pea Ridge High School. All of the students involved have been hired at jobs in their pathways, Charley Clark, director, said.
"We wanted to recognize kids for doing something tremendous. These aren't athletic scholarships, but they may pay more. These students can start their careers or pay for college," Clark said. "We wanted to recognize the kids for their hard work and for making the most of their education."
Merritt works at Occupational Health Clinic in Lowell with Dr. Gary Moffitt and with workman's compensation claims.
"I'm checking in patients, taking vitals, statements, getting them prepared to see the doctor," Merritt said.
Hanson works at the Agility Center in Bentonville with Dr. Chris Dougherty.
"I room patients, do their intake, assist the doctor ... put on and take off casts, take out sutures," Hanson said.
Both young ladies work full time and attend class at Pea Ridge one day a week in the new work study program, internship. They get work experience and use the license they earned through PRMBA.
"I get to experience the real world sooner," Merritt said of her work at the Agility Center.
Hanson said she plans to enter Northwest Arkansas Community College in the fall, earn her nursing degree then transfer to the University of Arkansas to earn her bachelor's in nursing. She hopes to continue her education and become a nurse practitioner and specialize in neonatal of pediatric oncology.
Merritt admitted to being indecisive, although she knows she wants to continue in nursing. She is contemplating NWACC and going through the ROTC program, entering the Navy and then earning her registered nurse license.
Both young ladies said their teachers have also helped them manage their hours and their finances.
"All of our instructors have done a good job discussing paychecks, insurance, withholdings," Clark said, adding that it was a surprise to the students to learn that they only got about 75 percent of what they earned.
"I think people have this stink eye about CNAs, that all they can do is work in a nursing home," Merritt said.
"I'm under doctor supervision every day," Hanson said. "Honestly, there was one lady, she was the reason I realized I wanted to be in healthcare. The doctors had talked to her. Then I talked to her, told her a little bit about me and listened to her. She said 'thank you. I'm glad you care.' I just want people to know I care and want to help them."
"I think the greatest experience at my clinic is being able to interact with the doctors and learn and watch ... just by observing them. They take the time to stop and teach me and show me ... they want me to learn and take something from this," Merritt said.
Hanson said her mother is a CNA and has always worked in nursing homes. "I saw the way my mom cared for them and acted towards them. I saw it as something I always wanted to do," she said.
"I just have a really caring heart for others. I don't want to see hurt in others," Merritt said, adding that her grandmother, Ellen Merritt of Bentonville, is a CNA and has worked "really hard all of her life" and set a good example for her.
"You really have to have a heart for it," Merritt said.
"You can't really do it just for the money," Hanson added.
"You really have to love what you're doing," the girls concurred.
"I love waking up and going to work," Hanson said.
"My mom has always said, ever since I was little, never do a job you hate," Merritt said, as Hanson agreed.
Clark said all of the pathways offer a start for students.
"You can't take what you learn at 18 and expect that to make you successful at 35," Clark said. "It starts you on a career path. But, if you don't improve over the next 17 years, you won't be happy. You can't ever stop learning; keep going."
Ashley Healthcare is recruiting students from PRMBA, Clark said, because of the good work done there by students from PRMBA.
"This is really the big picture," Rick Neal, superintendent of schools, said. "This is what I had hoped for when I developed it. It's coming together better than I had ever hoped. The students are getting jobs and having success.
"It's been so satisfying to see this happen and everything being linked together from school to work to college. It's phenomenal!" Neal said.
Community on 05/04/2016