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Lack of Nurse Assistants Means Job Training Options for EZ Residents Z-Funded Soccer Program Inspires Detroit Youth

Detroit, Michigan, EZ

Facing an increased demand for paraprofessionals in hospitals, assisted-living facilities, private homes, and nursing homes, the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) of Southeastern Michigan is training 60 EZ residents as nurse assistants with a $300,000 grant from the Detroit EZ Development Corporation (EZDC).

"By 2005 the need for paraprofessionals to work in skilled nursing facilities and with homebound patients is projected to increase by 138 percent. This is the largest increase across all healthcare professions," wrote VNA Training Institute Director Trinee Moore in the April 2003 issue of In Touch. VNA not only provides home healthcare for eligible recipients, it trains workers in the healthcare industry and serves as an advocate for healthcare issues such as coverage for the uninsured and affordable prescription medications.

Certified nursing assistants perform a variety of patient services. These include personal care services such as dressing, feeding, and bathing; taking vital signs and assisting with medication; holding instruments and adjusting lights during medical examinations and treatment; and offering patients emotional support.

EZ-funded classes are held at the training institute's newest location in the Metropolitan Center for High Technology. Participants attend classes daily during the 5-week training program and receive field experience each Saturday. Those completing the program can work as home health aides in private homes or as nurse assistants in hospitals, assisted-living facilities, or nursing homes. Starting salaries range from $7 to $9 per hour. Graduates passing the State-administered licensing exam tend to command more than those who are unlicensed.

To qualify for training, applicants must be at least 18 years of age, be drug-free, have stable housing, have a clean criminal background, have access to reliable childcare, and be able to read on an eighth-grade level. They also are required to pass a physical examination. Priority is given to low-income applicants and mid-life career changers. An interview with VNA staff is required.

"The face-to-face interview helps us to determine such factors as the applicant's level of maturity, how self-directed, disciplined, and independent they are, and if they're medically and emotionally ready to deal with the demands of the job," says Training Counselor Nadia Purnell. Applicants who cannot read on an eighth grade level are referred to local literacy programs where they can be brought up to speed. "We keep the door open.

Whenever applicants reach that level, they're welcome to come back," she said. "This training presents an opportunity to gain a real foothold on employment because the demand is so great for skilled workers," says Larry Givens, executive director of the EZDC. It is also a launching pad, he says, for higher paying professions up the healthcare career ladder such as licensed practical nurse, nuclear medical technician, or administrator. To date, VNA has provided education, training, and employment to more than 300 people.

For more information on the VNA training program, contact Nadia Purnell, VNA training counselor, at (800) 882-5720. For more information on the programs of the Detroit EZ, contact Executive Director Larry Givens at (313) 872-8050.